Sterile Processing Technician

Instrument TechnicianThe Instrument Technician is responsible for the care and preparation of surgical instruments and supplies. The technician maintains established inventory levels by checking supplies and equipment. Orders supplies for the area. The technician performs the appropriate testing of all sterilizers and keeps accurate records.PhilosophySupports the facility's ideology, mission, goals, and objectivesPerforms in accordance with the facility's policies and proceduresFollows the facility's standards for ethical business conductRecognizes patients' rights and responsibilities and supports them in performance of job dutiesParticipates in facility committees, meetings, in-services, and activitiesShares input regarding short- and long-term goals of the facilityWork QualityPerforms duties in an accurate and organized mannerAdheres to policies and procedures in performance of dutiesEnsures knowledge of job and asks questions when unsureCompletes duties within appropriate timeframesPersonal AttributesShows initiative and dependability including punctuality and attendanceDisplays good judgmentCooperates and is flexibleFollows appropriate dress code presenting a professional imageCustomer ServiceFosters a culture of outstanding patient service showing courtesy in interactions with patients, physicians and co-workersPresents good telephone skillsResponds promptly to patient needs and co-worker requestsCommunication and TeamworkExpected to be a positive and responsible team member with a good attitudePresents good oral and written communication (documentation) skillsPromotes effective communication among the facility's clinical areas, business office, and physician practicesProfessional CompetenceParticipates in continuing education and other learning experiencesShares knowledge gained in continuing education with staffSeeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilitiesWelcomes suggestions and recommendationsMaintains current CPR certificationSafety/Risk ManagementAdheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilitiesReports observed or suspected safety violations, hazards, and policy/procedure noncompliance to the Clinical ManagerPerforms according to established compliance policies and proceduresDutiesSupport the mission, vision, and values of the organization.Follow established protocols for cleaning, decontaminating, preparing and packaging, disinfecting or sterilizing, and storing medical and surgical supplies and equipment.Distribute medical and surgical supplies from sterile processing areas to other areas within the facility or health care organization as needed.Follow safety procedures and manufacturer's instructions when handling cleaning solutions, supplies and equipment.Operate equipment used in the sterile processing areas safely and according to the manufacturer's instructions for use.Monitor, interpret, and document results of physical, chemical and biological indicators for all types of sterilizers used in the sterile processing areas.Inventory, receive, and restock materials used for supporting sterile processing services.Comply with organizational policies, regulatory and accreditation standards, and professional guidelines.Exhibit professional interpersonal and communication skills.Assist with improving the quality of sterile processing services.Assist with identifying pertinent evidence to establish benchmarks as directed.Maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information.Demonstrates knowledge related to maintenance, cleanliness, and sterilization of instruments and equipment.Demonstrates awareness of appropriate sterilization method required for different instruments in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.Receives all soiled instrumentation and implements the appropriate decontamination process per manufacturer instructions.Practices Standards Precautions and utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment.Prepares the Decontamination and Assembly Room with supplies and equipment needed.Tests operational efficiency of Instrumentation prior to reprocessing and reports problems to Leadership.Wraps trays and individual items according to established departmental protocols. Label each item with name and processing date.Monitors all instrumentation for proper sterilization prior to releasing for use.Places Sterilized instruments on appropriate shelving and rotates accordingly.Prioritizes and organizes instrumentation, equipment and supplies.Implements manual cleaning cycle for autoclaves and Steris machines and other sterilizing/disinfecting machines.Performs required quality controls e.g. Bowie Dick, DART, Biological Monitoring, Disinfecting Solution Efficacy Testing, Test Strips as indicated.Maintains instruments/trays/scopes inventory and associated count sheets.Anticipates high priority turn-arounds requests for specialized instrumentation to meet daily volume demands.Maintains a clean and orderly central processing area (e.g. shelves, counters, equipment).Utilizes supplies and resources in a cost-effective manner.Appropriately handles the disposal of biohazardous materials.Must possess thorough knowledge of surgical instrumentation.Orders, restocks, and maintains essential inventory for departmental efficiencyPerforms departmental environmental maintenance duties ensuring a clean and organized work environment.Communicates with Material Management and Departmental Leadership any requests for equipment maintenance, repair or replacement, and removes defective equipment.Maintains current knowledge of advances and current trends in Sterile ProcessingDemonstrates attention to detail by ensuring that all documentation is legible, complete, accurate, and factual.QualificationsCooperative work attitude toward co-employees, management, patients, visitors, and physiciansAbility to promote favorable facility image with physicians, patients, insurance companies, and the general publicAbility to make decisions and solve problems in a timely manner.RequiredHigh school graduate or GED certificate recipientCompletion of an accredited Surgical Technologist Program or Certification/Experience in Sterile ProcessingAchieve related certification within 2 years of hire date (CSPDT, CRCST, CIS)BLSPreferredOne year of sterile processing experience and/orCentral Supply Processing Department Technician (CSPDT), or Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Certification and/orCertified Instrument Specialist (CIS) Certification and/orCompletion of surgical scrub technician program andComputer Skills (e.g., Microsoft Office)Job Quality RequirementsAccuracyAttention to detailTimelinessOrganizational skillsEfficiencyLittle supervision needed to accomplish tasksPhysical stamina for extra working hours, if neededHoursMonday - Friday: 9:30am - 6:00pmDependabilityAttendancePunctualityAbility to follow instructionsAbility to meet deadlinesPhysical/mental requirementsPhysically demanding, high-stress environmentExposure to blood and body fluids, sharp instruments and other devices, communicable diseases, chemicals, and repetitive motions.Full range of body motion including handling and lifting instrument trays.Manual and finger dexterity.Hand and eye coordination.Sitting, Standing, and walking for extensive periods of time.Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50lbs.Corrected vision and hearing to within normal rangeWorking conditions(environmental)Well-lit and ventilated, with non-hazardous equipmentCategory I: involves occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids and materialsReports to Sterile Processing Manager