Sterile Processing Technician I

Sterile Processing Technician I

St. Elizabeth Healthcare is hiring a Sterile Processing Technician I for our Edgewood Sterile Processing department within our Edgewood hospital. Shift/Hours: Full Time 40 Hours, 2nd Shift. This position is responsible for ensuring that all surgical and procedural supplies, instruments, and equipment are properly inventoried, decontaminated, assembled, inspected, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed in a quality and timely manner in compliance with patient safety and infection control standards. Demonstrate respect, dignity, kindness and empathy in each encounter with all patients, families, visitors and other employees regardless of cultural background.

Operations

• Collects soiled case carts from end users, breaking down instruments and equipment, and ensuring cart is clean, disinfected, and properly functioning for next case.
• Identifies and utilizes appropriate methods and solutions to sort, disassemble, decontaminate, rinse and disinfect instruments and clinical equipment.
• Utilizes manual cleaning and/or appropriate cleaning equipment as designated by the manufacturer.
• Handles each item with care to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection without damage to delicate, costly instruments.
• Operate and troubleshoots cleaning equipment including instrument washers, case cart washers, ultrasonic washers, and aqua box system.

Instrument Preparation

• Recognizes over 2000 instruments and 500 trays, including the name and use of each instrument and proper assembly to ensure functionality at the point of use. In Endoscopy, identifies gastroscopes and pulmonary scopes.
• Utilizes specialty video or scanning system to check for damaged laparoscopic lenses, cords, or insulation.
• Consistently follows trays lists to guarantee proper assembly of all instrument trays.
• Demonstrates ability to use One Source and tray controller systems.
• Inspects instruments for cleanliness and function prior to packaging.
• Prepares instruments in container systems, wrapped packages, and/or peel packages as appropriate.
• Includes monitoring devices in each container demonstrating knowledge of sterilization method to be used.

Sterilization / High-Level Disinfection

• Selects sterilization methods appropriate to the instrument, tray or equipment.
• Ensures quality control of all items processed using multiple monitoring systems including chemical and biological indicators, channel checks, physical and mechanical methods.
• Recognizes and resolves issues that might impact the effectiveness of sterilization and/or High-Level Disinfection.
• Operates multiple sterilizers, including steam, Pre-Vac, ethylene oxide, Steris and Sterrad safely and effectively.
• Ensures quality control of all items processed through the use of multiple monitoring systems including chemical and biological indicators, Bowie-Dick tests, physical and mechanical methods.
• Maintains accurate documentation of all sterilization procedures as required by regulatory agencies.
• Maintains accurate documentation of all High-Level Disinfection as required by regulatory agency.

Inventory Control and Distribution

• Utilizes the Epic OpTime computer system to access physician procedure/preference list in order to set up cases.
• Knows location of all instrumentation and supplies in the department.
• Responds to urgent requests from Surgery/Procedure Room and other customers professionally and efficiently.
• Communicates supply issues to the manager in order to maintain seamless service to the end user.
• Distributes and tracks supplies and equipment delivered.

Quality Customer Service

• Assists with the sterilization quality assurance program including maintaining documentation regarding biological, chemical controls, testing and sterilization log.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills in dealing with patients, visitors and health care team members.
• Participates in Performance Improvement activities as directed.
• Assists in training new employees.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work area.
• Recognizes the impact of Sterile Processing duties on positive patient outcomes.

Financial Accountability

• Demonstrates fiscal accountability by cost-effective utilization of equipment and supplies.
• Assists with maintaining instrumentation and supply inventory within operating and capital budget expenses.

Education, Credentials, Licenses

• High school graduate or GED

Specialized Knowledge

• Computer entry skills

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Right Career. Right Here. If you're looking for the right careers in healthcare, the right place to be is at St. Elizabeth. Join us, and you'll take pride in the level of care we offer our community.