Certified Sterile Processing Tech/Endoscopy

About the Role

The Central Sterile & Reprocess Tech (Endoscopy) provides care to patients undergoing procedural intervention in compliance with policies and procedures of Surgical Services, AORN, JCAHO, OSHA, and AMI standards. This part-time position requires a working knowledge of decontamination, instrumentation, sterilization, and the building of case carts. The Technician processes sterilized products across the hospital and provides technical assistance with procedures under the supervision of the Sterile Processing Manager.

Responsibilities

• Decontamination:
  • Receives soiled case carts and instruments into the decontamination area; scans all instruments into the impress system.
  • Prioritizes instruments needed for turnaround (e.g., instruments on the needs list).
  • Handwashes or pre-soaks instruments in enzyme solution; pre-cleans lumened instruments in ultrasonic cleaner.
  • Operates washer functionalities, selects appropriate racks and cycles for instrument cleaning.
  • Washes case carts in cart-washer; changes solutions for instrument and cart washers as needed.
  • Ensures magnets on instrument racks are correctly aligned; refills solution containers daily.
• Core:
  • Acts as a liaison between OR suites and SPD to communicate changes and needs for subsequent cases.
  • Performs daily tests and biologicals on sterilizers and Steris; maintains records of flash sterilization.
  • Provides routine maintenance on Steris and eye sterilizers; assembles and processes scopes as needed.
  • Transports sterile items to OR suites; checks case carts for needed items and returns unused items.
  • Orders supplies for the core area.
• Instruments:
  • Maintains communication with OR, management, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate instrumentation.
  • Assists in proper handling techniques for instruments; regularly checks and updates the needs list.
  • Assembles instruments in order of priority: needs list items, one-of-a-kind instruments, and other sets.
  • Inspects instruments for damage post-decontamination; determines repair procedures and communicates needs.
  • Checks case carts for accuracy before sending to the core; replaces damaged instruments.
  • Wraps instruments/sets in appropriate wrapper/container.
• Sterilization:
  • Demonstrates knowledge of all sterilization techniques in SPD and OR; troubleshoots sterilization problems.
  • Initiates daily sterilization routine, including checking and removing debris, inspecting door gaskets, and verifying steam pressure.
  • Performs Bowie Dick air leak tests and records results; prepares biological indicator test packs and monitors daily biologicals.
  • Records results of biological monitoring; reports problems to the Coordinator or charge tech.
  • Initiates recall procedures if necessary; prepares label gun with correct date and identification number.
  • Stamps items with load number; arranges items on loading cart for proper steam penetration.
  • Initiates and monitors sterilization cycles; checks cycle record tape and initials upon completion.
  • Removes loads from sterilizer for cooling; transfers sterilized items to "Home Location" using the Impress system.
• Case Carts:
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of Surgi Server for pulling pick lists.
  • Assembles case trays for all services and procedures performed within the hospital.
  • Maintains accurate preference cards; adjustments are made the same day as changes.
  • Builds case carts accurately; indicates missing items on the pick sheet.
  • Prepares case carts by physician/surgeon preference card; prepares needs list for next day’s cases.
  • Replaces emergency carts as soon as possible.
• Other Duties:
  • Distributes crash carts when distribution services are closed.
  • Decontaminates PLUMs, PCA, and epidural pumps.
  • Picks up and returns sterile items to inpatient units, including Cardiac Cath Lab, Emergency Center, Endoscopy, Radiology, West Side GYN, and Maternity Center.
  • Decontaminates all specialty carts, including crash carts for all units and services.
  • Picks up, decontaminates, restocks, and delivers pediatric intubation carts for the Emergency Center.
  • Maintains a positive, friendly, and respectful demeanor with all contacts in the Sterile Processing Department.

This position does not provide direct patient care but requires knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the age of patients. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent.
• Ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions; basic working knowledge of computers.
• Ability to operate computerized equipment.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician preferred.
• 2 years of previous Central Processing or Operating Room experience preferred.

Skills

• Supervised by the SPD Manager; experience with tasks pertaining to patient care.
• Familiarity with hospital departments and general regulations.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation, asepsis, and sterile equipment/supplies.
• Understanding of sterilization and decontamination procedures.
• Working knowledge of SPD equipment and supplies, including case carts.
• Computer proficiency to effectively utilize hospital systems.