Sterile Processing PRN

SEH Saint Elizabeth Medical Center•Florence, KY

About The Position

This position ensures surgical and procedural supplies, instruments, and equipment are properly inventoried, decontaminated, assembled, inspected, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed in a quality and timely manner, in compliance with patient safety and infection control standards. The associate is expected to treat patients, families, visitors, and colleagues with respect, dignity, kindness, and empathy. Duties include decontaminating instruments and equipment; recognizing and preparing instruments and trays; selecting and operating appropriate sterilization and high-level disinfection processes; maintaining quality-control documentation; and managing inventory and distribution. Associates assigned to Endoscopy may also support suite turnover and terminal cleaning, maintain oxygen tanks, assist with inventory, and provide patient-care assistance under the direct supervision of an RN during endoscopy procedures. The role supports quality assurance, customer service, performance improvement, training, workplace cleanliness, positive patient outcomes, and cost-effective use of equipment and supplies.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED.
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).
For work in the Endoscopy Department, CBSPD or CER certification.
Knowledge of perioperative instrumentation, sterilization, and AAMI standards.
Knowledge of Joint Commission and AORN standards.
Computer entry skills.
For work in the Endoscopy Department, competency in SGNA Guidelines.
Experience in a Sterile Processing department or Surgical Tech experience.

Responsibilities

Collect soiled case carts, break down instruments and equipment, and clean, disinfect, and prepare carts for reuse.
Sort, disassemble, manually clean or use designated cleaning equipment to decontaminate, rinse, and disinfect instruments and clinical equipment without causing damage.
Operate and troubleshoot instrument washers, case cart washers, ultrasonic washers, and the aqua box system; in Endoscopy, operate and troubleshoot AER or OER equipment.
Recognize instruments and trays, follow tray lists, assemble instruments correctly, and inspect them for cleanliness and function before packaging.
Use specialty video or scanning systems to check laparoscopic lenses, cords, and insulation for damage.
Prepare instruments in container systems, wrapped packages, or peel packages, and include monitoring devices appropriate to the sterilization method.
Select appropriate sterilization methods and operate steam, Pre-Vac, ethylene oxide, Steris, and Sterrad sterilizers safely and effectively.
Monitor processed items using applicable chemical and biological indicators, Bowie-Dick tests, channel checks, and physical and mechanical methods; identify and resolve issues affecting sterilization or high-level disinfection.
Maintain accurate sterilization and high-level disinfection documentation as required by regulatory agencies.
Use Epic OpTime to access physician procedure and preference lists and set up cases.
Know department locations for instrumentation and supplies, respond professionally and efficiently to urgent requests, communicate supply issues to the manager, and distribute and track supplies and equipment.
In Endoscopy, assist with department operations, including suite turnover, terminal cleaning, and inventory control; maintain and properly store oxygen tanks.
Under direct RN supervision, assist with direct patient care during endoscopy procedures and respond promptly to requests from anesthesia providers and RNs.
Assist with sterilization quality assurance documentation, including biological and chemical controls, testing, and sterilization logs.
Provide excellent customer service to patients, visitors, and healthcare team members; participate in directed performance-improvement activities; assist in training new employees; and maintain a clean, orderly work area.
Use equipment and supplies cost-effectively and help maintain instrumentation and supply inventories within operating and capital budget expenses.