Basic Function:
The sterile processing technician plays an important role in infection prevention. The technician is accountable for performing tasks which contribute to a safe environment of care and minimize risk of injury to a patient from a reprocessed device. Relevant activities include decontamination, sterilization, assembly, and storage of medical and surgical materials and equipment, and related supplies, utilized in the care and treatment of patients at Ellis Medicine.
 
Education/Experience Requirements:
High school graduate or equivalency. 3 of sterile processing experience. In sterile processing (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM)
 
Responsibilities:
• All department activities are undertaken in accordance with ANSI/AAMI Standards (ST79)
• The Sterile Processing Technician cleans and decontaminates instruments and equipment received from departments within Ellis Medicine and contracted physicians’ offices.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment
• Demonstrate understanding of the layout and flow of department (Ex. Contaminated / clean).
• Maintains knowledge and expertise in the operation of decontamination and sterilization equipment
• Chooses and utilizes the appropriate method, or combination of methods, for cleaning contaminated instruments and equipment following all manufacturers’ recommendations for use (IFU)
• Inspects and maintains instruments and equipment for proper functioning before returning to service. Sends malfunctioning equipment for repair and documents appropriately
• Assembles and labels instrument sets completely and accurately, utilizing established inventory lists
• Instruments are labeled accurately to identify the contents, sterilization cycle and date
• Utilizes appropriate internal and external sterilization indicators
• Able to assemble complex instruments, sets and equipment.
• The manufacturers’ IFU are followed when choosing the method of sterilization
• Daily biological monitoring of sterilizers is performed and documented.
• Assists operating room staff in the decontamination and sterilization of items needed for immediate use.
• Recognizes and prioritizes instrument / equipment needs outside the routine flow
• Instruments and equipment are received from manufacturer representatives for sterilization and use in the operating room
• Items are inspected, inventoried, decontaminated and sterilized according to the manufacturers’ IFU
• Items received and returned are accurately documented
• Emergency carts are maintained and resupplied
• Assembles and transports instruments and supplies to the operating room for surgical procedures as listed on the operative schedule as assigned
• Able to communicate professionally both written and orally
• Understands the structure and layout of department. Understands the flow and process
• Demonstrates the ability to pick surgical cases per Physician’s preference/ pick sheet efficiently and with a minimum number of errors / omissions
• Utilizes critical thinking to analyze operational needs and prioritize department activities
• Identifies and addresses errors, opportunities for improvement (OFI) and quality opportunities
• Precepts / trains other employees; mentors more novice SPD team members
• Professionally shares knowledge with peers
• Assumes leadership / charge role in absence of supervisor and/or manager
• Adjust staff duties / assignments to meet needs of department
• Provides timely and objective feedback to department leadership on operational issues / OFI
• Acts as liaison between sterile processing and operating room teams
• Active involvement in department quality improvement activities
• Demonstrates work performance associated with high level of customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated by productivity, accuracy, timeliness and communication
• Adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the exposure control manual: Universal Precautions, Blood Borne Pathogens, Disposal of Needles, Syringes and Sharps, Clean up procedure for blood and body fluid spills and Storage, handling and disposal of Medical Waste.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures related to: o Mandatory education o Annual Health assessment o Departmental In-service Education
 
Salary Range: $18.33-26.58 Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.