Sterile Processing Technician

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) offers the residents of northeastern Maryland an unparalleled combination of clinical expertise, leading-edge technology, and an exceptional patient experience.
A community-based, integrated, non-profit health system, our vision is to become the preferred, integrated health system creating the healthiest community in Maryland. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the people in our community through an integrated health delivery system that provides high quality care to all. Our commitment to service excellence is evident through a broad range of health care services, technologies and facilities. We work collaboratively with our community and other health organizations to serve as a resource for health promotion and education.
Today, UM UCH is the leading health care system and second largest private employer in Harford County. Our 3,500 team members and over 650 medical staff physicians serve residents of Harford County, eastern Baltimore County, and western Cecil County.

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health owns and operates:
University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital (UM HMH), Havre de Grace, MD
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (UM UCMC), Bel Air, MD

University of Maryland Chesapeake Surgery Center (UMCSC), Bel Air, MD
The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, Bel Air, MD
The Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center, Bel Air, MD
The Senator Bob Hooper House, Forest Hill, MD

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the immediate supervision of the Central Sterile Supervisor, receives, checks and stores medical supplies.  Decontaminates and cleans reusable items and medical equipment according to Department procedures.  Examines sterilized supplies for damage and expiration.  Packages supplies for sterilization.

Principal Duties:

1.   Retrieves, cleans, and decontaminates instruments, medical equipment, and supplies.

2.   Dons appropriate protective attire:

a.   Goggles/face mask/shield

b.   Surgical hat (bouffant/cap)

c.   Long sleeve gown

d.   Utility gloves

e.   Impervious shoe covers/booties

3.   Disassembles, cleans, and inspects medical equipment (suction regulators, IV pumps, SCD machines, etc.) using hospital approved disinfectants, detergents, soaps & cleaners.

4.   Disassembles, cleans, and inspects instrument sets and trays: a.   Pre-treats with hospital approved detergent/germicide. b.   Flush all cannulated instruments.

c.   Load into washer/decontaminator according to manufacturer's instructions.

d.   Empties and inspects case carts prior to loading in Hamo Cart Washer according to manufacturer's guidelines.

5.   Removes, tags, and logs damaged instruments.

6.   Sends any non-functioning equipment and/or damaged electrical plugs to Biomedical engineering.

7.   Performs daily preventive maintenance on equipment according to manufacturers’ guidelines.

a.   Hamo Cart Washer

b.   Amsco 444 washer/decontaminator

8.   Processes, assembles and sterilizes instruments, medical equipment, supplies, and linen.

9.   Visually inspects equipment and instruments before preparing sets and trays; replaces missing or damaged instruments.

10. Visually inspects medical equipment and supplies to be sure all pieces are there and that they function properly.

11. Assembles and packages instruments, medical equipment, supplies and linen packs for sterilization per AAMI guidelines.

12. Sterilizes by either Ethylene Oxide gas or steam sterilization according to AAM1 guidelines. Handles items in such a manner that preserves the integrity of the package in accordance with safety and infection control standards.

13. Receives, distributes and stores instruments, medical equipment, and supplies.

14. Checks for load control labels and equipment inspection labels to ensure current date and proper procedures.

15. Stores instruments, medical equipment, and supplies in a manner that preserves the integrity of the package in accordance with safety, AAMI, and infection control standards.

16. Prepares case carts accurately and completely within specified time based on ORSOS preference card and knowledge of procedure intended.

17. Prepares codes carts accurately and completely.  Distributes to patient care units upon request.

18. Distributes instruments, medical equipment, and supplies per departmental requisition or inventory maintenance.

19. Distributes appropriate instrumentation, medical equipment, and supplies to meet patient age specific needs.

20. Performs and documents quality control measures.

21. Performs Bowie Dick and/or Biological tests on steam autoclaves/flash autoclaves and ETO sterilizer.

a.       Reports test results to supervisor and initiates corrective steps as required.

b.   Check screen and parameters.

c.   Reruns Bowie Dick test.

d.   If second Bowie Dick test -fails, machine is shut down and Biomedical Engineering notified.

22. Maintains control logs in accordance with infection control/AAMI standards.

23. Maintains a clean, organized and safe working environment:

a.   Adheres to sanitation policies and procedures:

b.   Confine and contain

c.   Waste disposal

d.   Standard precautions

24. Performs clerical duties:

a.   Answers telephone in a courteous and cooperative manner; prioritizes calls effectively.

Demonstrates an understanding of the callers' needs and provides assistance in problem solving; redirects as needed.

b.   Serves as the department's point of contact for customers.

c.   Demonstrates appropriate interpersonal skills with physicians, nurses, other department personnel, patients, and visitors.

d.   Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in ORSOS operations.

e.   Prints preference cards for surgery.

f.   Maintains forms, log books, and office supplies.

g.   Completes the departmental copying on a routine basis.

Customer Service:

1.   Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.

2.   Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as “How may I be of help to you?” using the customer’s name as soon as it is learned.

3.   Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.

4.   Keeps customer’s information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.

5.   Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.

6.   Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer’s expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1.   Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.

2.   Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.

3.   Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.

4.   Mindful and respectful of others’ time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.

5.   Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department

Communication Etiquette:

1.   Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility’s service communication protocol in all interactions.

2.   Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.

3.   Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).

4.   Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).

5.   Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate).  Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone.  If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to.  Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.

6.   Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.

7.   Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).

8.   Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self Management:

1.   Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital’s dress code.  Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.

2.   Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.

3.   Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.

4.   Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.

5.   Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.

6.   Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards.  Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences.  Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines.  Respects length of time for lunch and break times.

7.   Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Education & Training:  High school diploma, with certification as Central Sterile Technician preferred.

Work Orientation & Experience:  Two (2) years' experience in a Central Sterile Supply Technician position.  For those without experience, they will participate in an individual training program not to exceed three (3) months.

Skills & Abilities:  Ability to: a) effectively convey verbal and written information; b) follow directions; c) respond to emergency situations appropriately; d) adapt hours of availability to variable and changing needs of the hospital, including all shifts; e) effectively function as a member of a collaborative team; f) organize and manage time effectively, setting appropriate priorities; and g) comply with The Joint Commission and OSHA standards.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.