Sterile Processing Technician

Job Description

Performs the essential duties and responsibilities and the primary functions of a Sterile Processing Technician. Incorporates current knowledge of principles of decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, and instrumentation in a hospital setting to provide indirect quality patient care. Utilizes knowledge of Standard Precautions and infection control to perform the functions of the position.

SHIFT AND SCHEDULE

Full Time, Nights, 11:00pm to 7:30am

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of instrument sets and names of instruments.
• Recognizes that documentation of loads is a legal record and must be done accurately and completely.
• Monitors surgery schedule daily in order to anticipate instrument needs for scheduled add-on and emergency procedures.
• Sorts reusable instrumentation based on methods of decontamination (i.e., heat sensitive vs. non-heat sensitive, immersible vs. non-immersible, mechanical vs. hand wash).
• Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification and assembly according to OneSource in preparation for sterilization; retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are complete.
• Using OneSource, correctly packages/ wraps and labels material based on item properties and sterilization processes, following guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
• 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, DNV, OSHA, CDC, AAMI, and AORN standards.
• Maintains appropriate sterilization 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.
• Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization while inspecting each instrument for use, function, completeness and cleanliness.
• 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) while handling and disposing of infectious waste.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent work experience.
• Required to complete twelve (12) hours of continuing education hours annually for Advanced Sterile Processing Certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual must be able to:

• Stand, walk, sit, stoop, reach, lift, see, speak and hear. Lifting is limited to 35 lbs. for clinical staff and to 50 lbs. for non-clinical staff. The individual must use an assisted-lift device or get another individual(s) to assist with the lift that is over these maximum limits.