Central Sterile Technologist, Full time

The Role

The Central Sterile Technician is assigned duties performing decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the Surgery and Specialty Clinic, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to be able to determine operational adequacy and to distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction.
• Knowledge of applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards sufficient to be able to perform all assignments within the safety parameters.
• Using Instructions For Use (IFUs) as resource- knowledge sufficient to be able to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals, and medical instruments sufficient to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies and instruments.
• Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment, i.e., IV pumps, monitors, up to 25 lbs.
• Must have good telephone manners and problem-solving skills.
• Is able to perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, which will include instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts of various sizes. Tactile differentiation, e.g., temperature, moisture.
• Skill in cleaning specialized equipment.
• Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely, prepares, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of Health, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards. Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility.
• Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification and assembly according to IFUs and preparation for sterilization; retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.
• Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness, and cleanliness.
• Covers coordination with Materials Dept to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all VDMC policies, procedures, and standards and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Communicates with operating room staff to provide required instruments.
• Is responsible for reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Surgery Manager and follow process for replacement.
• Resources to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization techniques.
• Clean, set up, sterilize and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift.
• Maintains records for QA and sterilization.

Qualifications

• Certification (NICHSPDP or ISCHIM) preferred
• BLS
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements as outlined in the Job Requirements document.
• This position requires successful completion of a Physical Capacity Profile screening.

Contact Information

Apply online at: www.vandiestmc.org

Questions? Call Human Resources at (515) 832-7711.