Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile Processing TechnicianThe primary purpose of Sterile Processing is to assist in direct patient care by ensuring the OR staff has correct, fully functional, sterile instrumentation delivered in a timely manner consistent with the highest standards of customer service. Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Techs are asked to perform the four basic departmental functions (decontamination, prep and pack, sterilization, and dispatch) with efficiency, expertise, and accuracy. The SPD Tech will display resourcefulness, determination, courtesy, and professionalism while adhering to the standards and procedures associated with the preparation, sterilization, storage, and delivery of surgical instrumentation per Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Associates of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), and CDC guidelines.Essential Functions:Answers telephone promptly and assist caller with obtaining items neededAssembles supplies and places into case carts for scheduled and non-scheduled proceduresMakes rounds throughout the hospital to deliver sterile and non-sterile instrumentation, supplies and equipment, and to pick-up contaminated or credit instrumentation, supplies and equipmentDelivers scheduled case carts to the Surgery DepartmentInventories and delivers back-up case carts to the Surgery Department and required areasMaintains responsibility for returned instrumentation and supplies (if applicable) that is unused, and the integrity of packaging has not been compromisedPerforms cleaning and decontamination duties, working quickly and safely and thoroughly addresses all instrumentation taking into account any unique cleaning demandsInspects, assembles, and packages all decontaminated reusable instruments and sets ensuring for cleanliness and functionality of all instrumentationOperates all processing equipment used within the departmentPerforms sterilization and all associated monitoring activitiesObserves all safety and security procedures; Reports potential unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properlyAssists in keeping the department organized, neat, clean, and fully stocked while providing quality customer service to all customers, including co-workersOther Functions:Performs duties in a safe manner, to prevent injury to self, patients, visitors or other hospital personnelContributes to maintaining supplies and sterile items for use throughout the hospital; keeps department clean, neat, and well organizedPrioritizes work and focuses on consistent throughputPerforms dispatch dutiesContributes to all official departmental business in a professional mannerDisplays behavior that is consistent with a thorough understanding of the SPD Mission, Vision, and ValuesMaintains compliance with all company policies, procedures and standards of conductComplies with HIPAA privacy and security requirements to maintain confidentiality at all timesPerforms other duties as assignedJob Requirements:Education:High school diploma or GED/ equivalent (required)Experience:One (1) year of previous experience in a healthcare setting in a clinical capacity (preferred)Previous experience in sterile processing (strongly preferred)Certification:Nationally recognized certification for Sterile Processing required within 12 months of hire date (required)Job Competency: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities critical to this role:Effectively communicates with co-workers and all other hospital personnelAble to decontaminate all reusable instruments, sets, and utensils according to acceptable sterile processing standardsKnowledgeable regarding biological monitoringApproaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect regardless of their status or positionDemonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, gathering relevant data while attending to essential details; checks work for accuracy and quality.Must be able to problem-solveMust have strong relationship building skills and the ability to make and use connections throughout UofL Health to complete projects and maintain strong partnerships with other departmentsMust have strong initiative and be able to gather and analyze information skillfully and be able to brainstorm alternative resources and directionsMust have great flexibility and the ability to continually look for ways to make appropriate adjustments and changesAbility to use instrument washer/decontaminator; Sonic washer; Cart washer; Steam sterilizer, Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizerLanguage Ability:Adequate conversational English is required to ensure the individual be able to take direction from management, understand how to complete job tasks, communicate adequately with patients and co-workers as necessary, understand and follow safety guidelines, and organizational policiesAble to write routine reports and correspondence; able to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organizationReasoning Ability:Must have ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusionsMust have the ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deliver successful resultsAbility to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities; determines course of action; develops appropriate solutionsComputer Skills:Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office programsAble to use instrument management system and One SourceMust have the capacity to learn other relevant systems and databases, as neededAdditional Responsibilities:Demonstrates a commitment to service, organization values and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all timesMaintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all timesAdheres to organizational and department specific safety standards and guidelinesWorks collaboratively and supports efforts of team membersDemonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians, patients, residents, visitors, staff and the broader health care communityUofL Health Core Expectation:At UofL Health, we expect all our employees to live the values of honesty, integrity and compassion and demonstrate these values in their interactions with others and as they deliver excellent patient care by:Honoring and caring for the dignity of all persons in mind, body, and spiritEnsuring the highest quality of care for those we serveWorking together as a team to achieve our goalsImproving continuously by listening, and asking for and responding to feedbackSeeking new and better ways to meet the needs of those we serveUsing our resources wiselyUnderstanding how each of our roles contributes to the success of UofL Health