What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sterile Processing Technician position at Knoxville Spine Surgery?
Sterile Processing Technician (SPD) Position Description
Job Title: Sterile Processing Technician (SPD Technician)
Department: Sterile Processing Department (SPD) - Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)
Reports To: SPD Supervisor/Manager
Job Summary: The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment. This role ensures that all instruments are properly sterilized and available for surgical procedures in the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC).
Key Responsibilities:
- Instrument Decontamination:
- Receive and sort contaminated instruments and equipment from the operating rooms and other areas.
- Manually clean instruments and use ultrasonic washers, enzymatic solutions, and other cleaning agents to remove bioburden.
- Operate washer-disinfectors and other decontamination equipment.
- Inspection and Assembly:
- Inspect instruments for cleanliness, damage, and proper functioning.
- Assemble instrument trays and sets according to established protocols and checklists.
- Wrap, package, and label instruments and supplies for sterilization.
- Sterilization:
- Operate autoclaves, steam sterilizers, and other sterilization equipment.
- Monitor and document sterilization cycles to ensure proper parameters are met.
- Maintain accurate records of sterilization processes and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Storage and Distribution:
- Store sterilized instruments and equipment in designated areas.
- Ensure that surgical suites and other clinical areas are adequately stocked with sterile supplies.
- Maintain an inventory of sterile processing supplies and order as needed.
- Quality Control and Compliance:
- Perform routine biological and chemical testing to ensure the effectiveness of sterilization processes.
- Adhere to infection control guidelines, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives and training programs.
- Equipment Maintenance:
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of sterile processing equipment.
- Report any malfunctions or repair needs to the SPD Supervisor.
Qualifications:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a Sterile Processing Technician program accredited by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or a similar body.
- Certification: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in sterile processing, preferably in an ASC or hospital setting.
- Skills:
- Knowledge of sterilization techniques and infection control practices.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow strict protocols.
- Good organizational and time management skills.
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
Working Conditions:
- Primarily in a sterile processing area within an ASC.
- Requires standing for long periods, repetitive motions, and handling of delicate instruments.
- Exposure to chemicals, cleaning agents, and potentially infectious materials, with adherence to safety protocols required.
Benefits
- KSS offers a comprehensive full time benefits package to all employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
- Medical Insurance Plan is included for the employee as part of the package. Medical family plans, Dental and Vision Insurance options are available.
- Paid Time Off & 9 Paid Holidays
- Company Paid Life Insurance, Long Term Disability & AD&D
- Employee Assistance Program
- Retirement Plan
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18