Certified Sterile Processing Technician

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Perioperative Services the Sterile Processing Technologist is responsible for adhering to sterilization protocols and manufacturer guidelines for cleaning instruments, inspecting for damage, assembling and wrapping trays properly, labeling, and operating sterilization equipment (i.e., sterilizers, ultrasonic washer, and other processing equipment). This role includes performing biological monitoring, maintaining sterilizer cleanliness, managing inventory levels, checking expiration dates and packaging integrity, and ensuring proper storage. The position also involves detailed recordkeeping, updating instrument and preference card inventories. These functions must be in compliance with the philosophy of the center, standards of practice and regulations of governing agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent required
• Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician required
• Two years previous experience as an operating room technician desired
• Current BCLS

Essential Functions

• Decision making concerning equipment and/or instrumentation sterilization
• Biohazardous waste disposal
• Housekeeping duties
• Patient care and patient flow
• Complies with facility practice standards regarding competent performance duties
• Maintains patient confidentiality
• Creates a safe environment in which surgery may take place
• Uses medical equipment in a safe manner
• Helps provide cost effective patient care
• Implements principles of medical and surgical asepsis in accordance with recognized national standards and hospital specific policies and procedures
• Provides physical safety for the patient
• Supports other facility personnel in the performance of their duties
• Pulls supplies for upcoming cases
• Demonstrates cooperative work attitude towards and with coworkers, employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians
• Maintains a safe work environment in compliance with OSHA guidelines and infection control standards
• Must demonstrate knowledge of Instrument Processing from decontamination to storage of sterile packages, inspection of instruments and equipment for signs of damage, respond to emergency supply requests as requested, maintain accurate sterilization records, and monitoring temperature and humidity conditions within the storage areas
• Checks room for cleanliness, availability of supplies and equipment for all assigned cases at the beginning of each day
• Utilizes surgeon preference card to select packs, supplies and instruments
• Handles specimen per established policy
• Transports instruments to decontamination area utilizing appropriate technique and in compliance with established policies and procedures
• Puts unused sterile supplies and instruments away at the end of the day
• Restocks operating rooms to established PAR levels
• Adheres to attendance, punctuality, meal and break time period policies
• Completes work in an acceptable time frame and in an independent manner
• Carries out assigned duties in an effective, productive, and efficient manner
• Demonstrates a positive “can do” attitude
• Willingness to adjust personal schedule periodically as workload fluctuates and as department needs require
• Attends 100% of department meetings or documents review of materials presented
• Functions as a team member following the rules of engagement of the department and facility
• Communicates information about customers or other employees only as necessary to conduct facility related business
• Adheres to strictest confidentiality in dealing with patients, families, facility personnel, and the public
• Keeps supervisor apprised of work progress
• Has a proactive attitude about problem resolution
• Anticipates customers’ needs and provides for them as quickly as possible
• Models core values to co-workers continuously
• Follows facility and departmental safety policies and procedures
• Reports unsafe situations to supervisor
• Adheres to facility and departmental dress code
• Wears name badge at all times
• Demonstrates knowledge of facility wide emergency management codes and plans
• Demonstrates knowledge of and participation in facility performance improvement program, infection control program and risk management program
• Demonstrates knowledge of cultural, spiritual, and aged related consideration when interacting/caring for patients

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, converse, and listen; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must be able to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis and be able to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.

The employee must be able to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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