TECH- STERILE PROC/DISTRIB

United Regional•Wichita Falls, TX

About The Position

The Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician uses current knowledge of decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, Standard Precautions, and infection control to support quality patient care indirectly. The position processes reusable materials and instruments, monitors and documents sterilization procedures, and stores sterile supplies in accordance with applicable guidelines, manufacturer recommendations, and hospital policies. The technician must work accurately under time pressure, adapt to changing Surgery Department needs, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively with healthcare staff, students, and management. The role includes maintaining sterilization records and reports; anticipating instrument and supply needs by monitoring the surgery schedule; decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, packaging, labeling, and sterilizing instruments and supplies; monitoring storage conditions; following infection-control and safety practices; supporting preventive maintenance and supply activities; and contributing to education and quality-improvement work. Physical duties include extended standing, moving carts and equipment, and lifting or carrying instrument sets and other items.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Complete orientation materials in a timely manner and pass written examinations with a score of at least 80%.
Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Perform in stressful situations where speed and sustained attention to detail are critical.
Be flexible and adaptable, changing tasks quickly to accommodate Surgery Department needs.
Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills with co-workers, students, management, physicians, and other healthcare workers.
Prioritize functions effectively.
Meet physical demands including lengthy periods of standing; moving gurneys, carts, and equipment; carrying and lifting instrument sets and equipment; and full body motion, manual and finger dexterity, and hand-to-eye coordination.
Exert the stated force requirements: 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, 10 to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently.
Have corrected vision and hearing within the normal range.

Responsibilities

Maintain daily recording charts and record results of biological and chemical tests from sterilizers.
Implement recall procedures for positive biological tests according to hospital policy.
Document sterilizer loads accurately and completely, make legible entries and corrections, and complete monthly monitoring reports for the department PI coordinator and Infection Control Practitioner when requested.
Monitor the surgery schedule daily to anticipate instrument and supply needs for scheduled, add-on, and emergency procedures.
Sort reusable materials according to appropriate decontamination methods and perform decontamination based on need, processing time, and time management.
Assemble instrument sets and trays accurately and promptly according to the card file; inspect instruments for cleanliness, condition, and completeness; and identify responsibility for each completed item with an indicator and initials.
Package, wrap, and label materials according to item properties, the sterilization process, guidelines, and manufacturer recommendations.
Select and apply appropriate steam, ETO, or Sterrad sterilization methods; load and unload sterilizers correctly; document load information; monitor processes using mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators; and handle sterilized supplies without compromising sterility.
Place cleaned and sterilized items in designated storage areas and monitor storage conditions, including temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and shelving.
Use appropriate PPE and follow Standard Precautions, infection-control guidelines, equipment safety precautions, regulatory requirements, and the Exposure Control Plan for regulated medical waste.
Coordinate preventive maintenance for the work area and report problems to the Clinical Manager.
Participate in PI activities when requested and perform other departmental duties as assigned, including transporting patients.
Use material resources wisely and assist with supply requisitions and coordination of instrument repair and sharpening with the Specialty Coordinator.
Maintain and develop job-related knowledge and skills through study and education or in-service programs; apply learning within the role.
Act as a preceptor for new orientees and students in accordance with educational goals and objectives.
Perform other tasks and responsibilities as necessary.