Sterile Processing Technician - Sterile Processing

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs and maintains recommended standards for decontamination, assembly, inspection, packaging and sterilization of instrumentation for surgical procedures, and provides efficient and timely disbursement of equipment and/or supplies to patient care areas. Collaborates with the Perioperative Nursing staff to provide sterile instrument sets, equipment and case carts in an accurate and timely manner. Ensures workflow remains consistent and continuous, providing superior customer service.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Processes instrumentation and equipment in accordance with appropriate policy using principles of aseptic technique and HSPA, CBSPD, AAMI and AORN standards.
• Performs proper decontamination, assembly, packaging, sterilizing and distribution functions of instrumentation and equipment by following the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).
• Proficiently navigates numerous surgical software programs (Censitrac, SCM, SSC, Orchestrate).
• Acts as a resource to clinical staff regarding instrumentation and equipment; communicates effectively with surgical team members and other associates to ensure that supplies and equipment are delivered in a timely manner for use in patient care areas.
• Coordinates with OR leadership and staff to ensure instrumentation is adequate to support the daily surgical volume; maintains accurate records including charges and credits for inventory items.
• Organizes and accurately assembles routine and specialty surgical instrumentation, case carts and supplies according to respective pick list, instrument count sheet, and/or case cart system.
• Demonstrates initiative combined with rapidity and accuracy with preparing supplies and instruments within a limited time frame.
• Operates cleaning and sterilization equipment and maintains accurate records of efficacy testing as well as all loads and contents. Performs troubleshooting of equipment as needed.
• Inspects equipment, instruments and packaging for cleanliness, defects and/or malfunctions and expiration dates as applicable. Separates defective items from rotation and processes repair requests for defective equipment.
• Performs quality control through routine physical monitoring and cleaning to ensure cleaning and sterilization equipment and instrumentation are functioning properly.
• Adheres to all regulatory agency requirements (OSHA, FDA, CDC, TJC, CMS, DOH) regarding fire/safety, sterilization, universal precautions and good documentation practices (GDP).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Strong critical thinking skills to make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read, understand and apply HSPA, CBSPD, AAMI and AORN standards and manufacturer’s instructions for equipment use.
• Ability to plan and organize work in a timely manner with attention to detail.
• Ability to flex work hours as needed to meet the needs of the department, including on-call rotation, weekend and state of emergency coverage.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Associate’s degree
• Certification: Preferred through HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM), or CBSPD
• Work Experience: One (1) year prior experience in sterile processing
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic and complex instrumentation
• Knowledge of HSPA, CBSPD, AAMI and AORN standards

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Moderate)

• Physically agile; may require walking, standing running, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing or crouching frequently.
• Medium work that may include lifting or moving objects up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, with or without assistance.
• May require moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces, including reaching out and above shoulders or over head.
• May lift, turn, pull, push, or ambulate people and/or equipment with or without assistance up to 90% of the assigned shift.
• May be exposed to inside and outside environments with varied temperatures, air quality, lighting and/or low to loud noise.
• May require working with biohazards such as blood/body fluids and airborne particles following OSHA and CDC Guidelines.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks.
• Workspace may vary from open to confined.
• May require travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter; may require use of personal vehicle.

ABOUT HEALTH FIRST

At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together, we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.