JJob Description

JOB TITLE: Central Sterile Technician

REPORTS TO: Administrator, Director of Nursing, OR Charge Nurse

DEPARTMENT: Nursing

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

OVERVIEW:

Responsible for cleaning, packaging, sterilizing and storing the supplies, instruments and equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Supports the philosophy, goals and objectives of the Organization

o Supports and perform according to approved policies and procedures.

o Participates as a team member in support of the total perioperative process.

o Considers patient rights in performance of job duties and responsibilities.

· Contributes to the progress and development of the approved Quality Management Program.

o Supports risk management and participates in programs directed to patient and staff safety.

o Contributes to the quality management process; identifies role and contributions upon request.

o Objectively evaluates suggestions, grievances, and processes to identify opportunities to improve performance and quality of care.

· Communicates effectively with patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers.

o Interactions are respectful and courteous.

o Communicates effectively and professionally using a translator when necessary.

o Documents that information received from the physician or sales representative is disseminated to the appropriate people.

· Maintains and promotes professional competences through continuing education and other learning experiences.

o Participates in committees, conferences and quality improvement activities.

o Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities.

o Objectively evaluates suggestions or criticisms and attempts to improve performance or seeks further guidance, as needed.

o Attends and actively participates in meetings, committees and in-services according to job responsibilities and Facility requirements.

· Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities.

o Reports observed or suspected violations, hazards and noncompliance according to Facility policy.

o Observes safety measures in performance of job duties and responsibilities.

o Responds to emergency situations with competence and composure.

o Maintains a clean and orderly central processing work area.

· Interacts appropriately with various age groups.

o Provides equipment and supplies appropriate to the patient’s age group.

o Considers age-specific patient requirements when responding to emergency situations.

· Adheres to sterilization process policies and procedures.

o Cleans each item according to manufactures’ instructions.

o Verifies that each item is in good working condition; lubricates items when needed and inspects instruments under a microscope for damage and defects.

o Sorts and arranges items into correct trays and wraps trays and individual items according to Facility policy.

o Accurately labels each item with name and expiration date.

· Correctly operates sterilizers, ultrasonic washers and other equipment for processing items.

o Positions items correctly in sterilizer and selects proper cycle; seeks assistance when needed.

o Checks indicators for proper functioning.

o Performs required biological monitoring tests on all sterilizers according to Facility policy.

o Maintains availability of supplies for recording continuity during the sterilization process.

o Cleans sterilizers according to Facility policy.

· Maintains inventory levels and accurate records.

o Performs weekly inspections of all sterile items in the Facility.

o Checks for outdated items and package integrity of wrapped sterilized items; replaces items as necessary.

o Places items in correct location.

o Maintains adequate inventory of supplies for the sterile processing area.

o Maintains and updates the instrument tray inventory list.

o Maintains current information regarding routine preference cards.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCIES - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, and TRAINING:

· High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Must have demonstrated understanding of sterilization principles.

· Experience in central processing functions preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

BLS

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required walk, sit, stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, hear, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

VISION REQUIREMENTS:

There are no special vision requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

· This position works in an environment with moderate noise level. (Examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic.)

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in high precarious places.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to extreme heat (non weather).

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to risk of radiation.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to vibrations.

· While performing duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Healthcare setting:

• Ambulatory surgery center

Medical specialties:

• Surgery

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person