Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. Its also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Nurse Manager, Assistant Manager or Supervisor. Accepts direction from the Sr. Technician in work assignments, the daily functions / tasks of SPD in the prioritization of work flow to meet the department needs. Individual must demonstrate knowledge, skill and competence in all department areas; such as disinfection, decontamination, assembly and sterilization. Must possess and demonstrate knowledge of surgical instrumentation and department specific equipment utilized. Performs Steam, Sterrad and Ethylene Oxide sterilization, chemical disinfection, and disinfection of Patient Care Equipment (PCE) as needed. Transports surgical instruments between departments in the proper manner as required by Regulatory Agencies (AAMI, AORN, etc.).

A day in the life of a Sterile Processing Technician at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

1. Demonstrates knowledge, understanding and skill of all department areas and functions. Able to properly and safely operate all equipment.
2. Demonstrates the ability to sort, inspect, assemble, wrap and label instrument trays and supplies with the proper information as required. Deliver items as required to designated areas.
3. Perform Bowie Dick and Biological Tests, demonstrate the ability to read and interpret the results and take corrective action when needed.
4. Demonstrates a full knowledge and understanding of OSHA regulations dealing with Ethylene Oxide (ETO) and is able to respond appropriately to an ETO leak / spill.
5. Ensures all stock supplies used for tray assembly or department use are adequately maintained and re-stocked as needed.
6. Checks, reviews and documents all report information, count sheets, testing, results, etc., in a complete, consistent, legible manner in accordance with hospital, departmental and regulatory agencies.
7. Initiates proper labeling on all surgical packs, trays and miscellaneous items prior to the sterilization process.
8. Maintains a cooperative relationship among health care teams by communicating information; responding to requests; building rapport; and participating in team problem-solving methods.
9. Utilizes sound judgement in decision making, sharing information and handles appropriately.
10. Able to approach and address concerns with peers in a calm non-threatening manner.
11. Supports the facilities initiatives in a positive manner; negativity should not be shared.
12. Serves as a resource person and role mode, contributes to the growth and development of all staff members / students through mentoring.
13. Maintains accountability and accepts responsibility for job task outcomes and mistakes.
14. Receives and accepts constructive criticism as a way to grow.
15. Demonstrates respect towards all team members.
16. Regularly attends and participates in department meetings or reviews note information.
17. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, seminars or on-line courses for re-certification.
18. Completes assignments / tasks as delegated by the charge person within an acceptable time frame.
19. Volunteer / assist peers with job tasks to facilitate work flow of the department.
20. Assists with identifying, requisitioning, stock rotation and putting away supply orders when received.
21. Assists with maintaining a clean organized and safe environment. Reports any safety hazards to charge person so corrective action can be taken.
22. Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
23. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

1. High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
2. One to three years in an acute care setting with hospital Sterile Processing Department experience preferred.
3. Completion of a Certified Central Supply Technician course required
4. Knowledge of Surgical Instrumentation, Patient Care Equipment (PCE), department specific equipment and the technology utilized in the Sterile Processing Department.
5. Understands the theory to demonstrate commonly used concepts, skills and knowledge in the pre-established practices and procedures utilized in all department areas and in the operation of Steam, Sterrad and Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Sterilizers, ultrasonic sinks and washer / disinfectors.
6. Basic computer skills (word).

Licenses and Certifications Required:

1. Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution - CBSPD or Sterile Processing Certification - HSPA

Working Conditions:

Lifts a minimum of 5 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 5 lbs. and stands a minimum of 1 hour a day.

If you feel the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!