Sterile Process Tech I

Department/Unit: Sterile Processing Work Shift: Evening (United States of America) Performs duties in Central Sterile Processing Department in Decontamination, Instrument Preparation and Assembly, and Sterilization/Disinfection relating to cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment to be used in patient care. Disassembles complex instruments, supplies and equipment; sorts and inspects for damage and reports needed repairs. Selects the mode of decontamination best suited for items on hand. Assembles, prepares and packages instrument trays, surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty items. Determines the appropriate sterilization or disinfection method and follows appropriate steps for reprocessing. Follows strict documentation guidelines for tray management, biological/chemical test results, equipment functionality, and reprocessing steps. Hourly Range: $18.00/hr. - $29.00/hr. Job Summary Performs duties in Central Sterile Processing Department in Decontamination, Instrument Preparation and Assembly, and Sterilization/Disinfection relating to cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment to be used in patient care. Disassembles complex instruments, supplies and equipment; sorts and inspects for damage and reports needed repairs. Selects the mode of decontamination best suited for items on hand. Assembles, prepares and packages instrument trays, surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty items. Determines the appropriate sterilization or disinfection method and follows appropriate steps for reprocessing. Follows strict documentation guidelines for tray management, biological/chemical test results, equipment functionality, and reprocessing steps. Accountabilities Receives, sorts, disassembles and processes contaminated instruments and equipment using the procedures and guidelines as established by Infection Control. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments and body fluids by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and using ultrasonic or other mechanical methods, as applicable. Assembles all instrument sets following prescribed manner and as outlined on the Instrument Count Sheets. Properly documents missing items from the set and labels sets correctly. Takes action to correct problems with instrument sets and reports any unresolved issues. Sterilizes instruments, equipment, linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves and aerators. Reprocesses equipment via high level disinfection as appropriate. Loads and operates machinery in prescribed manner and sets controls to correct specifications for the items being sterilized. Properly documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the Instrument Tracking System (TDOC, SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems. Observe and interpret biological, mechanical and chemical monitors relevant to processing/sterilizing. Record results and maintains required records. Initiates recalls as required. Issues items to customers and departments according to established procedures. Observes and reports to supervisor any unfamiliar items with or without appropriate processing literature. Reports equipment requiring repair as needed. Is self-directed and intervenes with corrections to variances in the processing practice. Minimum Requirements High School Diploma Required Certifications/Registrations/Licensure Certification as either 1) Sterile Processing Technician from either CBSPD or IAHCSMM or 2) Surgical Technologist from either NBSTSA or NCCT is preferred Applicants without Sterile Processing or Surgical Technologist certification (CRCST, CSPDT, CST) are required to obtain CRCST certification via IAHCSMM within ONE (1) year of meeting the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam. Eligibility is defined by IAHCSMM as "10 weeks (400 hours) experience" in a Sterile Processing hospital setting. Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center! Albany Medical is an equal opportunity employer. This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Medical Center, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that: Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Center policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification. Albany Med is the centerpiece of medicine, research, and medical education in New York’s Capital Region and is the area's largest private employer with more than 10,000 employees. Albany Med offers excellent career opportunities in a wide range of roles in both patient care and administration. We value all our staff members and offer outstanding employee benefits including: Excellent health care coverage with lower copays at most Albany Med providers. A wide array of services and programs to support emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing Anchored in the state’s historic capital city, Albany Med offers a full range outpatient and inpatient care and is home to the region’s largest hospital, only Level 1 trauma center, and only children’s hospital. The downtown campus also offers opportunities at Albany Medical College. Albany Med partners with Columbia Memorial Health, Saratoga Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital to form the Albany Med Health System, serving more than three million people over 25 counties.

Salary : $18 - $29