Gardner, MA - Central Sterile Technician, 32-hour days, some weeknight call and some weekend call

Essential Functions

• Creates assignments as needed. Communicates with the OR charge nurse/practice leader about operational needs.
• Ensures smooth operation of necessary surgical instrumentation in perioperative services throughout the day. Monitors throughput.
• Maintains CRCST certification as well as necessary continued education.
• Assists supervisor with setting up continued education and in-services for central sterile department.
• Ensures proper operation of autoclave units prior to use on a daily basis.
• Orders daily supplies and maintains supply inventory.
• Runs biological and chemical tests at beginning of the day shift, and records results in the appropriate log.
• Inspects gas and steam autoclaves for visible signs of malfunction and reports to Central Sterile Supervisor.
• Uses knowledge of sterilization principles to correctly wrap or package items for sterilization.
• Processes all items appropriately using either ethylene oxide or steam sterilization.
• Assists with processing department supply charges and any other clerical work related to the Central Service, as requested.
• Works closely with the Central Service Supervisor and assists with orientation for new personnel.
• Applies aseptic techniques in daily work assignments. Performs general cleaning of department surface areas, racks, shelves, storage cabinets and all storage area.
• Stores all supplies and equipment; stocks Central Service s dispensing racks.
• Knowledgeable regarding handling and care of instruments, tray preparation and special procedure items.
• Performs tray assemblage, proper packaging and preparation of all applicable supplies for sterilization. Monitors sterility dates on supplies.
• Properly loads, operates and cleans all sterilizers, gas and steam, and all general equipment using biological and chemical control tests as required by the department.
• Restocks patient care unit supply carts and reconciles charges if necessary. If needed, makes out lost charge sheet and gives to the Nurse Manager.
• Responsible for stocking all supply carts on the nursing units.
• Participates in departmental performance improvement activities.
• Cleans all forms of scopes by hand and utilizes the medivator process to clean scopes in high level disinfection manner.
• Help order supplies to maintain appropriate supply levels, facilities patient flow and turnover.
• Attend any other duties that are assigned. Helping other departments when asked.

Statement of Other Duties

This document describes the major duties and responsibilities for this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. It should be understood, therefore, that employees may be asked to perform job-related duties beyond those explicitly described.

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS

Physical Requirements

Exerts 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Frequently reaches (extending hands and arms in any direction), and handles (seizing, holding, grasping, turning or working with hands). Frequently stoops (bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist).

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Behavioral Attributes

The following behavioral attributes are required: achievement motivation, flexibility, concern for order, initiative, self-confidence, self control, customer service orientation, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork and information seeking.

Job Requirements

Minimum Education

• High school graduate (or equivalent) required.
• Registered Central Service Technician certification required.

Minimum Work Experience

• Minimum of 6 months experience in central sterile processing.

Minimum Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Central Service Technician certification required.

Required Skills

• Must demonstrate strong work ethic, knowledge of standards as set forth by the IAHCSMM, superb interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.