Instrument Processing Tech, SPD, Full-time, Third Shift

Instrument Processing Technician

At UC Health, we're proud to have the best and brightest teams and clinicians collaborating toward our common purpose: to advance healing and reduce suffering. As the region's adult academic health system, we strive for innovation and provide world-class care for not only our community, but patients from all over the world. Join our team and you'll be able to develop your skills, grow your career, build relationships with your peers and patients, and help us be a source of hope for our friends and neighbors. UC Health is an EEO employer.

The Instrument Processing Technician provides cleaning, decontamination, assembly processing and sterilization of instruments, trays and endoscopes. Also assembles case carts with needed surgical supplies.

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 decontamination process, i.e. sonic washer, cart washers, washer sterilizers, and decontaminators. Unloads case carts containing soiled instruments and places in designated area. Performs cleaning tasks in work area as assigned. Used universal precautions when working in decontamination area, i.e. gloves, face shield, protective gown Utilizes computer system to track instruments and case cart.

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. Applies sterilization wrappers properly to maintain integrity of the contents. Utilizes heat sealer on packs as needed. Each item is identified correctly on the outside packaging of each item. Transports trays to sterilization area. Consistent use of the barcode technology to track productivity. Use of computerized instrument tracking system to validate tray production against online list/error proofing systems to ensure accuracy of assembly.

Operates sterilizers, documents loads, and returns stock to appropriate area:

• Loads trays, packs, and basins onto sterilizer loading rack, utilizing correct procedures. Able to operate each type of sterilizer (e.g. Steam, Plasma, Steris) per manufacture's instructions and departmental guidelines and policies. Accurately documents all sterilization information. Biological monitoring is completed per departmental policy. Sterile supplies are handled properly and restocked in sterile storage area. Rotates sterile supplies and inventories for expiration dates as required. Maintain assigned work area and equipment in a clean and organized condition to maintain required safety standards for handling sterilized and clean materials and to maintain a safe work environment.

Assembles case carts per departmental procedures:

• Produce pick sheets from computer. Able to pull instruments and sterile supplies per pick sheet accurately and completely.

Other duties as assigned:

• Active participant in QA activities. Assists with training of other associates. Attends departmental in-services and mandatory meetings. Acts as a liaison between Sterile Processing 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. Delivers equipment and supplies to various departments as needed. Able to fulfill on-call requirements.

Qualifications

Minimum Required: High School diploma or GED required; Associate's degree preferred. | Upon 1 year of hire, obtain certification: CRST. Maintain a current registration as a CRST. | 1 year minimum SPD experience; prefer 3 years SPD experience.