Sterile Process Technician

About the Role

Responsible for cleaning, packaging, sterilizing, assembling, and dispensing reusable sterile and clean supplies in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Assigns priority to emergency requests and issues required supplies and equipment based on knowledge of intended procedures.
• Assists in orienting new employees to work assignments and department operations.
• Orders supplies, including replacement components and implants for orthopedic systems used by physicians.
• Sterilizes instruments, equipment, utensils, and supplies using various sterilizers, aerators, and high-level disinfectors.
• Loads autoclaves according to prescribed methods and sets controls for specified time and temperature.
• Completes appropriate documentation records prior to sterilization and verifies sterilization cycles.
• Assembles instrument procedure trays, packs, and kits using content lists as a guide.
• Wraps, packages, and marks items with identifying data; distributes or stores them in designated areas.
• Notifies supervisor of equipment deficiencies or inability to replace parts.
• Dispenses sterile and non-sterile equipment and supplies as requested.
• Decontaminates, disassembles, and cleans patient care equipment using approved disinfectants and detergents.
• Reassembles equipment after cleaning and checks for electrical hazards.
• Maintains assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition.
• Performs quality assurance processes, including biological testing.
• Decontaminates, disassembles, and disinfects surgical instrumentation, lensed items, scopes, and fiber-optic cords.
• Conducts daily rounds to retrieve soiled procedure trays and dispenses re-sterilized trays using infection control practices.
• Takes call per department rotation and surgical services on-call policy.
• Replenishes code carts as necessary.
• Picks surgical supplies and instrumentation for scheduled surgical cases.
• Participates in meetings, conferences, and in-services as scheduled.
• Performs other department-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• 6-12 months of job-related experience and/or training (required).
• Sterile Processing Technician education or related experience with coursework in Medical Terminology and Basic Human Anatomy (required).
• Sterile Processing Certificate (preferred).
• Basic computer skills.

Position-Specific Expectations

• Must complete a 4-month or individualized training program after selection.
• Job duties require constant standing and/or walking.
• Involves lifting heavy trays.
• Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Access to Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.

Schedule

• Full-time, 80 hours per pay period.
• Daily work times: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM.
• On-call duties required.
• Weekend shifts required.