Sterile Technician Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Meet either Pattern I or Pattern II minimum qualifications: Pattern I requires six months of experience cleaning, decontaminating, packaging, or sterilizing surgical trays and supplies in a medical setting; Pattern II requires successful completion of a medical instrument technician or sterile processing technician training program that includes at least a 240-hour sterile processing technician externship in an acute-care hospital.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology; sterilization methods; supply distribution, storage, and inventory control; basic filing and recordkeeping systems; sterilization equipment and parts common to acute-care hospitals; basic computers and relevant software; and equipment safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to clean, sterilize, assemble, and store medical supplies and equipment according to established standards and procedures; use standard office procedures and equipment; operate computers and related software; read and use manufacturers’ catalogs and parts lists; organize stock or property into categories; maintain accurate inventory records; establish cooperative working relationships; and communicate effectively with coworkers and the public.
• Ability to operate a data-entry device; stand and walk for prolonged periods; occasionally bend, stoop, and reach overhead; lift up to 30 pounds; and push case carts weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to meet visual, dexterity, hearing, and communication demands, including frequent color perception, hand/eye coordination, close-up work, grasping, repetitive motion, and writing, as well as constant hearing and talking of normal speech.
• May require working weekends, nights, or overtime.

Responsibilities

• Receive and sort returned surgical equipment; remove gross soil; manually clean, disinfect, or decontaminate items; operate automatic washers and related equipment; and test equipment before releasing it for use.
• Inspect and process trays and equipment from the decontamination area; operate and monitor steam and gas sterilizers; check daily biological results; assemble and wrap items for sterilization; monitor expiration dates; and rotate stock to minimize re-sterilization.
• Clean and disinfect surgical case carts, patient-care equipment, and orthopedic traction equipment, and maintain clean and sanitary work areas.
• Prepare and restock surgical case carts using physician preference cards; restock processed storage areas; and prepare and stage case carts for surgery.
• Learn to fill requests for and issue medical supplies and patient-care equipment, and distribute them to units in a timely manner.
• Learn to organize and maintain a computerized inventory system, including product research, requisition, storage, quality assurance, billing, and inventory control.
• Learn to coordinate with health-care providers and support agencies to obtain, borrow, or loan specialized equipment; arrange its transportation or setup; and maintain a resource list for special equipment needs.
• Participate in required educational programs and in-service meetings.

Benefits

• Eligible part-time employees may receive health insurance benefits and step increases.