Cent Sterile Reprocess Tech

About the role

The Sterile Instrument Technician provides care to patients undergoing procedural intervention in compliance with policies and procedures of Surgical Services, AORN, JCAHO, OSHA, and AAMI standards. The Technician must have a working knowledge of decontamination, instrumentation, sterilization, and the building of case carts. The Technician is also responsible for the processing of any sterilized product across the hospital and provides technical assistance with all procedures throughout various departments of the hospital under the supervision of the Sterile Processing staff leader.

Responsibilities

• Decontamination: Receive soiled case carts and instruments; scan instruments into the tracking system; prioritize instruments; hand-wash and pre-soak instrumentation; operate ultrasonic and automated washers; select rack and cycle for instrument cleaning; wash case carts; change solutions; refill solution containers.
• Core: Liaise between OR suites and SPD to communicate case changes and needs; perform daily tests and biologicals on sterilizers; maintain records of flash sterilization; transport sterile items to OR suites; check case carts for needed items; return unused items to sterile processing.
• Instruments: Maintain communication with OR, management, physicians, and team; assist in proper instrument handling; update needs list; assemble instruments by priority; inspect instruments for damage; determine repair procedures; replace damaged instruments; wrap instruments/sets appropriately.
• Sterilization: Operate all sterilization techniques in SPD and OR; troubleshoot sterilization problems; initiate daily sterilization routines; inspect sterilizer components; perform Bowie Dick tests; prepare biological indicator test packs; monitor and record sterilization results; initiate recall procedures if necessary; load and monitor sterilization cycles; transfer and store sterilized items.
• Case Carts: Use EPIC to pull pick lists and schedules; assemble case trays for all services and procedures; maintain accurate preference cards; build case carts accurately; prepare case carts by physician preference; prepare needs lists for next-day cases; replace emergency carts promptly.
• Other Duties: Distribute crash carts when distribution services are closed; decontaminate PLUMs, PCA and epidural pumps, and specialty carts; maintain a positive, respectful demeanor.

Qualifications

• Education: High school education or equivalent; ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions; basic working knowledge of computers.
• Licensure: Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician preferred.
• Training and Experience: 2 years previous Central Processing or Operating Room experience preferred.
• Job Knowledge: Familiarity with hospital departments and regulations; knowledge of surgical instrumentation, asepsis, sterilization and decontamination procedures, SPD equipment and supplies, and case carts; ability to use hospital systems effectively.