Sterile Processing Technician

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Burlington, VT

6d•$26 - $39

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician 1 performs entry-level sterile processing functions under the general guidance and direction of the CSP Operations Supervisor and Lead Sterile Processing Technician. The technician works with preceptors and the Sterile Processing Lead Technician to develop the skills needed to independently perform primary sterile processing functions. These include receiving and decontaminating instruments and procedural items, inspecting and assembling instrument groups and trays, selecting sterilization methods and cycles, documenting sterile processing, and assigning inventory for case building. The role includes decontamination and cleaning; preparation and packaging; sterilization, high-level disinfection, and sterile storage; and case building and client service. The technician follows applicable policies, procedures, manufacturer guidance, and national standards; uses required personal protective equipment; maintains accurate tracking records and organized workstations; and communicates equipment repair needs, missing items, and unfulfilled surgical needs to appropriate team members. The position also supports quality improvement activities, completes mandatory education, and follows the organization’s confidentiality policy and guiding principles.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
No prior experience required; the role is entry level.
Must acquire certification from a national certifying body (CBSPD or IAHCSMM/HSPA) within 12 months of hire.
Attention to detail and good organizational skills.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to function in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to read, comprehend, and converse in English to communicate effectively.
Ability to lift 50 pounds; frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling are required.
Must be vaccinated against influenza as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Wear and remove personal protective equipment as required by national standards and guidelines.
Communicate decontamination-area supply needs to the PeriOp Specialist.
Perform routine tests on mechanical cleaning equipment according to manufacturer guidelines and national standards.
Receive and document soiled or new equipment from operating rooms and procedural clinics, then decontaminate it according to policies and procedures.
Disassemble equipment as necessary and use appropriate cleaning tools and methods to achieve decontamination.
Identify and report repair needs to the PeriOp Specialist, CSP Operations Supervisor, or Sterile Processing Lead Technician.
Clean and disinfect workstations and maintain an organized, functional workspace.
Document instrumentation and equipment tasks in the instrument tracking system.
Inspect and assemble equipment, instruments, scopes, and trays according to product recipes; verify functionality and check for bioburden, debris, pitting, rust, and staining.
Document missing tray instrumentation and escalate issues for guidance.
Select and apply sterilization indicators and packaging methods, including appropriate accessories; ensure physical monitors and labels are secured.
Transport items to the sterilization area according to the reprocessing method.
Select the appropriate sterilization method and cycle based on package labeling, including steam, low-temperature, or AER processing.
Inspect packaged products and return non-compliant items to the Prep & Packaging area.
Load sterilizers according to manufacturer guidelines and perform routine sterilizer testing, including biological monitoring, leak tests, and dynamic air-removal tests as appropriate.
Document sterilizer test results and escalate positive results to CSP leadership as appropriate.
Remove and inspect sterilized items using approved methods that preserve package integrity.
Select and perform the established high-level disinfection method using the Steris System 1E for heat-sensitive instruments, equipment, or flexible endoscopes.
Perform and document daily AER maintenance according to established procedures.
Monitor post-sterilization temperatures and transport instrumentation to appropriate sterile-storage locations.
Place instrumentation designated for the inner core on the appropriate service-line cart for later transport to the Operating Room.
Process case-build tickets by gathering requested instrumentation and disposable supplies.
Document case-building progress in the instrument tracking system and update records as line items are fulfilled.
Inspect case-build items for package integrity, expiration date, and appropriate substitutions based on perioperative communication.
Communicate unfulfilled surgical needs and requests to CSP leadership.
Return unused supplies to their appropriate stock locations and replenish par levels.
Modify case-build orders as directed by the CSP Operations Supervisor based on case schedules and volume.
Monitor the department line and communicate needs from procedural areas to CSP leadership or the Sterile Processing Lead Technician.
Assist Operating Room nurses, technologists, and technicians in locating instrumentation and determining turnover needs for the case schedule.
Maintain adherence to the LHMC Confidentiality Policy and incorporate the organization’s guiding principles, mission, and goals into daily work.
Participate in departmental or interdepartmental quality improvement activities and successfully complete mandatory education.
Perform other duties as assigned or needed to meet departmental needs.