Sterile Processing Technician

Under the general guidance and direction of the CSP Operations Supervisor, Lead Sterile Processing Technician, the Sterile Processing Technician 1 utilizes entry level skill sets to enact Sterile Processing functions as directed. The Sterile Processing Technician 1 works with preceptors and the Sterile Processing Lead Technician to develop the skills required to independently perform all primary functions. Primary Sterile Processing responsibilities include receiving instrumentation, sorting and decontamination of procedural items and instrumentation; inspection and assembly of minor instrument groups and instrument trays; identification of respective sterilization method and cycle selection, accurate documentation for all sterile processes; and accurate inventory assignment relating to the casebuilding process.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities including but not limited to:

Decontamination & Cleaning:

• Dons and doffs Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required by national standards and guidelines.

• Communicates supply needs within decontamination area to the PeriOp Specialist, including cleaning brushes, enzymatic detergent solutions, PPE, and test monitoring supplies.

• Performs routine tests on all mechanical equipment to ensure compliance with manufacturer’s guidelines and national standards, including but not limited to automated washers/disinfectors, ultrasonic machines, cartwashers, detergent-dispensing units, flushing devices.

• Receives soiled or new equipment (instrumentation, scopes, supplies, etc.) from the Operating Room or the procedural clinics throughout the system; documenting receipt via the tracking system; decontaminate said equipment according to policies and procedures.

• Disassembles equipment as necessary before proceeding with the required cleaning method(s).

• Identifies repair needs from either communication from the Operating Room or upon inspection of the received soiled/new instrumentation and relaying that communication to the PeriOp Specialist, CSP Operations Supervisor, or Sterile Processing Lead Technician.

• Utilizes appropriate cleaning equipment to achieve decontamination, including cleaning brushes, enzymatic detergent solutions, flushing devices, ultrasonic machines, and leak test devices.

• Cleans and disinfectsworkstation by utilizing with antibacterial wipes and solutions upon work completion or as needed.

• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the CSP Operations Supervisor or Sterile Processing Lead Technician.

Prep & Packaging:

• Documents all instrumentation and equipment tasks performed via instrument tracking system.

• Inspects and assembles all equipment, instruments, scopes, and instrument trays according to product recipe (countsheet), verifies instrument functionality, is free of bioburden and debris, and is clear of pitting, rusting, and staining.

• Documents instrumentation missing from instrument tray, escalating issue(s) to CSP Operations Supervisor or PeriOp Specialist for further guidance.

• Identifies and places sterilization indicator respective to the sterilization method as required.

• Selects appropriate packaging method, including any sterilization accessories (corner protectors, tray liners, etc.); verifies all physical monitors and/or labels are secured to packaged products.  

• Transports items to sterilization area in accordance with reprocessing method.

• Maintains clean and organized workstation, ensuring workspace is functional for colleague use upon assignment completion or as needed.

• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the CSP Operations Supervisor or Sterile Processing Lead Technician.

Sterilization, High-Level Disinfection, & Sterile Storage:

• Designates product toappropriate sterilization method and cycle according to package labeling, including Steam, Low-Temperature, or AER.

• Inspects packaged product to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are secured to items, returns non-compliant product to Prep & Pack area.

• Loads sterilizer in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure cycle completion; includes biological testing as appropriate.

• Performs routine sterilizer testing including biological monitoring, leak test, and dynamic air-removal test as appropriate.

• Following policies and procedures to appropriately documentsresult of sterilizer testing. Escalates positive results to CSP leadership as appropriate for interventional procedures.

• Removes and inspects items from sterilizer utilizing approved methods to preserve packaging integrity. 

• Following established procedures selects appropriate High Level Disinfection method, Steris System 1E, for heat sensitive instruments, equipment, or flexible endoscopes. 

• Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.

• Performs daily AER maintenance in accordance with established policies and procedures, documents appropriately.

• Monitors instrumentation post-sterilization for temperatures appropriate for sterile storage.

• Transports instrumentation to sterile storage to appropriate stock location.

• Separates instrumentation stored to the inner core by placing on the respective service line cart for late transport into the Operating Room.

• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the CSP Operations Supervisor or Sterile Processing Lead Technician.

Casebuilding & Client Service:

• Processes casebuildtickets to gather instrumentation and disposable supplies requested by physician or other perioperative entity.

• Documents casebuild process via instrument tracking system, consistently updating the record as line items are fulfilled to maintaincase needs.

• Inspects items during the casebuildprocess to ensure package integrity remains intact, package is within expiration date, and substitutions are appropriate perperioperative communication.

• Communicates unfulfilled surgical needs and requests to CSP leadership for further guidance.

• Returns supplies unused after surgical procedures to their appropriate stock location to replenish par levels.

• Modifies casebuildorder as directed by CSP Operations Supervisor based on case schedule and volume.

• Monitors the department line to communicate needs from procedural areas to CSP Operations Supervisor or Sterile Processing Lead Technician.

• Assists Operating Room nurses, technologists, and technicians in locating instrumentation within sterile storage and determining turnover needs for case schedule.

• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the CSP Operations Supervisor or Sterile Processing Lead Technician.

Organizational Requirements:

• Maintains strict adherence to the LHMC’s Confidentiality Policy.

• Incorporates LHMC’s Guiding Principles, Mission Statement and Goals into daily activities.  

• Demonstrates an understanding of the job description, performance expectations, and competency assessment.

• Participates in departmental and/or interdepartmental quality improvement activities.

• Participates in and successfully completes Mandatory Education.

• Performs all other duties as needed or directed to meet the needs of the department.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:  High School diploma or equivalent.

Licensure, Certification, Registration:None required.Mustacquire certification with either National certifying body (CBSPD or IAHCSMM/HSPA) within12 months of hire date.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:  Attention to detail; good organizational skills;Basic computer skills.  Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment. Ability to read,  comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively overall.  In the absence of any of these skills, demonstrates the ability to be thoroughly trained to meet organizational standards.Ability to lift 50 lbs.; frequently lifting; pushing; pulling required. 

Experience:    None (entry level)