Sterile Processing/Endo Tech - Full Time

Full-time position, 80 hours per pay period, varied shift.

About the role

Ensures instruments, carts, and trays are stocked, sterilized, sanitized, and documented for use in the operating room and other departments. Assists physicians with endoscopic and similar procedures in Endoscopy. Supports patients, under RN direction, with pre- and post-procedure activities of daily living. Facilitates unit operations through clerical, reception, computer, and organizational tasks.

Responsibilities

• Retrieves, cleans, disinfects, decontaminates, and terminally processes items from user departments
• Sets up case carts, trays, and instrument sets
• Inventories and orders supplies for Sterile Processing case cart room
• Runs biological and chemical tests at appropriate times and accurately documents and interprets all sterilization records
• Oversees and ensures accuracy of sterilization records for the department
• Assists OR crews during day/evening shift with urgent reprocessing needs
• Maintains documentation of new instrument/equipment location, use, and cleaning methods
• Identifies and replaces worn or broken instruments; tags for repair and notifies OR staff; logs instruments out for repair
• Transports and transfers patients as needed
• Receives outside instrumentation from other care providers and assumes responsibility for documentation and processing
• Obtains major equipment repair as needed
• Performs in-service education to train Central Services Technicians on new or existing procedures

Clinical duties

• Assists physicians with endoscopic examinations, percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement, and esophageal manometry examinations
• Assists with cleaning and storage of endoscopy equipment
• Assists with safe patient handling, transfers, and mobility
• Assists patients with post-procedure nutrition and hydration, as ordered by physician
• Assists patients with elimination, including use of toilet/urinal/bedpan
• Performs capillary blood glucose point-of-care testing
• Performs routine, pre-procedure EKGs
• Escorts patients at discharge or transports via wheelchair

Clerical/Secretarial duties

• Serves as unit receptionist: answers phones, transfers calls, relays messages, directs/assists visitors
• Utilizes electronic medical record to input, retrieve, and cross-check data; runs reports
• Processes medical record components, including scanning and faxing documents
• Uses various electronic communication systems (e.g., Maintenance Connection EMR, email, Workday)
• Transports specimens, supplies, and documents by hand or via pneumatic tube; retrieves blood products from Blood Bank
• Works with unit team to ensure supplies and nourishments are ordered/available, cupboards stocked, work areas clean, and halls clear
• Performs quality control monitoring for point-of-care and other equipment

Requirements

• Ability to read, write, and converse in English
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Flexibility to prioritize and adapt to rapidly changing patient and unit needs
• Effective teaching skills
• Proficiency in basic computer functions, including internet and word processing
• Ability to operate sterilizers, heat sealers, washer/decontaminator, ultrasonic cleaner, computer, copier, and Lakeside carts
• Regular, consistent, and punctual attendance
• Ability to cover weekend call shifts as the third call crew team member
• Ability to identify, disassemble, decontaminate, reassemble, and sort all instrumentation and instrument trays used in the operating room
• Ability to maintain composure and work under stress as a team member
• Knowledge of surgical procedures and instrumentation needed for specific cases
• Ability to follow surgery schedule to ensure scopes, instruments, and supplies are available as needed
• Understanding of care and handling of scopes and special procedure instruments
• Knowledge of proper use, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials and associated safety practices
• Understanding of storage and rotation of sterile supplies
• Ability to use instrument washer, autoclaves, Steris, and ultrasonic cleaning machines appropriately
• Familiarity with computer documentation

Qualifications

• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• CRCST certification must be obtained within 18 months of hire
• Minimum of 6 months healthcare supply experience preferred

Physical/Mental/Environmental Requirements

• Able to stand, climb, stoop, and bend frequently; positions require considerable physical activity
• May be required to lift up to 75 pounds
• Requires ability to tolerate exposure to toxic chemicals, bio-hazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, heights, high temperatures, or confined spaces
• Able to use proper body mechanics to lift supplies and equipment and push carts and dollies weighing up to 500 lbs
• Must use standard precautions due to threat of exposure to blood and body fluids
• Needs adequate color vision
• Must wear protective clothing as required
• May be required to travel to various locations
• Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone

Pay

Hourly rate ranges from $23.59 USD to $35.02 USD, representing the rate for an individual with significant experience in this job.

Benefits

Competitive pay, a wide array of benefits, and many growth opportunities for employees.