Sterile Processing Technician

Job Title

Sterile Processing Technician

Job Description

Maintains recommended standards for set assembly, decontamination, inspection, containerizing and sterilization of surgical instruments. Collaborates with the Perioperative Nursing staff to provide sterile instrument sets, equipment and case carts in an accurate and timely manner. Ensures that the work flow remains consistent and continuous, providing superior customer service.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Assembles/processes instrument sets and equipment in accordance with appropriate policy using principles of aseptic technique and IAHCSMM, CBSPD, AAMI, AORN standards.
• Organizes and assembles routine and specialty surgical instrumentation, case carts and supplies according to respective pick list and/or instrument count sheet.
• Operates and maintains Automatic Endoscope Reprocessor, Steam & STERRAD sterilizers, keeping records of completed loads and its contents. Performs trouble shooting of equipment as needed.
• Inspects equipment, instruments and packaging for cleanliness, defects and/or malfunctions. Separates defective items from rotation and processes repair requests for defective equipment.
• Performs quality control through routine physical monitoring and cleaning to ensure sterilization equipment and instruments are functioning properly.
• Performs decontamination and sterilization using sterilizers, case cart washers, and Automatic Endoscope Reprocessor as assigned.
• Performs picking of supplies for surgical procedures via case cart system as assigned.
• Completes and submits appropriate productivity documentation to supervisors daily.
• Adheres to all regulatory agency requirements (OSHA, FDA, CDC, JCAHO, DOH.) regarding fire/safety, sterilization, universal precautions and good documentation practices (GDP).

Common Expectations:

• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Participates in educational programs and in-service meetings.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Distributes supplies and equipment to units in a timely fashion.
• Maintains the cleanliness of work areas as required.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED Required

Work Experience:

• 1 year In Sterile Processing operations. Preferred

Licenses:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician within 1-1/2 years Required or
• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician within 1-1/2 years Required and
• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral, written and computer skills.
• Proficiency in transporting and disposing of hazardous materials per hospital policy.
• Must have developed analytical decision making abilities.
• Must be capable of working in team environment with staff of varying backgrounds.
• Must also be able to work with Perioperative Nursing staff to coordinate processing of instrument sets to accommodate the daily O.R. case load.

Benefits Offered:

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Education assistance
• Financial education and support, including DailyPay
• Expanded Paid Parental Leave

About Us

WellSpan Health's vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region's largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 3,000 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest.

About the Team

WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital One of eight premier hospitals in the WellSpan system, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital offers a full range of leading-edge inpatient, outpatient and emergent care services. The hospital is noted for its distinct ability to combine state-of-the-art medical technology with quality, compassionate care to meet the needs of the more than 550,000 residents of northern Lancaster County and the surrounding area. As a full-service, non-profit acute-care hospital, with a 141 licensed bed capacity, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital admits approximately 5,500 patients annually. Nearby WellSpan Ephrata Cancer Center supports the hospital as part of WellSpan's regional network of five cancer centers. WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital was one of several WellSpan Health hospitals honored by U.S. News & World Report with the High Performing recognition for 2022-23.