Sterile Processing Technician

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Under the supervision of the Operating Room Manager, Administrator or Director of Nursing, according to the organizational structure, and at the direction of Registered Nurses; performs processing of all instruments including decontamination, sterilizing, and storing according to policies and procedures for the Hospital and or Hospital Outpatient Department. Assures proper care and maintenance of all surgical instrumentation and equipment. Demonstrates good knowledge of principles and practices of documentation of sterilization process. Demonstrates knowledge of all equipment and instruments for all procedures performed in the operating room within the facility or Hospital Outpatient Department.

Projects a professional demeanor and appearance while maintaining the confidentiality of patients, coworkers, and facility information and adhering to the HIPAA policy. Reports, in good faith, any known or suspected activity that appears to violate laws, rules, regulations or the SP Code of Conduct. Fulfills annual Healthstream continuing education requirements.

Personal attributes include the ability to be self-directed; demonstrates accountability, professionalism, and receptiveness to change; seeks guidance, direction, and assistance when needed. Works under stress and in situations that demand patience, stamina, endurance, and tact while providing impeccable service. Fosters an attitude of teamwork and willingness to assist others and does not refuse performing other job duties as requested. May also be required to interchange from facility to Hospital Outpatient Department as needed. Set's priorities, responds timely to issues, which require a decision, and ensure desired results are achieved by means of consistent follow through.

Patient Population:

The patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 12 years and/or of adult stature to geriatric patients requiring or seeking pain and/or surgical intervention. In addition our hospital outpatient department patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 6 months to geriatric patients.

Physical Requirements:

May be expected to lift up to 50 pounds or up to 150 pounds with assistance. May be expected to push or pull 150-300 pounds with assistance. Work is of medium demand; walking or standing most of the time while on duty. Visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity essential to performing designated duties required. Optimal auditory acuity required. Manual dexterity involving the handling of equipment and instruments or armamentarium is essential to performing assigned duties. Physical conditions are clean, neat and well lit. May be subjected to unpleasant sights and odors, stressful situations, limited radiation, hazardous chemicals, or infectious diseases where judgment as to precautions needed to be taken is essential. Climate control and ambient temperature variances may be experienced and required by patient care and needs of the surgical team. Hours of duty may be irregular or unexpectedly extended due to the requirements of the job.

OSHA Exposure Classification:

 Job Category I. Direct contact with blood or other body fluids to which standard precautions apply. Personal protective equipment is made available and must be worn.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.

• High School diploma or GED required.

• Certification of Sterile Processing Preferred

• Basic Life Support (BLS) prerequisite

• 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

• Is aware of sterilization standards and performs in accordance with them.

• Ability to relate and work effectively with others.

• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. 

• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written English communications for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards.

• Demonstrates ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.

• Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for own professional advancement.

• Must be computer literate with basic fundamental computer skills that are required to perform essential job related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

PEOPLE

1. Adheres to staffing schedules, attendance policy, and cooperates with daily assignments as requested.

2. Demonstrates skills as a team player. Shows a willingness to assist others in retrieval of instruments and equipment for surgical cases.

3. Participates in orientation of new staff and peer evaluations, ensures facility morale exemplifies the mission and values of the center.

4. Demonstrates ability to solve problems timely and constructively; maintains focus on improving the situation.

5. Willingness to teach others and participate in competency programs.

6. Completes Healthstreams in a timely manner annually.

7. Participates in all staff meetings for department and facility for informative and educational purposes.

SERVICE

1. Demonstrates highly effective communication skills with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members.

2. Establishes and maintains exceptional services to all customers including physicians, patients and employees with the goal of delighting all customers.

3. Participates in the turnover of cases to achieve high level of service.

4. Models appropriate interaction with physicians, patients and staff to ensure high level of service in all areas of responsibility.

5. Reviews daily schedule and prepares cases based upon preference cards and specific patient care needs.

6. Communicates changes as necessary to preference cards.

QUALITY

1. Demonstrates proper decontamination, cleaning, wrapping, and sterilization of surgical instruments.

2. Demonstrates proper use of the sterilization equipment, confirmation of sterility, and documentation is according to policy and procedures.

3. Maintenance of inventory of instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary for a smooth functioning of the sterile processing department.

4. Assures facility sterile processing policies and procedures are followed.

5. Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly environment, adheres to all safety and infection control requirements.

6. Assures all instruments are in working order, overseeing the repair, sharpening, and lubrication as necessary.

7. Handles surgical specimens and biohazardous material according to policy and procedures.

8. Participates in quality improvement activities as requested.

FINANCE

1. Conserves resources and minimizes cost when possible.

2. Participates and assists with implementation of cost saving initiatives for the department.

3. Communicates ideas for cost containment and reducing expense.

4. Appropriate staffing levels and overtime is below established benchmarks.

GROWTH

1. Through competency and customer service, employee will contribute to the growth of the facility.

2. Employee communicates service line development ideas with facility leadership.

3. Employee engages in customer service conversation conversations with physicians as adjunct to facility marketing initiatives.