Sterile Processing Technician I

Sterile Processing Technician

Under general direction performs Sterile Processing Department duties, which include but are not limited to manual decontamination, operating mechanical washers, assembly, packaging, sterilization, operating various sterilizers, equipment and instrument quality inspections, ordering supplies and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and medical devices. Following UHS Sterile Processing and Infection control policies must be able to interpret, maintain and document sterilization records in the electric instrument tracking system. Provide for and track all UHS inpatient units, off site clinical areas and outpatient clinics reusable instrumentation. All to provide positive patient outcomes by meeting the needs of our customers identified as physicians, clinical units, ancillary areas, clinics and UHS affiliates.

Primary Department, Division, or Unit: Sterile Processing, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital

Primary Work Shift: Day

Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Compensation Range: $17.19 - $24.42 per hour, depending on experience

Education/Experience

Minimum Requirements :

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

• 1 year previous SPD (certified or uncertified) or Operating Room experience.
• Surgical inventory experience

License/Certification

Minimum Required:

• Certification as a Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician is required within 18 months of hire (400 hours of experience required to sit for exam)

Preferred:

• Not Applicable

Job Responsibilities

Drives the commitment for exceptional patient experience

Performs equipment quality tests such as cleaning washer screens, spray arms, protein tests, and daily maintenance checks on sterilizers

Utilizes various decontamination and sterilization equipment including mechanical washers, ultrasonic washers, high- and low-temperature sterilizers, Ethylene Oxide (ETO)sterilizers, and instrument dryers

Retrieves and receives used instruments and equipment from clinical areas in an aseptic manner to prevent cross-contamination and reduce exposure risks, following OSHA standards

Documents all reusable medical devices upon receipt in the decontamination area using an instrument tracking system

Applies industry-leading manual cleaning methods with appropriate detergents, brushes, and PPE, followed by mechanical cleaning processes

Conducts thorough quality inspections on instruments, including testing sharpness, using boroscopes, checking for residue proteins, and assessing for pitting or corrosion

Assembles surgical sets and equipment following manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs) and count sheets to ensure accuracy and completeness

Performs quality checks on wrapped or containerized sets prior to sterilization to verify integrity and proper packaging

Selects the correct sterilization method and cycle, monitors equipment performance, and documents chemical and biological testing outcomes

Handles ETO sterilization in compliance with safety standards, including aeration, emergency procedures, and proper PPE use; maintains current certification in ETO safety

Performs visual inspections for chemical indicator color change and aseptically distributes sterile instruments to appropriate units

Cleans, disinfects, stores, distributes, and tracks reusable durable medical equipment such as IV pumps, SCDs, and PCA machines

Maintains inventory levels and ensures sterile items and equipment are stored properly and ready for timely distribution

Fulfills and restocks adult and pediatric crash carts as well as trauma carts to ensure readiness for emergencies

Gains proficiency in surgical instrument specialties including General, Orthopedic, Vascular, Plastic, Cardio Thoracic, Neuro, Ophthalmic, ENT, GYN, Podiatry, Urology, Cystoscopy, Dental, and Dermatology

Reviews daily surgical schedules to anticipate and prepare for instrument turnover needs for upcoming procedures or next-day cases

United Health Services