Sterile Processing Technician

Duties: Job Summary:
-Performs and participates in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment in compliance with the hospital-wide infection control program, all in view of customer satisfaction and/or patient safety in general as the ultimate goal.
-Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
-Central Sterile Processing Technician minimum job requirements include: sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently walking and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive).
-Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills are needed. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly.

Duties and Responsibilities:
-Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
-Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
-Report to work on time and as scheduled.
-Wear identification while on duty.
-Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
-Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
-Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
-Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.
-Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
Attend in-services and regular staff meetings.

Other Duties:
-Responsible for control of all aspects of the sterilization process:
-Decontamination:
-Instrument inspection, preparation, packaging, sterilization.
-Documentation of sterilization.
-Sterile storage.
-Remediation of equipment failures and hazards.
-Provide integrity and sterility of products and services for the customers.
-Work in conjunction with the OR staff to provide timely sterile products.
-Maintain consistency and continuous workflow between the OR and Central Service Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service.
-Operate and maintain decontamination equipment.
-Reprocess reusable Patient Care Equipment (PCE) as per hospital established policies and procedures.
-Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
-Operate and maintain Gas Plasma (i.e., Sterrad) equipment; keep records of loads completed, items of loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
-Quarantining.
-Monitor surgery schedules daily, identifying general, specific and potential needs for all cases.
-Monitor and maintain appropriate records to remain compliant with applicable regulatory agencies, as well as reporting occurrences immediately to supervisors.
-Maintain strong working/collaborative relationships with other departments to ensure flow and continuity of services.
-Attend in-service presentations, including but not limited to infection control, patient safety, quality improvement, MSDS and OSHA standards.
-Report defective equipment to supervisor and/or staff.
-Perform other duties as assigned or needed.

Specific Physical Demands
-Daily assignments involve or require prolonged sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently walking and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive).
-Transferring materials and equipment, or lifting, moving, carrying some heavy surgical trays for intermittent periods throughout the day as needed.
-Must have the ability to lift/push/pull/carry greater than 45 pounds.
-May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, cold, noise, radiation, blood/body fluids, and infectious diseases. Skills: Required Skills & Experience:
-Minimum of 3 years' experience in Sterile Processing or other hospital ancillary service, preferably Materials Management Central Service Materials Management.
-Basic knowledge of computers, particularly Word Processing, Print-out/Reports, and Excel/Spreadsheet analysis.
-Ability to effectively communicate in English both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Skills & Experience:
-N/ Education: Required Education:
-High School Diploma.

Preferred Education:
-N/A

Required Certifications & Licensure:
-Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST) / Registered Central Service Tech (RCST).

Preferred Certifications & Licensure:
-Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) status preferred.