Sterile Processing Technician

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Sterile Processing Manager and or direction of the Sterile Processing Supervisor, identifies, inspects, assembles and sterilizes equipment, supplies and procedure trays. Packages, cleans and decontaminates routine surgical instruments, patient care equipment and monitors sterilizers and associated equipment. Responsible for stocking of supplies &instruments and orients and trains other Technicians. Displays familiarity with case cart process, instrument pick lists and instrument repair process. Demonstrates willingness to learn all aspects of the Sterile Processing Department including, but not limited to, surgical services, outside clinics Orthopedics, Cardiac, Neuro, Vascular, Transplant and Gynecological Instrumentation, Implant trays, Power equipment, Flexible endoscopes and the Instrument Management System. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensures proper decontamination of surgical instruments, syringes, and equipment in order to clean, identify and inspect.

• Processes procedure trays, instruments sets, orthopedic sets and equipment through the decontamination room according to established cleaning procedures.
• Performs leak test and decontamination for various endoscopes according to established procedures.
• Utilizes detergents, disinfectants, and washers in a prescribed manner for proper cleaning/ decontamination and drying, following standard precautions with no more than two documented errors annually.

Ensures proper assembly and packaging of instrument sets to allow proper sterilization.

• Inspects instrument sets for cleanliness. Checks or tests instrumentation for sharpness, burrs and function. Assembles and wraps instrument equipment trays following the established procedure for each tray.
• Labels and initials all assembled procedure trays making sure that all quality control monitors have been placed accurately.
• Operates steam (flash and prevac), EPS Scope Processor and other equipment relating to sterilization of supplies, according to written Q.A. procedures.
• Identifies and checks instruments for proper operation and overall condition according to established procedures with no more than two documented errors annually.

Conducts biological monitoring for all sterilizers.

• Performs BowieDick and biological testing of all sterilizers in the department and operating room daily in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
• Incubates, interprets and records results of all biological tests.
• Immediately implements recall procedures when positive biological testing is encountered, notifying all affected departments, Sterile Processing Supervisor. Prepares O.R. case carts and performs Distribution rounds.
• Maintains prescribed inventory levels for each cart.
• Ensures proper rotation of all supplies and carts within and out of the department, as observed by supervisors.
• Prints operating room schedule pick listsdd on lists according to procedure and accurately assembles case carts for surgery.
• Performs distribution and pick-up daily on nursing units for instrumentation. Monitors the workflow and communication of designated shifts to ensure the completion of work assignments.
• Assumes the role of SPD Tech Charge person when assigned and to assist in the assignment of workload to SPD Techs when in charge, taking in consideration priority of work and skill of employee as demonstrated by assignments being completed on time.
• Completes all required documentation (shift reports) when assigned charge responsibility.
• Answers telephone in a courteous manner according to department policy, maintaining complete and accurate records of all messages and requests.
• Coordinates the day-to-day needs of the operating room based on schedule and communicates effectively to SPD department. Incorporates these needs into owns daily assignments.
• Submits suggestions to facilitate the workflow of the department.

Maintains a clean and safe work environment. Contributes to the efficient operation of the department.

• Cleans, inspects and maintains equipment according to written procedures, as observed by supervisors.
• Performs routine cleaning of all areas and carts as scheduled and/or when needed.
• Adheres to all safety procedures with particular attention to the operation of sterilizers.
• Promotes professional image by adhering to the established dress code of the hospital and wearing the name badge as evidenced by supervisor's observation.
• Maintains confidentiality of information obtained in the performance of duties.
• Maintains inventory control systems for procedure trays and equipment.
• Monitors supply availability during performance of duties and reports low levels to group leaders or supervisor.

Supports training and orientation of new personnel to department.

• Assists and works with orientating new staff to various department assignments.
• Demonstrates to new staff required applications/techniques within assignments.

• a. Decontamination
• b. Instrument Inspection
• c. Tray Assembly
• d. Packaging
• e. Sterilizers- Steam-Sterrad-System
• f. Sterile Storage
• g. Distribution
• h. Case Carts

• Participates in the completion of SPD Tech competencies with new staff member and management team.
• Contributes in team meeting when precepting new employees.

STANDARD STAFFING LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives. Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements. Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients, and visitors. Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed. BASIC KNOWLEDGE: High School Graduate or equivalent with the ability to read, write and speak fluent English. Having a Sterile Processing Certification through the Health Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or its equivalent is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Required three to six months previous related work experience demonstrating familiarity with surgical instrumentation, decontamination and sterilization techniques, and stock room functions. Such experience may have been obtained by performing related duties in central services, surgical reprocessing, or a surgical stock room.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Visual and manual dexterity to operate automatic washers and sterilization equipment according to equipment operating instructions. Physical ability to stand for long periods of time, to lift and carry moderately heavy surgical trays, to push carts into sterilization unit and to receive and store supplies, materials and equipment. General hospital environment with normal conditions associated with patient care.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Follow policies and procedures referring complex situations to supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None. Pay Range: $27.09-$28.27 Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Location: Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Work Type: M-F 10:00pm - 6:30am, Weekend and Holiday Rotation Work Shift: Night Driving Required: No Union: International Brotherhood Teamsters