Sterile Processing / Surg Tech, Central Sterile (Part-time, Day)

Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.

Job Summary

Performs 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. The position requires working within the standards and guidelines of multiple industry agencies (including, but not limiting to TJC, AAMI, FDA, CDC).

Role expands as needed to perform surgical technologist responsibilities in the operating room, including but not limited to : coordinating instrumentation and sterile field needs for procedures, preparing surgical field / back table, assisting surgeon at the field during procedure, and assisting other operating room staff as needed.

Annual training and competencies are required to be completed for both the Central Sterile and Operating Room areas / departments.

Essential Functions

All team members are expected to be knowledgeable and compliant with Prisma Health's purpose :   Inspire health.  Serve with compassion.  Be the difference.

As a Sterile Processing Tech :

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 (SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems.

Observes and interprets biological, mechanical and chemical monitors relevant to processing / sterilizing.  Records results and maintains required records.  Initiates recalls as required.

Issues items to customers and departments according to established procedures.

Observes and reports to leader 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.

As a Surgical Tech :

Prepares for surgical procedures by collecting necessary supplies and instruments according to Surgeon Preference Card.

Prepares the Operating Room for cases by opening sterile supplies, setting up table, arranging instruments and supplies according to type of case.

Assists the surgical team during the operative procedure. Assists in maintaining correct count of instruments, needles and sponges. Identifies and cares for specimens. Handles drugs and solutions under direction of the RN.

Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and terminally clean at the end of the day. Returns unused supplies and instruments and extra equipment to proper storage.

Maintains aseptic techniques; actively monitor situations which could lead to breaches in aseptic technique. Takes action to correct.

Assumes responsibility of department in absence of Manager, Supervisor, or Coordinator. Is expected to prioritize tasks, coordinate and assign staff to ensure adequate coverage in each work area. Reports inappropriate employee behavior to leader.

Models Prisma Health behavior expectations. Assists with coaching, mentoring and training coworkers as assigned. Trains and assists with integration of new team members.  Shares knowledge, ideas and expertise to support the team and the department.

Completes annual 15 hours of ST continuing education between Jan 1st - Dec. 1st each year.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory / Management Responsibilities

This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director or executive.

Minimum Requirements

Education - Completion of Surgical Technology program.

Experience - No experience required. Surg Tech or Sterile Processing Tech experience preferred.

In Lieu Of

In lieu of the education requirement only, must be current with mandatory 15 hours annually of ST continuing education AND either have been employed as a ST in S.C. prior to Jan. 1, 2008, OR have completed a ST military training program

Required Certifications, Registrations, Licenses

Certification with NBSTSA or will accept NCCT certification if surgical tech was employed as a surgical tech in S.C. prior to January 1, 2008, or completed a surgical tech military training program.

CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) from HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) OR CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician) from CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution) is preferred.

Applicants without sterile processing certification 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Decontamination, Assembly, Packaging and Sterilization Procedures

Ability to complete 15 hours of mandatory surgical technology education annually.​

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Location

Laurens County Medical Campus

Facility

1062 Laurens County Hospital

Department

10628007 Central Sterile

Share your talent with us! Our vision is simple : to transform healthcare for the benefits of the communities we serve. The transformation of healthcare requires talented individuals in every role here at Prisma Health.