Instrument Tech 1

About the Role

Every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values—integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion—must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

This role involves duties related to the preparation of trays and equipment, processing of general and specialty surgical instruments including cleaning, decontamination, inspection, assembly, wrapping, and sterilization. Additional responsibilities include quality control testing, monitoring of sterilization equipment, maintaining records, and performing assigned duties such as cleaning, stocking, transporting, and dispensing supplies and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Fosters an environment conducive to building teamwork and effective communication.
• Adopts SPD principles and values in daily behavior and departmental operations.
• Takes an active role in departmental and cross-functional team activities when asked.
• Brings team projects to conclusion on time and communicates results to all associates.
• Participates in hospital-based and outside professional development and self-improvement opportunities.
• Exhibits competency/compliance using Instrument Tracking System (SPM), other Inventory Control Systems (Lawson), and O.R. Scheduling Systems (EPIC).
• Utilizes Daily Management Tools and nurtures a basic understanding of process and quality improvement philosophy.
• Achieves an understanding of process improvement as applied in SPD, including management tools such as flow charts, affinity diagrams, and fishbone diagrams.
• Understands the customer/supplier relationship and its importance in improving quality and processes.
• Takes a proactive, empowered approach to department problem-solving activities.
• Records and monitors critical indicators according to recommended policy.
• Reads all indicators: chemical, biological, mechanical, and responds accordingly based on policy and processes to ensure sterility.
• Accurately records and completes all necessary information on department logs to ensure sterility.
• Reports and responds according to department and YNHH policies.
• Performs all SPD functions as required, including:
  • Decontaminates according to SPD Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
  • Adheres to accepted practices in the cleaning, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of surgical and patient care equipment.
  • Adheres to accepted SPD and YNHH Infection Control Policy.
  • Completes orientation and training in prescribed fashion and time.
  • Performs other duties as necessary and required.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Six (6) months of experience employed as a central service technician in a healthcare facility prior to January 1, 2016, or a certified registered central service technician credential administered by IAHCSMM or a certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential administered by CBSPD.
• Must be competent and physically able to perform all duties in CSS independently (Decontam, Assembly, Sterilization, and Distribution).
• No current written disciplinary actions.
• Must meet or exceed production standards.
• Applicants with no experience or certification must obtain a certified registered central service technician credential (IAHCSMM) or a certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential (CBSPD) within 24 months of hire.

Qualifications

• Required to earn a certified registered central service technician credential administered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), or a certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential administered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) within 24 months of hire.
• Must maintain certification and/or employment status as a central service technician by annually completing a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education in areas related to infection control and decontamination and sterilization of reusable medical equipment, instruments, and devices.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn and utilize Instrument Tracking System (ABACUS).
• Ability to clean instruments utilizing department aseptic techniques.
• Demonstrates ability to work well with others as part of a team.

Physical Demands

• Must meet the physical demand inventory of an SPD Tech position.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds; may be required to lift up to 30 pounds on occasion.
• Requires mental alertness and ability to perform multiple tasks.
• Physically and emotionally able to work under stress, stand, walk, lift, and carry.
• Requires standing for periods of time and stamina to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be physically able to push/pull objects more than 30 lbs., lift trays or equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Requires ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Working environment may expose the employee to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious materials.