Sterilization Processing Technician

JOB SUMMARY: The Sterile Processing Technician is assigned duties performing decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the School of Dental Medicine, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process.

CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promotes and preserves the mission of LECOM.
• Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely, prepares, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards. Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility.
• Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification, and assembly according to OneSource and preparation for sterilization; retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.
• Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness, and cleanliness.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Communicate with operating room staff to provide required instruments.
• Is responsible for reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Clinical Director and Material Manger and follow process for replacement.
• Clean, set up, sterilize, and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift.
• Maintains records for QA and sterilization.
• Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission Standards.
• Is familiar with organization, department, and job specific Environment of Care areas, including Life Safety, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control and Medical Equipment Failure.
• Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include: • the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate.

• Accept other duties as needed/assigned for the Institution’s needs;
• Remain flexible to take on other tasks demanded of the duty position;

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed:

Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to be able to determine operational adequacy and to distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction.

• Knowledge of applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards sufficient to be able to perform all assignments within the safety parameters.
• Using OneSource as resource- knowledge sufficient to be able to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals, and medical instruments sufficient to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies, and instruments.
• Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment, i.e., emergency cart, oxygen/nitrous tanks, monitors, up to 25 lbs.
• Must have good telephone manners and problem-solving skills.
• Is able to perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, which will include instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts of various sizes. Tactile differentiation, e.g., temperature, moisture.
• Skill in cleaning specialized equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and experience equivalent to: a high school diploma, GED equivalent is required. As Associate of Bachelor’s degree is preferred. A minimum of two (2) to three (3) years’ work experience in the dental industry or dental higher education environment is preferred.