Sterile Processing Technician - Sterile Processing * Nights - 40hrs/wk

Shift: Nights • Full-time (1.0 FTE) • On-call: Yes • Weekends: No (rotating weekends/holidays for call)

About the role

Under direct supervision and according to established procedures, policies, and regulations, the Sterile Processing Technician performs technical work involved in decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, sterile storage, high-level disinfection, and distribution of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies. Ensures proper monitoring of sterilization equipment. Occasionally works overtime and must take call on a rotating basis for weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through all work-stations and perform all Sterile Processing Department (SPD) functions and support duties:
  • Technicians in orientation perform all functions under direct supervision of a certified SPD technician.
  • Non-certified technicians who have completed orientation perform all functions independently.
• Prioritize workload based on department needs.
• Accurately clean and sort all soiled instrumentation, drills, scopes, and other medical equipment entering the decontamination area, following standards and manufacturer’s instructions. Adhere to Universal/Standard Precautions and department dress code at all times.
• Operate washer decontaminator, cart washer, ultrasonic cleaner, automated scope reprocessor, sterilizers, and computer.
• Perform proper principles and strict techniques of sterilization.
• Maintain daily records of Biological Indicators (BIs) and BOWIE-DICK test results via instrument tracking software. Read BIs at appropriate times with a low error rate (no more than one late or missed read per month).
• Ensure proper assembly and packaging of instrument sets according to count sheets, standards, and manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect all instruments for good working condition. Use appropriate chemical indicators for sterilization method. Maintain tray accuracy error rate below 2.0% per month.
• Assist with additional duties identified by SPD Lead Technician, SPD Supervisor, Clinical Director of OR/SPD, and/or Surgical Services Director.
• Develop and maintain effective communication. Communicate missing instruments to appropriate SPD and OR staff. Report off effectively to the next shift.
• Inventory stock, non-stock supplies, and implants. Help maintain appropriate par levels and notify SPD Lead Technician or SPD Supervisor of low inventory.
• Adhere to hospital policies and procedures, incorporating hospital values into work practices. Follow Best Practice Standards.
• Mentor new SPD Technicians and students.
• Use proper body mechanics and ensure SPD is kept clean and organized.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including:
  • Maintaining current knowledge of department processes, protocols, and procedures.
  • Pursuing self-directed learning and continuing education opportunities.
  • Participating on committees, task forces, and work groups as determined by management.

Requirements

• High school diploma (GED) or equivalent.
• Certification in Sterile Service Technician from an accredited agency is expected. If not certified at hire, must become certified within two years and maintain certification. If certification becomes invalid, three months are allowed to recertify to maintain employment.
• Working knowledge of sterile or aseptic technique.
• Working knowledge of decontamination and sterilization principles.
• Ability to use computer applications, including Microsoft Office and web-based programs.
• Basic computer data entry skills.
• Ability to read and understand manufacturer instructions for cleaning and sterilization of proprietary instruments and equipment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, self-directed, and assumes responsibility for actions.

Physical demands

• Lifting of 20–50 pound instrument trays or sets; occasional lifting of heavier trays.
• Walking, pushing, and pulling of carts and equipment.
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy.
• Must be accurate and willing to follow set rules and standards of practice.