Sterile Processing - Sterile Processing Tech

SPD Tech Profession

SPD Tech Specialty: Duration: 13 weeks Shift: Day Hours per Shift: 8 Experience: Preferred: Previous sterile processing experience. License: Preferred: Sterile Processing Technician Certificate. Certifications: BLS - required Must-Have: High School graduate or GED. Preferred: Completion of a Sterile Processing Technician Program.

Description: This position receives and reprocesses reusable instruments throughout the facility. Performs cleaning and sterilizing duties. Responsible for preparing and assembling medical and surgical supplies, instrumentation, and equipment. Maintains sterile processing areas and receives and distributes surgical supplies and equipment. Distributes reprocessed supplies and assists with pulling case carts and inventory control.

Essential Job Functions: Follows established protocols for cleaning, decontaminating, preparing, packaging, disinfecting or sterilizing, and storing medical and surgical supplies and equipment. Distributes medical and surgical supplies from sterile processing areas to other areas within the facility as needed. Adheres to standard precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment. Follows safety procedures and manufacturer's instructions when handling cleaning solutions, supplies, and equipment. Safely operates equipment utilized in the sterile processing areas according to manufacturer's instructions. Monitors, interprets, and documents results of physical, chemical, and biological indicators for all types of sterilizers used in the sterile processing areas. Prepares and distributes surgical case carts according to physicians' preference lists and anticipated needs. Inventories, receives, and restocks materials used for supporting sterile processing services. Complies with organizational policies, regulatory and accreditation standards, and professional guidelines. Exhibits professional interpersonal and communication skills. Assists with improving the quality of sterile processing services. Identifies pertinent evidence to establish benchmarks as directed. Maintains privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information. Supports the organization's mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures. Participates in required education for applicable programs. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements: The physical and sensory functions described are essential to the successful performance of this position. The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, as is the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes. Tactile perception is important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, or texture. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for medical procedures. The position involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds. There may be occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, with the expectation that appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance will be used to ensure safety. May require sitting for long periods. Working Conditions: This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment. While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures. The role involves frequent exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment. All staff are expected to follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment as required. The healthcare environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances. The work setting involves multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise due to medical equipment, staff activity, and patient needs.