Central Ster Proc Tech - Hopewell - Full-time - Evening

Capital Health is the region's leader in providing progressive, quality patient care with significant investments in exceptional physicians, nurses, and staff, as well as advanced technology. Capital Health is a dynamic healthcare resource accredited by the DNV, including two hospitals, an outpatient center, satellite ED, and an expansive network of primary and specialty care. Capital Health Medical Group consists of over 600 physicians and providers offering primary, specialty, and hospital-based services.

About the role

Decontaminate, assemble, and sterilize surgical instrumentation. Perform all decontamination functions for surgical instrumentation and equipment using proper infection control techniques, following manufacturer's recommendations and AAMI, AORN, and Joint Commission standards. Assemble surgical instrumentation and equipment, prepare them for sterilization, and utilize features of a computerized tray tracking system. Select appropriate sterilizer methods and parameters, assemble surgical case carts, maintain a clean and safe work environment, and manage instrument inventory for timely distribution to the operating room. Precept new employees and act as a resource person.

Responsibilities

• Prepare instruments for decontamination by sorting and selecting the correct process to ensure integrity and prevent damage to rigid instruments, power instruments, flexible scopes, and other surgical equipment.
• Prepare instrumentation for decontamination by flushing and opening all lumens, disassembling items, and properly loading mechanical washers following manufacturer's recommendations.
• Wear appropriate PPE during decontamination as outlined in department policies and procedures.
• Operate washers, sterilizers, sonics, and other equipment safely, employing proper use of cleaning agents and chemicals.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for all department equipment, including washers, sonics, Sterrad, Steris, and flash sterilizers.
• Perform biological and diagnostic tests on sterilizers, document results accurately and timely, notify supervisor of malfunctions, and initiate repairs as needed.
• Triage instrumentation and equipment to meet customer needs and communicate status effectively.
• Inspect instruments to ensure they are free of bio-burden and in proper working condition; initiate repairs and perform maintenance as needed.
• Assemble sets correctly following count sheets, replace missing instrumentation, and notify supervisor regarding critical missing items.
• Wrap, pack, and label items according to department policies, using the correct sterilization method and parameters, and appropriate indicators and integrators.
• Load sterilizer carts correctly, record items on logs, and label items accurately.
• Assemble case carts with correct items following PPF, check off items, place heavy items on top shelf and solutions on bottom shelf, and ensure carts are clean and in good condition.
• Maintain, clean, and sign off on assigned areas; rotate supplies and trays to use oldest items first, verify integrity of sterile packaging, and monitor expiration dates.
• Monitor, prepare, replenish, and rotate stock to maintain proper levels of surgical instrumentation and department-specific supplies; notify supervisor when replacement is needed.
• Organize and update specialty instrument lists, evaluate proper levels of instrument supply, and communicate needs to supervisor.
• Participate in processing and tracking loaner instrumentation, follow loaner guidelines, and communicate status to appropriate parties.
• Instruct and assist new employees in learning departmental practices and procedures; act as a mentor and resource.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• One year of related experience.
• CRCST or certified through a national sterile processing program recognized by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

Skills

• Ability to follow infection control techniques and manufacturer's recommendations.
• Proficiency in operating sterilization equipment and computerized tray tracking systems.
• Strong attention to detail in inspecting, assembling, and packaging surgical instruments.
• Effective communication and mentoring skills for training new employees.
• Organizational skills for managing inventory and maintaining a clean work environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequent physical demands: Walking, standing, talking, or hearing.
• Occasional physical demands: Sitting, climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders), carrying objects, pushing/pulling, twisting, bending, reaching forward, reaching overhead, squatting/kneeling/crawling, wrist position deviation, pinching/fine motor activities, keyboard use/repetitive motion.
• Lifting: Floor to waist up to 30 lbs; waist level and above up to 30 lbs.
• Sensory requirements: Accurate near and far vision, color discrimination, minimal depth perception, minimal hearing.
• Anticipated occupational exposure risks: Bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, airborne communicable diseases, extreme temperatures, uneven surfaces or elevations, extreme noise levels, dust/particulate matter.

Pay

Pay range: $23.09 - $30.01 per hour for a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position. Actual compensation may differ based on assigned hours and position status (e.g., part-time).

Schedule

Scheduled weekly hours: 40 (full-time). Usual work day: 8 hours.

Benefits

• Medical Plan
• Prescription drug coverage & In-House Employee Pharmacy
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare and Dependent Care
• Retirement Savings and Investment Plan
• Basic Group Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Supplemental Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance
• Disability Benefits – Long Term Disability (LTD) and Short Term Disability (STD)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter Transit and Parking benefits
• Voluntary benefits including:
  • Supplemental Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse, Child)
  • Voluntary Legal Services
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • Identity Theft Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
• Paid Time-Off Program