Sterile Processing Technician II

Responsibilities

• Receives soiled and contaminated items in decontamination area. Sorts equipment, rinses as needed, places equipment through sonic tanks and washers, reassembles trays, performs safety checks, hangs and sorts instruments, wraps sets according to set policy, and wraps towels and basins appropriately.
• Sterilizes instruments and equipment using the aerator, gas sterilizer or steam sterilizer and operates glass dryer. Packages items in steri/peel as required.
• Performs quality assurance testing for all methods of sterilization to ensure sterility of supplies.
• Hand cleans miscellaneous instruments (Baxter pump, hypothermo units, etc.) and operates the cart cleaner.
• Ensures proper care and handling of high‑cost instrumentation and equipment, including laser instrumentation, orthopedic implants, cardiac assist devices, endoscopic and microscopic instrumentation.
• May build case carts according to procedure and physician preference as specified; files case cart sheets and requisitions, responds to Code 4s with defibrillator and backup supplies, maintains CPR annies, tests autoclaves according to procedure, and changes graphs as necessary.
• Checks incoming trays and follows up with departments regarding missing instruments or parts.
• Takes immediate and appropriate action if a question of sterilizer failure occurs.
• Receives and records orders for supplies as requested by departments; records accurate product numbers and ensures all forms are correctly completed for proper billing; marks, dates, and stocks equipment, returning items to the appropriate department on a timely basis.
• Opens and unpacks supply boxes, checking for damaged goods and verifying item counts; reports discrepancies to the supervisor; processes credits for unused products returned, checks stock levels, copies supply sheets, checks carts for outdated supplies, and performs general cleaning of shelves.
• May perform various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique.
• Guides, mentors, and serves as a resource for Sterile Processing Technicians; coordinates and collaborates with nursing and ancillary departments in organizing SPD functions such as IV pumps, IC carts, and SCDs; acts as liaison between surgical services, nursing, and ancillary departments.

Licensure / Certification

• Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification issued by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
• Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification issued by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD).
• Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) certification issued by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD).

Education

High School Graduate.

Experience

Typically requires 2 years of experience in a Sterile Processing Department or Central Supply Department. Candidates may also have previous Surgical Technology experience or GI Lab Technician experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to function in a fast‑paced, stressful environment.
• Advanced understanding and knowledge of AORN standards, AAMI standards, and basic instrumentation.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of the Censitrac instrument tracking device.
• Knowledge of sterilization principles and applications.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Must stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist and reach above shoulders various times throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lb from floor to waist.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lb over the head.
• Must be able to carry up to 40 lb a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to push/pull with 30 lb of force.
• Must be able to perform a sliding transfer of 150 lb with a second person present.
• Atmosphere may contain fumes and dust.
• Exposure to chemical hazards as well as blood and body fluids; protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.