Sterile Process Tech II

About the Role

The Sterile Processing Technician II is responsible for receiving, cleaning/disinfecting, processing, assembling, sterilizing, storing, and distributing instruments and equipment. This role requires strict adherence to safety and sterilization protocols and procedures, applying knowledge and experience to demonstrate competencies in sterile processing duties.

Responsibilities

• Decontamination
  • Adhere to infection control guidelines, including hand washing, PPE, dress code, and standard precautions.
  • Maintain assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition to ensure a safe work environment.
  • Apply principles of medical asepsis to separate and segregate items for cleaning and decontamination.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the selection and use of appropriate cleaning agents.
  • Demonstrate basic competency in the use and documentation of high-level disinfection (HLD) utilizing chemicals.
  • Demonstrate basic competency in cleaning and disinfection of fiber optic endoscopes.
  • Operate all equipment used in the decontamination area, including ultrasonic units, washer/disinfectors, dryers, UV disinfector, and cart wash.
  • Utilize the Censitrac automated documentation and tracking system for scanning trays, carts, and equipment.
• Instruments Preparation
  • Select and inspect all instruments, assembling all necessary items.
  • Arrange items according to their use and for effective sterilization.
  • Wrap, seal, and label trays appropriately.
  • Demonstrate competency in packaging techniques, including proper labeling, dating, and sealing of packages.
  • Report and document any missing or broken tray items and instruments.
  • Adhere to labeling and dating practices, ensuring legible handwriting and accurate identification.
• Processing / Sterilization
  • Sterilize instruments, equipment, utensils, linen, and supplies using all types of autoclaves.
  • Load autoclaves in the prescribed manner and set controls according to manufacturer instructions.
  • Complete appropriate documentation records prior to sterilization.
  • Read and initial sterilizer cycle printouts to verify sterilization cycle parameters.
  • Demonstrate functional operation of steam and Sterrad sterilizers, including time, temperature, pressure, contact, and humidity.
  • Perform leak testing, Bowie/Dick testing, and appropriate documentation.
  • Demonstrate proper loading and unloading of sterilization loads.
  • Document appropriate information on sterilization records to meet Quality Assurance standards.
  • Understand and document biological monitoring for all types of sterilization processes.
• Planning / Assignments
  • Demonstrate competency in performing the duties of the team leader when assigned.
  • Oversee all areas of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) when acting as team lead, adjusting assignments as needed.
  • Check and complete daily/weekly assignments, reporting pertinent information to the SPD team lead, Clinical Coordinator, or Manager.
  • Assist with performance improvement initiatives within the department.
  • Act as a preceptor when assigned, training and educating staff as needed.
  • Follow and enforce the policies and procedures of Sterile Processing.
  • Ensure proper receipt of supplies and instruments for the department.
  • Troubleshoot areas and report actions taken.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic computer functions utilized within the department.
• Supply Area Responsibilities
  • Manage patient care equipment and specialty carts used in Nursing Units.
  • Perform regularly scheduled rounds for soiled pick-up and deliveries.
  • Monitor medications inventory supply, including par levels and expiration dates for floor trays and specialty carts.
• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services.
• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Prefer current sterile processing or operating room experience with knowledge of surgical instrumentation, principles of infection control and sterilization, and the ability to identify, prepare, and assemble instrument trays.
• Certification:
  • Must be enrolled in a CRCST program or have successfully completed a CRCST program.
  • Must be CRCST/CBSPD certified; applicants who are not certified must obtain certification within 2 years of start date.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.