Athens Orthopedic is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to be assigned to our ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in Athens.
Knowledge, Skill and Ability Knowledge
• Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to be able to determine operational adequacy and to
distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction.
• Knowledge of applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards sufficient to be able to
perform all assignments within the safety parameters.
• Using OneSource as resource- knowledge sufficient to be able to assemble and wrap appropriate
instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals and medical instruments
sufficient to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies and instruments.
• Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment, i.e., IV pumps, monitors,
up to 25 lbs.
• Must have good telephone manners and problem-solving skills.
• Is able to perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, which will
include instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts of various sizes. Tactile differentiation, e.g.
temperature, moisture.
• Skill in cleaning specialized equipment.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED
• Standard equipment including: computer terminal, telephone, washer/decontaminator, sonic
cleaner, sterilizer, air compressor and biological incubator.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
• Physical working environment may include, but not limited to, any of the following hazards: high
pressure steam, chemical, electrical, mechanical, bio-waste, stress, back strain, body fluids, etc.
• Environmental conditions may include, but not be limited to, variations in temperature, noise,
odors, multi-stimuli, etc.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• . Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely, prepares, assembles, and
sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The
Department of Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards. Maintains appropriate
records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management
and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility.
• Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of
cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification and assembly and preparation for sterilization; retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.
• Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each
instrument for use, function, completeness and cleanliness.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all policies, procedures and
standards and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for
mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which
contribute to the success of the organization; Communicate with operating room staff to provide
required instruments.
• Is responsible for reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Clinical Director and
Material Manger and follow process for replacement.
• Resources to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization
techniques.
• Clean, set up, sterilize and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift.
• Maintains records for QA and sterilization.
• Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission
Standards.
• Is familiar with organization, department and job specific Environment of Care areas, including
Life Safety, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control
and Medical Equipment Failure.
• Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include:
• the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or
safety glasses);
• handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and
• hand washing as appropriate.