STERILE PROCESSING TECH

Overview

The Sterile Processing Technician demonstrates a working knowledge of the total sterilization process (e.g. decontamination, reprocessing, reassemble and sterilization) of all surgical instruments or supplies within the facility.

The Sterile Processing Technician demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.
Responsibilities

Examination, identification, care and assembly of all surgical instruments and trays.
Follows proper cleaning and sterilization instructions for all surgical instruments, equipment (including power equipment)
Examines instruments for cleanliness and proper working order prior to sterilization.
Has a working knowledge of all the different sterilization processes (steam, gas, sterrad, steris, and flash) and when to use the correct process.
Understands and adheres to the departmental policies when a sterilizer malfunction or wet load.
Adheres to and follows all infection control practices. Hand washing, correct use of all soaps, disinfectants and wears correct Personal protective equipment (PPE) when appropriate.
Working knowledge of a decontamination area. Correct disassembly for cleaning, and prioritizing your work load daily to maximize our turnover rate of high volume instruments.
Working knowledge of a Case Cart system. Understands the GEMS computer system to access the Surgeon Pick Sheets. Able to Pick a surgical case cart without errors. (holes in wrappers, correct procedure-instruments and supplies)
Complete all documentation for sterilization records. Understanding of a Bowie-Dick vacuum test and biological tests done daily. Follow proper procedures if a failure would occur.
Understands the different types of patient care equipment.
Follows manufacturer's instruction for cleaning of all patient care equipment.
Orders and discontinues the use of all specialty beds
Knows how to order loaner equipment when census is high.
Restocks all used or expired carts in a timely manner.
Assures that no expired supplies are in any cart/box. All expired supplies are removed from the cart/box and the department.
All equipment is checked and in working order.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

High School graduate or equivalent
Preferred: Successful completion of an accredited Sterile Processing course


KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Strong knowledge of surgical instrumentation. (Examination, identification, care and assembly)
Working knowledge of the sterilization process.
Working knowledge of a Case Cart system.
Strong understanding of the documentation for sterilization records.
Working knowledge of the various biological/DART tests for autoclaves.
Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
Strong Customer Service skills.
Strong Communication skills.
Ability to work either independently or in a group.
Ability to resolve problems effectively.
Ability to motivate and precept new employees.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards
Constant standing
Frequent lifting up to 25 lbs.
Frequent waking, lifting, carrying, reaching, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, near vision, midrange vision, and far vision
Occasional lifting up to 100 lbs.
Occasional sitting, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, twisting, depth perception, visual accommodation, color vision, and field of vision