Sterile Processing Associate

Department/Unit:

Sterile Processing

Work Shift:

Evening (United States of America)

Salary Range:

$41,923.00 - $54,500.00Performs duties in Central Sterile Processing Department in Decontamination, Instrument Preparation and Assembly, and Sterilization/Disinfection relating to cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment to be used in patient care. Disassembles complex instruments, supplies and equipment; sorts and inspects for damage and reports needed repairs. Selects the mode of decontamination best suited for items on hand. Assembles, prepares and packages instrument trays, surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty items. Determines the appropriate sterilization or disinfection method and follows appropriate steps for reprocessing. Follows strict documentation guidelines for tray management, biological/chemical test results, equipment functionality, and reprocessing steps.

• Receives, sorts, disassembles and processes contaminated instruments and equipment using the procedures and guidelines as established by Infection Control. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments and body fluids by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and using ultrasonic or other mechanical methods, as applicable.
• Assembles all instrument sets following prescribed manner and as outlined on the Instrument Count Sheets.  Properly documents missing items from the set and labels sets correctly.  Takes action to correct problems with instrument sets  and reports any unresolved issues.
• Sterilizes instruments, equipment, linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves and aerators.  Reprocesses equipment via high level disinfection as appropriate.  Loads and operates machinery in prescribed manner and sets controls to correct specifications for the items being sterilized.
• Properly documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the Instrument Tracking System (TDOC, SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems.
• Observe and interpret biological, mechanical and chemical monitors relevant to processing/sterilizing.  Record results and maintains required records.  Initiates recalls as required.
• Issues items to customers and departments according to established procedures.
• Observes and reports to supervisor any unfamiliar items with or without appropriate processing literature. Reports equipment requiring repair as needed. Is self-directed and intervenes with corrections to variances in the processing practice.

• Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician from either CBSPD or HSPA

  Applicants without Sterile Processing (CRCST) are required to obtain CRCST certification via HSPA within ONE (1) year of meeting the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam.  Eligibility is defined by HSPA as "10 weeks (400 hours) experience" in a Sterile Processing hospital setting.

Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!​

Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.