Sterile Processing Tech (SPT)

Sterile Processing Technician

SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to join our day shift team, working 9:00 AM-5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with a rotating weekend and holiday schedule. This role is essential to supporting safe, high-quality patient care in a fast-paced hospital environment. Prior Sterile Processing Technician experience is preferred but not required, and prior hospital experience is a plus. If you’re detail-oriented, dependable, and interested in growing your career in healthcare, this is a great opportunity to join a collaborative and mission-driven team.

Under the direction of the Instrument Room Lead Technician, responsible for decontamination, cleaning, sorting, tray assembly and sterilization of instruments. Maintains knowledge of instruments functions. ABI variant: Under the direction of the Surgical Coordinator.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (% of time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

Position Accountabilities

I. Recognizes needs and initiates appropriate action in regard to maintaining supplies and equipment. 15%

Criteria

A. Assures all trays are cleaned and processed correctly and instruments are inspected for any defects that might affect their usage.

B. All instruments are properly decontaminated.

C. All trays are assembled correctly, according to instrument lists.

D. All instrument count sheets are signed by person assembling tray.

E. Produce a high volume of quality work.

F. Able to operate all equipment necessary to complete job.

G. Demonstrates ability to utilize the computer.

H. Actively seeks ways to develop skills.

II. Decontamination of instruments. 15%

Criteria

A. Personal Protective Attire should be worn when decontaminating instruments.

B. Automatic and/or manual cleaning methods of equal effectiveness should be used.

C. Cleans appropriately.

D. Participates in preventative maintenance.

III. Processing of instruments. 15%

Criteria

A. Instruments are inspected.

B. Instruments in disrepair should be labeled and taken out of service.

C. Instruments that are to be stored after decontamination/sterilization should be dried thoroughly.

D. Instruments with moveable parts should be disassembled when placed in trays designed for sterilization.

IV. Sterilization of instruments. 15%

Criteria

A. Performs biological, chemical and mechanical monitoring of the sterilization functions in accordance with policies and procedures.

B. Sterilizes instruments, equipment and supplies as required; handles and stores instruments, equipment and supplies appropriately.

C. Appropriately and precisely processes trays, packs and peel pouch items.

D. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of cleaning, decontamination, sterilization and instrumentation.

E. Maintains inventory of area.

V. Demonstrates accountability for own professional practice. 10%

Criteria

A. Adheres to all unit standards, policies, procedures when implementing clinical and technical aspects of duties.

1. Participates in learning experiences that increase professional competence.

B. Demonstrates appropriate technical and cognitive skills for area of practice.

C. Is at work as scheduled and begins duties promptly at start of shift.

D. Maintains currency in all hospital / unit information, communication, policies and procedures.

1. Attends staff meetings / reviews minutes when absent.

2. Keeps up to date with policies and procedures.

E. Demonstrates ability to change and adapt to changing work demands.

1. Responds positively to change.

2. Provides assistance and support to peers, co-workers and other team members.

3. Adapts positively to changes in unplanned work load and job demands.

F. Acts rapidly and effectively during any emergency.

G. Assumes responsibility for completing all mandatory requirements.

1. Maintains current certification (if applicable)

2. Yearly TB screening

3. Annual Ethics Training (Initial Ethics, if new employee)

4. Annual safety training

5. Required information security course

6. Required Abuse and Neglects course

7. Annual blood borne pathogen training

8. Coursework as assigned for.Edu

9. Annual competency/skill day

10. Age/Population specific competency

11. Orientation competency (if new hire)

IV. Ability to relate to coworkers in a professional manner. 5%

Criteria

A. Orients and/or precepts new employees when required.

B. Participates in maintains a collaborative team approach toward work.

C. Functions as a resource person to co-workers, medical staff, and other members.

D. Utilizes Chain of Command effectively.

E. Practices according to safety and infection control policies.

F. Demonstrates ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety.

V. Practices according to safety and infection control policies. 10%

Criteria

A. Practices standard precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.

B. Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.

1. Maintains clutter free environment.

2. Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum.

3. Adheres to dress code.

C. Reports variation from care/treatment following the occurrence reporting policy and procedure.

D. Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

VI. Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital. 5%

Criteria

A. Demonstrates courtesy, compassion, and respect.

1. Provides prompt, respectful, courteous service.

2. Meets physical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional needs of patients and families

3. Apologizes for mix-up and delay.

4. Maintains a non-judgmental attitude.

5. Respects the dignity of patients by providing privacy, comfort, and confidentiality of information.

B. Communicates effectively.

1. Listens to staff/patient/family concerns and addresses needs.

2. Allows time for questions.

3. Relays information to family in surgical waiting room (if necessary).

C. Maintains a cooperative relationship with members of the medical staff.

1. Communication is timely and effective.

VII. Incorporates Performance Improvement and Evidence-Based Practice into ones professional practice. 5%

Criteria

A. Assists in developing and implementing operating room goals.

B. Identifies opportunities for improvement, participates in data collection when requested, suggests solutions, communicates using appropriate lines of authority and works toward problem resolution.

C. Participates in performance/process improvement process.

D. Participates in research activities in the operating room.

VIII. Cost Effective Services 5%

Criteria

A. Uses resources efficiently.

B. Recommends change in practice that increase efficiency and minimize waste.

C. Prioritizes responsibilities.

D. Utilizes non-clinical time in a constructive manner, i.e. .Edu, mandatory education requirements.

DISCLAIMER: Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Rationale for Essential Functions

1) The performance of this function is the reason the job exists.

2) There are limited employees among whom the performance of this function can be distributed.

3) This function occupies a great deal of the employees