The Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician is responsible for cleaning, packaging, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing sterile instrumentation for use in patient care within hospital departments and in clinics. Responsible for ordering "special request" items for Operating Room procedures not routinely stocked in the Operating Rooms. This position contributes to patient safety and comfort by controlling and monitoring internal and external environments through biological testing and product evaluation. Cleans and reprocesses a variety of endoscopes and accessories. Stays current on IFU for every instrument, machine, and supply in the department. Operates and maintains a variety of machines in the department. Keeps records of loads, diagnostic testing, and maintenance performed on machines. Operates and maintains decontamination equipment. Works in conjunction with the Operating Room Staff to provide timely sterile products.

Routine duties shall include providing health care services to individuals eligible for services in accordance with the self-government compact and funding agreement between the Cherokee Nation and the United States executed under the authority of the Indian Self-Determine and Education Assistance Act. Monitors surgery schedules daily identifying general, specific, and potential needs for all cases. Ability to work effectively in role independently and with other team members. Ability to organize and complete work in a timely manner. Ability to understand medical/surgical terminology. Performs simple maintenance on equipment (cleans and changes filters, drains) and performs troubleshooting. Able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for an extended amount of time. Other duties may be assigned.

Decontaminates contaminated instruments, endoscopes, and equipment:

Receives and disassembles medical instruments and equipment. Inspects for proper functionality, reports problems and defective items to supervisor. Determines the proper method for cleaning, utilizing the accepted techniques for handwashing and automated sanitation. Examines items to ensure proper cleaning has occurred. Receives, decontaminates, reprocesses and maintains a variety of endoscopes and endoscopic accessories. Monitors reprocessing units to ensure they are performing at optimal levels. Performs routine checks on reprocessing equipment and high level disinfecting agents. Interprets and records results. Reports problems to the manager. Maintains endoscopy equipment and instrumentation following proper IFU (Instruction for Use). Oversees the care, handling, and maintenance of endoscope and equipment. Inspects endoscopes and any broken equipment and reports to the manager. Troubleshoots basic technical problems with endoscopes or other equipment. Sends equipment for repair following departmental procedures. Maintains open communication with the manager regarding the maintenance of endoscopes, equipment, and supplies to meet Operating Room needs. Documents and tracks scope repair or any other equipment in need of repair.

Communicates all repairs to the manager. Operates reprocess equipment utilizing the proper operating procedures and methods following the manufacturers recommendation parameters for use as well as loading and unloading techniques. Follows procedures and infection control guidelines

Preparation of instruments and equipment:

Reassembles instruments and equipment, utilizing proper techniques for the protection of delicate items and sharp edges. Assembles emergency and standard trays which are used throughout the facility in all patient care areas, arranging instruments appropriately, and utilizing appropriate packaging material. Prepares and wraps surgical instruments and trays, such as those utilized in the operating rooms, labor and delivery, orthopedic, podiatry, women's clinic, surgery clinic, emergency room, urgent care, and optometry clinic. Assembles various respirators, pumps, and monitoring devices, and complex medical equipment such as fiber optic scopes.

Determines the proper techniques for preparing and packaging wrap items and trays, inserts appropriate sterile control indicators, labels all packages, and determines the proper method for sterilization. Accepts on-call duty as assigned.

Sterilization of instruments and equipment:

Loads and unloads sterilizers and other equipment used in sanitizing and sterilizing medical equipment and supplies. Assures adequate sterilization has taken place by checking indicator tape, internal indicator strip, steam pressure and timing device. Conducts tests routinely of autoclave and high-level disinfectant efficiency. Reports results to the supervisor. Checks supplies delivered to the unit, places items for proper storage on shelves and supply rooms. Determines adequate supplies and recommends revisions in levels and/or substitutes stock using knowledge of surgical and anesthesia procedures. Takes responsibility to order "special equipment and supplies" requested of upcoming procedures. Makes contact with vendors and makes arrangements for the proper equipment and supplies to arrive promptly for scheduled procedures. Issues supplies, instruments, and equipment for sterile processing upon request. Maintains a safe, sanitary environment in the department. Contributes to patient safety and comfort by controlling and monitoring internal and external environments through biological testing and product evaluations. Maintains the confidentiality of any information received from any person or source about a patient, unless authorized in writing by the patient or requested by law or court order. Complies with the applicable state, tribal, and federal regulations in regards to the security, safety, and confidentiality of any health services record they create, maintain, transfer, or destroy, whether the record is written, taped, computerized, or stored in any other medium.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and at least one year of specialized training or education.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

An additional six (6) months of experience in a related field.

COMPUTER SKILLS

An individual should know Accounting software; Database software; Internet software; Inventory software; Manufacturing software; Order processing systems; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid driver's license with a driving history verified through a motor vehicle report that meets requirements for Cherokee Nation underwriting rating. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 6 months of employment and maintain throughout employment. National Certification as a Central/Sterile Processing Technician or equivalent is preferred.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

The employee must not be and will not be under sanction by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or by the General Services Administration (GSA); or listed on the OIG's Cumulative Sanction Report; or listed on the GSA's List of Excluded Providers; or listed on the OIG's List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Must meet and maintain pre-employment and periodic background investigation and adjudication for child care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Work Hours: 8-10 hour shifts M-F with call requirement