Sterile Processing Technician

Job Description

Responsible for the decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of trays, instruments, supplies, and equipment following all infection control practices.

Responsible for dispensing equipment upon request. Maintains accurate records and departmental inventory usage. Responsible for case cart building and responds to requests from surgery.

Responsibilities

PERFORMS DECONTAMINATION FUNCTIONS :

• Disassembles, cleans, and disinfects instruments and equipment used for patient care utilizing correct manual and mechanical processes.
• Operates equipment used in the decontamination process, i.e. sonic washer, cart washers, washer sterilizers and decontaminators.
• Performs cleaning tasks in work area as assigned.
• Uses universal precautions when working in decontamination area (i.e., gloves, face shields, protective gown).
• Makes rounds throughout the facility to retrieve reusable instruments and equipment and transports back to the Sterile Processing Department.

ASSEMBLES INSTRUMENT TRAYS AND PACKS :

• Unloads instruments from washer sterilizers and distributes to appropriate workstations.
• Assembles instrument trays and packs utilizing written instructions and proper protocol.
• Checks for sharpness and proper functioning of instruments.
• Recognizes and memorizes a large variety of instruments.
• Applies sterilization wrappers properly to maintain the integrity of the contents.
• Utilizes heat sealer on packs as needed.
• Each item is identified correctly on the outside packaging of each item.
• Loads sterilizer carriage and transports trays to sterilization area.

OPERATES STERILIZERS, DOCUMENTS LOADS, AND RETURNS STOCK TO APPROPRIATE AREA :

• Checks trays, packs, and basins on sterilizer carriage making certain that correct procedures have been utilized.
• Able to operate each type of sterilizer. Selects correct cycle and time period required for specified load.
• Knowledgeable of all methods of sterilization (i.e., Sterrad, Steam)
• Accurately documents all sterilization information. This can be completed manually or through the use of a computer.
• Biological monitoring is completed per departmental policy.
• Sterile instruments and supplies are handled properly and restocked in sterile storage area. All items are rotated as required.
• All equipment is continuously monitored to ensure it is functioning properly.

BUILDS SURGICAL CASES :

• Surgical preference lists are obtained from computer to pull supplies for each case.
• Location of instruments and supplies are labeled to increase efficiency.
• Performs quality control final check before items leave the department.
• Procedural carts used are restocked, stored, or returned to appropriate area.

OTHER :

• Fulfills requests from the OR and Pre-op / PACU when requested.
• Assists with one-on-one training of other associates.
• Responds to emergency codes when required.
• Follows instructions and departmental guidelines regarding sterility.
• Attends departmental-in-services and mandatory meetings.
• Knowledgeable of all areas in the Sterile Processing Department.
• Acts as a liaison between the Sterile Processing Department and all customers and communicates in a courteous manner.
• Makes effective use of time and is able to distinguish between low and high priority activities.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS :

Please describe any specialized knowledge or skills, which are REQUIRED to perform the position duties. Do not personalize the job description, credentials, or knowledge and skills based on the current associate.

List any special education required for this position.

EDUCATION : Must have high school diploma or GED

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE : 2 years Central Service experience required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE :

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS :

Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Preferred, must be obtained within the first year of hire