Central Sterile Tech I Nu

Job Requirements

I. General Summary

Under general supervision, stores, maintains, and provides sterile instrumentation to OR in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Assists in distribution of medical/surgical supplies and hospital instruments and equipment.

Responsibilities

II. Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Stores instrument trays and equipment in designated storage areas ready for distribution.
• Stores items based on first in, first-out (FIFO) in order to provide for appropriate stock rotation.
• Cleans storage shelves as required to maintain clean work environment.
• Dispenses and delivers supplies, equipment and instruments to Operating Rooms’ case carts.
• Maintains an accurate record of supplies/instruments and equipment for use and availability. This includes computer data entry
• Selects correct items and ensures that all items are usable and in proper condition prior to placing on cart or providing to OR (i.e. clean, dry wrap, wrap not torn, sterile parameters met.) Delivers as appropriate.
• Collects, verifies and forwards patient charge tickets and supply requisitions to Data Processing or other requester, as appropriate.
• Notifies the supervisor or designee of supply shortages.
• Performs terminal sterilization activities in accordance with established procedures utilizing steam and plasma and related sterilization equipment.
• Loads and unloads instruments and equipment from sterilizers properly, in accordance with established procedures.
• Operates steam and plasma sterilizers and related equipment; recognizes equipment malfunctions and reports to Team Leader and Supervisor immediately. May perform routine maintenance and minor repair of equipment as needed.
• Monitors the sterilization process using mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators.
• Records data on items sterilized, identifying item, date, sterilizer, and load. This includes computer data entry.
• Complies with safety requirements regarding thermal and chemical exposure.
• Communicates effectively with clinical, nursing and staff from other departments to renders service and to resolve problems. Refers difficult issues to the supervisor for resolution
• Observes appropriate handling and safety standards throughout the entire sterilization process in accordance with governing regulations and UMMS standards
• Attends all mandatory hospital and department in-service training programs and safety training annually
• Attends relevant hospital and community training programs to promote professional growth and development.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  
  

III. Qualifications

• Completion of a high school level of course work with attainment of a high school diploma or state High School Equivalency Certificate (GED). Completion of a Registered Central Service (Sterile Supply) Technician program by a recognized registering agency, such as, the International Association of Healthcare Central Services and Materials is required within one year.
• A minimum of one-year Central Sterile Processing experience or successful completion of a recognized surgical technician program is required.
• Basic knowledge of the use of a PC and computerized database system or demonstrated ability to learn within one year.
• Ability to read, write, speak English and perform simple mathematical operations for inventory purposes, including, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Ability to follow detailed written or verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to operate potentially hazardous sterilizing equipment and related equipment.
• Ability to learn new concepts and techniques and to transfer knowledge into performance regarding such items as, basic principles of microbiology, infection control, safety and computerized record keeping to assist supervisor with tracking inventory levels.
• Ability to stand and walk, each approximately 50% of the time in the process of operating equipment arranging instrument trays and equipment carts, conducting inventory of and dispensing supplies. Ability to lift equipment up to no more than 50 lbs. To load cart. Ability to push/pull carts of instruments, supplies and/or equipment.
• Ability to handle potentially hazardous materials, such as, high temperatures of steam, decontamination chemicals and sharp instruments in the decontamination and sterilization process.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary I order to work with various clinical personnel, resolve problems and to properly identify and label supplies for inventory.
  
  

IV. Working conditions

• Weekend, shift work, holiday, on –call and overtime may be required
• Work requires standing and walking, each approximately 50% of the time in the process of operating equipment, arranging instrument trays and equipment carts, conducting inventory and picking up and delivering supplies, where appropriate.
• Work requires lifting equipment of no more than 50 lbs. to load equipment carts. Work requires pushing/pulling of cars of instruments and/or equipment to dispense sterile items to clinical personnel.
• There is potential for regular exposure to infectious diseases from contaminated medical/surgical instruments and equipment, and hazardous materials (disinfectant chemicals, gases, steam) in the work environments, requiring observance of “Universal Precautions”: by wearing protective clothing, gloves, goggles, mask. Head covering, shoe covers. Apron and the observance of safe handling practices.
• Work requires good manual dexterity and visual acuity to handle and inspect potentially hazardous instruments (sharps) and to operate mechanical sterilizers.
• Patient Safety
  
  

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

• Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
• Implements policies, procedure, and standards consistently in the performance of assigned duties.
• Develops effective working relationships and maintains good communication with other team members.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.