TECH- STERILE PROC/DISTRIB

United Regional•Wichita Falls, TX

6h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Sterile Processing/Distribution Technician responsible for providing indirect quality patient care by applying current knowledge of decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization principles in a clinical setting. The role requires adherence to Standard Precautions and infection control practices. Key functions include accurate data collection and documentation, efficient decontamination processes, precise assembly of instrument sets, proper sterilization using various methods (steam, ETO, Sterrad), and organized storage of sterile items. The technician must be able to perform under stressful conditions, adapt quickly to changing tasks, and maintain effective communication with all healthcare personnel. Additionally, the role involves monitoring surgery schedules, coordinating preventive maintenance, assisting with supply requisitions, and acting as a preceptor for new orientees.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Completes orientation materials in a timely manner and passes written exams with 80%.
Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to perform in stressful situations in which speed and sustained attention to detail are critical.
Must be flexible and adaptable and can change job tasks easily and quickly to accommodate the needs of the Surgery Department.
Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with co-workers, students, management, physicians, and other health care workers.
Ability to prioritize functions.
Incorporates current knowledge of principles of decontamination, disinfection and sterilization in the clinical setting.
Utilizes knowledge of Standard Precautions and infection control to perform the functions of the position.

Responsibilities

Maintain daily recording charts, and biological/chemical tests from all sterilizers, and record results.
Implement recall procedures for positive biological tests according to hospital policy.
Recognize that documentation of loads is a legal record and must be done accurately and completely.
Write legibly and make corrections in an accepted manner.
Complete monthly reports of all monitoring processes and report to department PI coordinator and Infection Control Practitioner when requested.
Monitor surgery schedule daily in order to anticipate instrument/supply needs for scheduled, add-on and emergency procedures.
Sort reusable material based on methods of decontamination (i.e., heat sensitive vs. non-heat sensitive, immersible vs. non-immersible, mechanical vs. hand wash).
Perform decontamination activities based on determination of factors including need, processing time and time management.
Accurately assemble instrument sets and trays in a timely manner according to card file.
Inspect assembled instruments for cleanliness, state of repair and completeness.
Accept responsibility for condition and completeness of sets/trays and place indicator with initials in each tray, set or peel packaged item.
Correctly package/wrap and label material based on item properties and sterilization process, following guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
Demonstrate knowledge of steam, ETO and Sterrad (hydrogen peroxide plasma) sterilization, reasons for method chosen, and advantages and disadvantages of methods.
Correctly load sterilizer according to method and items to be sterilized.
Accurately document load contents, date, sterilizer #, operator and other pertinent information.
Accurately monitor sterilization processes with use of mechanical, chemical and biological indicators.
Correctly unload sterilizers in manner that does not compromise sterility.
Demonstrate competency in the care and handling of sterilized instruments and supplies.
Place cleaned/sterilized items in correct designated storage areas.
Demonstrate knowledge of event-related sterility in the handling and storage of sterile items.
Monitor storage environment for temperature, humidity, cleanliness and shelving.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Standard Precautions and utilize appropriate PPE required for multiple tasks.
Demonstrate knowledge of infection control practices by the diligent cleaning, decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging/wrapping and sterilization of items according to accepted guidelines.
Not compromise process by taking short cuts.
Demonstrate knowledge of, and compliance with, all required safety precautions in the safe operation of equipment.
Demonstrate knowledge of different regulatory agencies in the work area in order to promote compliance.
Coordinate preventive maintenance programs for the area and report problems to the Clinical Manager.
Take part in PI activities when requested.
Demonstrate knowledge of Exposure Control Plan in order to effectively manage regulated medical waste in the work area.
Perform other functions within department as assigned, such as transportation of patients.
Utilize material resources wisely.
Assist with supply requisitions for area.
Assist with coordination of repair and sharpening of instruments with Specialty Coordinator.
Demonstrate understanding of responsibility, accountability and legal implications in practice setting.
Read/study resource material to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills necessary for job performance and apply learning within context of role.
Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with co-workers, students, management and other health care providers.
Act as preceptor for new orientees and students in accordance with educational goals and objectives.
Attend educational and inservice programs in order to broaden knowledge/skills base.
Perform all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.