Sterile Processing Tech II - Sterile Processing - Full Time

About the Role

The Sterile Processing Technician II acts as a clinical resource for staff, participates in the orientation, coaching, and mentoring of new employees, and engages in departmental improvement activities. This role ensures the provision of quality processed instrumentation, materials, and equipment for patient care.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge and proper cleaning, care, handling, assembly, and sterilization of equipment and supplies based on Instructions for Use (IFU), AAMI best practice standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Follow Standard Work in the decontamination process to properly clean instruments in compliance with recommended IFUs to prevent contamination and infection.
• Follow Standard Work in the assembly process to properly assemble instrumentation using the “SPM” system, including appropriate indicators/filters for sterilization.
• Follow Standard Work in the sterilization process to properly sterilize instrumentation following recommended IFUs.
• Complete case carts to ensure all required instruments and supplies are available for scheduled procedures to prevent delays and provide safe patient care.
• Adhere to the Sterile Processing Priority Process to ensure availability of required instrumentation and supplies for scheduled procedures.
• Follow Standard Work for all high-level disinfection processes to properly reprocess flexible scopes and probes in compliance with recommended IFUs.
• Follow Standard Work related to the Sterile Processing Vendor Process to ensure availability of required instruments and supplies.
• Manage inventory control to ensure availability of needed supplies, verify sterility/integrity, and prevent expiration of supplies.
• Follow Standard Work related to quality monitors/measures for maintenance of equipment used in cleaning and sterilization, as well as other key quality measures and performance improvement activities.
• Communicate effectively within and outside the department to coordinate activities and meet needs in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Sterile Processing Leadership to report departmental needs, inventory shortages, and equipment repairs.
• Demonstrate effective time management, flexibility, prioritization, and critical thinking skills.
• Represent the department and hospital professionally and courteously to coworkers, healthcare system members, and visitors.
• Maintain competency in standard work and key processes.
• Apply principles of microbiology, sterilization, disinfection, and disease transmission to promote an infection-free environment.
• Use proper body mechanics when moving or transferring items to prevent injury.
• Assist in maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
• Operate all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely; maintain appropriate records and monitor quality control.
• Maintain competency in the use of EPIC while ensuring patient privacy is protected.
• Proactively control costs by seeking cost-saving strategies and reporting them to SPD Leadership.
• Follow hospital and department policies and procedures in emergency or stressful situations (e.g., fire drills, disaster plans).
• Identify and participate in departmental problem-solving actions and proper escalation.
• Accept non-routine work assignments as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in departmental staff meetings and in-services.
• Participate in departmental improvement activities, process changes, or implementations.
• Learn, train, and operate the Nutrace instrument laser unit while maintaining personal and staff safety.
• Act as a clinical resource for staff, participate in the orientation process, and serve as a preceptor for new employees.
• Coach and mentor staff to promote the utilization of standard work.
• Participate in educational sessions for new employees and staff.
• Assist with providing annual competencies for staff.
• Support the orientation of new employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School education or GED required.
• Sterile Processing Certification required.
• 2 years of surgical or relevant experience.
• Good interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of medical staff.

Preferred qualifications include Surgical Technician certification, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure, or other relevant clinical surgical experience (e.g., Certified Ophthalmology Assistant).

Pay

$19.87 - $31.48/hour based on experience.