Sterile Processing Technician (SPD) PRN

East Tennessee Children's Hospital•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

Performs functions associated with the care, handling, and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment within the limits of the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act and nursing policies and procedures. The role also performs endoscopy duties involving care and handling of endoscopes and supply inventory, and assists the registered nurse during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures from a team perspective. The technician supports sterile supply and operating room stocking, inventory, and orders; decontaminates, assembles, and sterilizes equipment; monitors sterilization processes and equipment; and maintains related records. The position serves as a resource for staff on proper instrument and equipment care and handling, keeps current with applicable sterile processing practices, and contributes to unit and hospital quality goals. The role requires professional collaboration and respectful interaction with patients, families, visitors, and coworkers.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Certified Sterile Processing Technician, Certified Surgical Technician, or CRCST certification required within two years of employment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Computer skills required.
Work respectfully, cooperatively, and professionally with team members.

Nice To Haves

Two years of sterile processing experience preferred.
BLS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with checking sterile surgical supply, operating room stocking, inventory, special supply orders, and routine supply orders.
Care for and handle surgical instruments and perform equipment decontamination, assembly, and sterilization.
Practice aseptic technique and standard precautions, and follow manufacturers’ recommendations when processing instruments and supplies.
Perform biological monitoring and maintain accurate, complete documentation on sterilized loads.
Assemble and wrap instrument trays and sterilization pouches with correct documentation.
Examine instruments for needed repairs, remove broken instruments from service, replace broken instruments, and report needed replacement items to the Assistant Nurse Manager.
Keep records of room temperature and humidity and alert a supervisor when readings deviate from acceptable ranges.
Record sterilizer downtime and repairs, report monitoring outcomes, clean sterilizers according to schedule, and perform weekly testing of automatic washers.
Stay current on sterile processing practices governed by AORN, JCAHO, AAMI, and CDC; network with Purchasing and Central Supply staff; and participate in educational offerings related to sterile processes.
Serve as a resource for staff on proper instrument and equipment care and handling, and educate staff in sterile processing concepts.
Participate in patient care conferences and staff meetings as needed.
Perform endoscopy duties related to endoscope care and handling and supply inventory per physician orders.
Assist the registered nurse during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures from a team perspective.
Meet unit and hospital quality management goals and maintain hospital- and unit-specific competencies.
Collaborate professionally with other patient-care providers and treat patients, families, visitors, and coworkers with respect and courtesy.
Accept other assignments as requested and use hospital resources and time responsibly.