Registered Sterile Processing Technician

About the role

Works under the supervision of the Manager-OR Support. This position is responsible for ensuring that all surgical supplies, instruments and equipment are properly inventoried, decontaminated, assembled, inspected, packaged, sterilized, stored, distributed and tracked in a quality/timely manner throughout the hospital and clinics. Works independently with little supervision. Qualified to train others and serves as a resource related to Sterile Processing Procedure. Performs appropriate quality control testing and record keeping as recommended. Maintains current registry/certification in Sterile Processing.

Responsibilities

• Cleans, disinfects and sterilizes soiled instruments, equipment, case carts and utensils per manufacturers' recommendations.
• Checks for cleanliness, proper function, lubricates and assembles various instruments, equipment, and scopes used in Surgery/Clinics.
• Assembles instruments/selects appropriate packaging and prepares sets for sterilization/disinfecting.
• Selects/performs appropriate method of sterilization and biological testing to determine efficacy of the recommended process.
• Maintains, properly documents and verifies various records for sterilization.
• Cleans equipment for patient use.
• Anticipates instrument needs for cases due to surgeon and procedure preference cards.
• Answers telephone, takes messages, and pulls case carts as needed.
• Trains and checks off competencies of new staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• H.S. Diploma — Required
• 3 months of full-time orientation prior to working independently — Required
• Background in medical field — Preferred
• Certified Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST) — Obtainment of certification is preferred at 6 months, but required within 1 year of hire date. Position is contingent upon maintaining registry; continuation of certification annually — Required within 1 Year
• Must be able to travel between various system facilities and off-site locations as needed — Required

Skills

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Speaking clearly
• Able to communicate by voice with co-workers, representatives, customers
• Calibrate equipment
• Precise hand/eye coordination with surgical instrumentation
• Able to assemble surgical instrumentation
• Manipulate small items and equipment
• Must possess fine motor skills to handle micro instrumentation
• Demonstrate great attention to detail-oriented work
• Answer telephone
• Ability to learn keyboard skills

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong work ethic, team player, supportive, able to work under pressure, flexible, focused
• Must have positive attitude and outgoing personality
• Self-motivated and can work independently with little or no supervision

Essential Physical Requirements

• Moving carts, instruments, equipment, supplies, etc.
• Assembling instrumentation, supplies, etc.
• Standing for long periods of time, up to 4 hours or more at a stretch
• Operation of instrumentation and equipment
• Walking, filling case carts
• Pushing and pulling carts and other equipment
• Able to lift and carry instrument sets and other equipment of up to 60 pounds
• Able to reach above head to put instrument sets on shelf
• Able to safely remove instrument sets from shelves without damage
• Able to reach, climb on stool, stoop, kneel down
• Ability to take departmental calls with a 30-minute response time

Essential Mental Abilities

• Manipulate numbers
• Differentiate and count instruments
• Ability to interpret data from various sources in the department
• Able to comprehend surgical procedures, instrumentation, sequence of events
• Short and long term memory
• Concentration and alertness for extended periods of time
• Follow rules and instructions
• Able to go from situation to situation or area to area in department
• Follow policies and procedures of department with minimal to no supervision
• Organizational skills

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Visual skills — able to distinguish one instrument from another
• Tactile, feel, distinguish colors
• Hearing — i.e., another person wearing a mask

Exposure to Hazards

• Blood, body fluids, chemical compounds, and toxic chemicals for disinfecting
• Sticks and cuts from sharp instruments and blades
• Wet floors
• Pathogens from