Sterile Processing Technician

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

Shift: Nights

General Summary:

Under direct supervision, training and according to established procedures, polices, 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, rotating weekends and holidays and must take call on a rotating basis for weekends and holidays.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High school diploma (GED) or equivalent.
• Certification in Sterile Service Technician from an accredited agency is expected.
  • If not certified, must become certified within two (2) years of hire and must maintain certification. At any point that certification becomes invalid, the individual will have (3) three months to recertify to maintain employment.
• Working knowledge of sterile or aseptic technique.
• Working knowledge of decontamination and sterilization principles.
• Ability to utilize computer applications to include Microsoft Office and various web-based programs.
• Ability to perform basic computer data entry.
• Ability to read and understand manufacturer instructions for the cleaning and sterilization of proprietary instruments and equipment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Motivated, self-directed, and assumes responsibility for actions.
• Physical activity involves lifting of 20-50 pound instrument trays or sets, walking, pushing and pulling of carts and equipment. With occasional lifting of heavier trays.
• Able to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy.
• Must be accurate and willing to follow set rules and standards of practice.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Effectively rotates through all work-stations and perform all SPD functions and assorted support duties:
   1. Technicians in orientation—all functions and duties will be performed with the direct supervision of a certified SPD technician.
   2. Non-certified technicians that have successfully completed orientation will perform all functions and duties independent of a certified technician.
2. Prioritizes the workload based on the need of departments.
3. Accurately cleans and sorts all soiled instrumentation, drills, scopes and other medical equipment entering the decontamination area based on standards and manufacturer’s instructions. Universal/Standard Precautions and department dress code must be adhered to at all times.
4. Operates the washer decontaminator, cart washer, ultrasonic cleaner, automated scope reprocessor, all sterilizers, and computer.
5. Performs proper principals and strict techniques of sterilization. Keeps and maintains daily records of testing results of Biological Indicators (BIs) and BOWIE-DICK tests via instrument tracking software. Reads BI’s at the appropriate times and with a low error rate (no more than one (1) late or missed read per month).
6. Ensures proper assembly, and packaging of instrument sets according to count sheets, standards, and manufacturer’s instructions. Inspects all instruments for good working condition. Uses appropriate chemical indicators for sterilization method. Maintains an error rate that is below 2.0% per month for tray accuracy.
7. Assists in additional duties that are identified by SPD Lead Technician, SPD Supervisor, Clinical Director of OR/SPD and/or the Surgical Services Director.
8. Develops and maintains effective communication. Communicates missing instrument to appropriate SPD and OR staff. Reports off effectively to the next shift.
9. Inventory stock, non-stock supplies, and implants. Helps maintain appropriate par levels and notifies SPD Lead Technician or SPD Supervisor of low levels of inventory.
10. Adheres to the hospital policies and procedures. Incorporates the hospital values into work practices. Adheres to Best Practice Standards.
11. Mentors new SPD Technicians and students.
12. Use of proper body mechanics.
13. Ensures that SPD is kept cleaned and organized.
14. Performs other duties as assigned. These may include but are not limited to: Maintaining a current knowledge base of department processes, protocols and procedures, pursuing self-directed learning and continuing education opportunities, and participating on committees, task forces, and work groups as determined by management.

Requisition #: req11722