Sterile Processing Tech Augusta

Wellstar Health System

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician provides a key service to ensure equipment consistently meets quality and safety standards. The role receives and processes incoming supplies and equipment, performs cleaning and sterilizing duties, and handles, processes, and stores medical instruments. The technician monitors sterilizer performance, inspects and documents results, and prepares packs of supplies, linens, and instruments in Central Sterile Supply or Materials Management as directed. The position works Monday through Friday on the night shift, 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Responsibilities include decontaminating and inspecting instruments and equipment; assembling, wrapping, and sterilizing them; monitoring sterilizers and documenting quality tests; and storing or delivering processed items throughout the hospital. The technician follows hospital policies, applicable industry guidelines, infection-control practices, and confidentiality requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to retain knowledge of surgical instrument and medical supply and equipment identification and handling requirements.
Ability to understand, speak, and write English well enough to communicate with nursing, technical, and medical staff.
Basic computer skills.
Minimum 2 years of central supply or sterile processing experience is preferred.
Completion of an accredited sterile processing or central supply program is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Minimum 2 years of central supply or sterile processing experience.
Completion of an accredited sterile processing or central supply program.

Responsibilities

Collect, receive, clean, disinfect, and decontaminate instruments, supplies, and equipment according to hospital policies, AORN recommendations, AAMI guidelines, and JCAHO requirements.
Collect dirty instruments and equipment from hospital departments and receive, scan, and process items from the operating room.
Disassemble and inspect instruments, select appropriate cleaning tools and detergents, and operate washer-decontaminators, cart washers, and ultrasonic cleaners.
Inspect instruments and equipment for cleanliness and proper working order, identify needs for repair or replacement, and assemble, wrap, or containerize items.
Scan barcodes, select the appropriate tray count sheet, and ensure each instrument is accounted for.
Select appropriate chemical indicators and packaging methods, and contact operating room resource staff or the supply coordinator to resolve tray problems as needed.
Select and operate appropriate sterilization modes and equipment, including steam, gas plasma, and peracetic acid sterilizers.
Load and unload sterilizers, document processing, and select biological indicator test packs when needed for implantable items.
Handle, scan, store, and deliver sterilized supplies, instruments, and trays to designated hospital locations.
Monitor sterilizers and equipment mechanically, biologically, and chemically in accordance with quality assurance and performance improvement standards.
Inspect sterilizers before use, perform daily biological and diagnostic tests, document results, and notify leadership of positive biological indicators.
Follow departmental policies, safety and environmental standards, infection-control procedures, patient rights and ethics, and performance improvement practices.
Follow bloodborne pathogen and standard precaution procedures to reduce infection risks.
Handle department, patient, and hospital information confidentially and document accurately and legibly.
Maintain a safe, functional, and effective environment; contribute to interdisciplinary teamwork; make suggestions for improvement; and give and receive assistance and feedback.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.