Sterile Processing Technician - Sterile Processing Evening (M-F, 3p - 11:30p) - 40hrs/wk

umhealthwest•Wyoming, MI

About The Position

Under direct supervision, training, and established procedures, policies, and regulations, the Sterile Processing Technician performs technical work involving the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, sterile storage, high-level disinfection, and distribution of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies. The role includes monitoring sterilization equipment and rotating through all workstations and sterile processing functions. Technicians in orientation perform duties under the direct supervision of a certified SPD technician; non-certified technicians who complete orientation may work independently of a certified technician. Certification is expected, and technicians who are not certified must become certified within two years of hire and maintain certification. If certification becomes invalid, the employee has three months to recertify to maintain employment. The position is listed as an evening shift, Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., at 40 hours per week, with rotating on-call duties for weekends and holidays. The general summary also mentions occasional overtime and rotating weekends and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Sterile Service Technician certification from an accredited agency is expected; if not certified, must become certified within two years of hire and maintain certification. If certification becomes invalid, must recertify within three months to maintain employment.
Working knowledge of sterile or aseptic technique.
Working knowledge of decontamination and sterilization principles.
Ability to use computer applications, including Microsoft Office and web-based programs, and perform basic computer data entry.
Ability to read and understand manufacturer instructions for cleaning and sterilizing proprietary instruments and equipment.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Motivated, self-directed, and accountable for actions.
Ability to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy and to follow established rules and standards of practice.
Ability to lift 20–50-pound instrument trays or sets, walk, and push and pull carts and equipment; occasional lifting of heavier trays is required.
Must adhere to Universal/Standard Precautions and the department dress code.

Responsibilities

Rotate through all workstations and perform sterile processing functions and related support duties.
Prioritize workload according to department needs.
Clean and sort soiled instrumentation, drills, scopes, and other medical equipment entering decontamination according to standards and manufacturer instructions; follow Universal/Standard Precautions and the department dress code.
Operate washer decontaminators, cart washers, ultrasonic cleaners, automated scope reprocessors, sterilizers, and computers.
Perform sterilization procedures and maintain daily records of Biological Indicator and BOWIE-DICK test results using instrument tracking software; read biological indicators at the appropriate times.
Assemble and package instrument sets according to count sheets, standards, and manufacturer instructions; inspect instruments and use appropriate chemical indicators for the sterilization method.
Assist with additional duties identified by the SPD Lead Technician, SPD Supervisor, Clinical Director of OR/SPD, or Surgical Services Director.
Communicate missing instruments to appropriate SPD and OR staff and provide effective handoff to the next shift.
Inventory stock, non-stock supplies, and implants; help maintain par levels and report low inventory.
Follow hospital policies, procedures, values, and Best Practice Standards.
Mentor new SPD technicians and students.
Use proper body mechanics and keep the SPD area clean and organized.
Maintain current knowledge of department processes, protocols, and procedures; pursue self-directed learning and continuing education; and participate in committees, task forces, and work groups as directed by management.
Perform other duties as assigned.