Sterile Processing Tech

Description

Responsible for the decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of trays, instruments, supplies, and equipment following all infection control practices. Responsible for dispensing equipment upon request. Maintains accurate records and departmental inventory usage. Responsible for case cart building and responds to requests from surgery.

Job Responsibilities

• Disassembles, cleans, and disinfects instruments and equipment used for patient care utilizing correct manual and mechanical processes.
• Operates equipment used in the decontamination process, such as sonic washers, cart washers, washer sterilizers, and decontaminators.
• Performs cleaning tasks in the work area as assigned.
• Uses universal precautions when working in the decontamination area, including gloves, face shields, and protective gowns.
• Makes rounds throughout the facility to retrieve reusable instruments and equipment and transports them back to the Sterile Processing Department.
• Unloads instruments from washer sterilizers and distributes them to appropriate workstations.
• Assembles instrument trays and packs utilizing written instructions and proper protocol.
• Checks for sharpness and proper functioning of instruments.
• Recognizes and memorizes a large variety of instruments.
• Applies sterilization wrappers properly to maintain the integrity of the contents.
• Utilizes heat sealer on packs as needed.
• Ensures each item is identified correctly on the outside packaging.
• Loads sterilizer carriage and transports trays to the sterilization area.
• Checks trays, packs, and basins on sterilizer carriage to ensure correct procedures have been utilized.
• Operates each type of sterilizer, selecting the correct cycle and time period required for specified loads.
• Knowledgeable of all methods of sterilization, such as Sterrad and Steam.
• Accurately documents all sterilization information, manually or through the use of a computer.
• Completes biological monitoring per departmental policy.
• Handles and restocks sterile instruments and supplies properly in the sterile storage area, ensuring all items are rotated as required.
• Continuously monitors all equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.
• Obtains surgical preference lists from the computer to pull supplies for each case.
• Labels the location of instruments and supplies to increase efficiency.
• Performs quality control final check before items leave the department.
• Restocks, stores, or returns procedural carts to the appropriate area.
• Fulfills requests from the OR and Pre-op/PACU when requested.
• Assists with one-on-one training of other associates.
• Responds to emergency codes when required.
• Follows instructions and departmental guidelines regarding sterility.
• Attends departmental in-services and mandatory meetings.
• Knowledgeable of all areas in the Sterile Processing Department.
  
  

Skills

Required Skills & Experience

• Two years of Central Service experience.
  
  

Education

Required Education

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
  
  

Required Certifications & Licensure

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).