Sterile Tech

Central Sterile Technician

The Central Sterile Technician is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing and sterilization of supplies and equipment dispensed by the department following established infection control practices. Must be conscientious with regard to procedures and capable of working under pressure and interacting professionally with other departments within the hospital. Able to accept new ideas and learn position duties. Participates in department's performance improvement activities.

William Newton Hospital's Standards of Behavior allow a mechanism for holding each employee accountable and encourages us to "raise the bar".

All employees are expected to familiarize themselves with the Standards and practice them daily.

Integrity: We act with unwavering moral principle, transparency, and sincerity in every interaction.

Patient-Centered: We meet patients where they are, ensuring they are active participants in their care journey. We prioritize the patient's physical and emotional well-being over all else.

Accountability: We own our actions. We set clear expectations and hold all team members to the same high standards.

Compassion: We treat every patient, family member, and colleague with kindness, empathy, and dignity.

Excellence: We approach every task, large or small, with enthusiasm. We continually pursue mastery and best practices in our field.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures proper operation of autoclave units prior to use on a daily basis.
• Runs biological and chemical tests at beginning of the day shift. Records results in appropriate log.
• Inspects gas and steam autoclaves for visible signs of malfunction and reports to Central Service Manager.
• Processes or oversees, all contaminated instruments and supplies returned to Central Service.
• Uses knowledge of sterilization principles to correctly wrap or package items for sterilization.
• Processes all items appropriately using either ethylene oxide or steam sterilization.
• Maintains appropriate biological testing on routine basis and documents results as required.
• Assists with processing department supply charges and any other clerical work related to the Central Service, as requested.
• Works closely with Central Service Manager/Chief Technician 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.
• Maintains equipment register board.
• 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 department.
• Maintains preventive maintenance procedures and control procedure on electrical heating and cooling units. Completes repair orders for Engineering Department for any unit found inoperable.
• Receives and delivers supplies and fill requisition requests.
• Assists with monitoring and maintaining stocks in storeroom.
• Restocks patient care unit supply carts.
• Assists in fixing charge tags or stickers on all items requiring same.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned.
• Orders warehouse stock as needed.
• Responsible for stocking all supply carts on the nursing units.
• Participates in departmental performance improvement activities.

Requirements:

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and CMS regulations.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized time system correctly.
• Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and quality improvement (QI) activities, attends committee and management meetings when appropriate.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, vision, core values, ethics and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.
• Works at maintaining a good rapport and a cooperative working relationship with physicians, departments and staff.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding department operations, fire, safety and infection control.

Regulatory Requirements:

• High School graduate or equivalent is preferred
• Minimum of one (1) year experience as Central Service Technician preferred. On the job training is offered

Physical Requirements:

Physical requirements for a sterile processing technician include standing for long shifts, lifting up to 25 to 50 pounds, and frequent bending or reaching.

Mobility and Strength:

• Standing: Standing and walking for the entire duration of an 8- to 12-hour shift.
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying heavy instrument trays, bins, and medical equipment weighing 25 to 50 pounds.
• Pushing/Pulling: Moving large, heavy supply or instrument carts that can weigh hundreds of pounds.
• Bending: Frequently bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, and twisting while handling equipment.

Coordination and Senses:

• Dexterity: Strong manual dexterity for repetitive hand movements, delicate instrument assembly, and precise inspection.
• Tactile Sense: Fine tactile differentiation to feel for temperature, moisture, or instrument wear.
• Vision: Good close-up vision (with or without glasses) to inspect tiny parts, cleanliness, and damage on surgical tools.