Material Processing tech

About the role

The material processing technician is responsible for ensuring the proper cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of medical instruments and equipment used in healthcare settings. Responsibilities include decontamination, sterilization, inspection and testing, organization and inventory management, and compliance with infection control policies.

Responsibilities

• Promote Mission Statement and KSBs
• Knowledge of surgical instruments and procedures
• Prioritization, organizational, and communication skills
• Must stay current and knowledgeable regarding infection control, OSHA standards, NIAHO standards, and general AAMI and AORN recommendations
• Successful completion of on-the-job training with Surgical Services and Reid Health
• Knowledge of aseptic technique
• Knowledge of medical supplies, equipment, and medications
• Self-motivated and able to work under minimal supervision
• Able to file assorted items
• Able to assist with lifting, turning, and positioning of patients
• Able to stand, bend, push, pull, and walk to move assorted heavy equipment
• Able to plan work activities, think ahead, and be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure and stress
• Receives instruments, scopes, and other equipment and checks for readiness, sterility/non-sterility, and completeness
• Aids in ensuring efficient and productive utilization of the operating suite
• Sterilizes according to accepted recommendations via steam sterilization, low temperature chemical sterilization, or high-level disinfection while maintaining standards of care as deemed appropriate
• Facilitates on-time starts, case turnovers, and accuracy of case preparation
• Maintains monitoring of operation of all sterilizers and communicates problems to Sterile Processing Manager and Clinical Coordinator
• Captures and coordinates activities for maintaining surgical instruments and equipment
• Assists in maintaining equipment repair logs and develops an equipment database
• Coordinates routine surgical supply orders and back orders
• Runs appropriate checks on sterilization equipment and keeps logs as appropriate
• Reports malfunctioning, broken, or missing instruments/equipment to team members
• Communicates follow-up expectations to all appropriate personnel
• Attends all required safety and training programs and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards
• Follows the Department and Reid Health exposure control plans/blood borne and airborne pathogens
• Performs according to established departmental and hospital policies/procedures utilizing strict adherence to aseptic technique principles
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment
• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intradepartmental to facilitate the department’s/unit’s ability to meet its goals and objectives
• Can immediately locate: Crash cart and defibrillator; Malignant Hyperthermia cart/kit
• Completes Hazardous Materials and Waste Program, including procedures to follow in case of a spill
• Completes HealthStream requirements as assigned

Requirements

Education Required: High School diploma or GED (Effective December 2024; employees hired prior to this requirement being added are grandfathered with education being preferred)

Experience Preferred: At least 1 year of experience/knowledge inside of surgical environment

Licensure and Certification Preferred: Certified Registered Central Service Technician through HSPA or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician through CBSPD