Sterile Processing Technician I

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

Responsibilities

PERFORMS INSTRUMENT 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.

• Transports case carts from soiled holding area in surgery to the decontamination room. Unloads case cart containing soiled instruments and places in designated area. Places case carts in cart washer.

• Performs cleaning tasks in work area as assigned.

• Uses universal precautions when working in decontamination area (i.e., gloves, face shields, protective gown).

• Utilizes SPM computer system to track instruments and case carts.

• Makes rounds throughout the facility to retrieve reusable instruments and equipment and transports back to Sterile Processing Department.

ASSEMBLES INSTRUMENT TRAYS AND PACKS:

• Unloads instruments from washer sterilizers and distributes to appropriate workstations.

• Utilizes SPM to assemble tray according to standards and procedures identified.

• Follows manufacturer's Instructions for Use to assure proper reassembly is performed.

• Assembles selected instrument trays and packs (basins, peel packs, small instrument sets) 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/containers 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.

• Performs sterilization procedures utilizing Steam and Sterrad sterilization

• Utilizes SPM to build Sterilization loads and the quality assurance test involved with each load.

• Monitors and documents biological and chemical indicator results to assure that all sterilization parameters were met and documented.

BUILDS SURGICAL CASE CARTS :

• Surgical preference lists are obtained from computer to build case cart.

• Location of instruments and supplies are labeled to increase efficiency.

• Case carts are distributed to specified area.

• Procedural carts used in all patient care areas are restocked, stored, or returned to appropriate area..

• Utilizes SPM to capture the build of a case cart and identifies that all instrumentation has been sterilized properly before adding to the cart.

PERFORMS EQUIPMENT DECONTAMINATION FUNCTIONS:

• Disassembles (when necessary), cleans, and disinfects equipment used for patient care utilizing correct manual and mechanical processes.


• Uses proper cleaning products and disinfectants in the decontamination/cleaning process, i.e. brushes, sprays, towels, etc.

• Transports equipment from soiled holding area in patient care areas to decontamination room. Returns equipment to patient care areas as necessary.


• Performs cleaning tasks in work area as assigned.


• Uses universal precautions when working in decontamination area (i.e., gloves, face shields, protective gown).


• Utilizes SPM computer system to track equipment.


• Makes rounds throughout the facility to retrieve reusable instruments and equipment and transports back to Central Service.

Inspects Equipment:

• During cleaning process, inspects equipment for signs of wear and/or disrepair such as:

- significant dents, scratches, or broken parts

- frayed cords

- no LED display

- notes from other staff members

• Coordinates reporting of such equipment to both Clinical Engineering and CS Supervisor

OTHER:

• Fulfills requests from OR core areas when requested.


• 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 Central Service.


• Acts as a liaison between Central Service and all customers and communicates in a courteous manner.


Makes effective use of time and can 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: 0-1 years as a Certified Technician

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

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