Sterile Process Associate: 40 hrs/ week Evenings

Sterile Processing Technician

The Sterile Processing Technician is assigned duties performing decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the surgery center, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely. Prepares, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards.
• Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility.
• Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification, and assembly according to OneSource and preparation for sterilization. Retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.
• Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness, and cleanliness.
• Coordinates with Materials Dept to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff, and visitors; adheres to all FSC policies, procedures and standards and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Communicate with operating room staff to provide required instruments.
• Responsible for reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Clinical Director and Material Manager and follow process for replacement.
• Acts as a resource to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization techniques.
• Clean, set up, sterilize, and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift.
• Maintains records for QA and sterilization.
• Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission Standards.
• Is familiar with organization, department, and job specific Environment of Care areas, including Life Safety, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control and Medical Equipment Failure.
• Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include: the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate.

Minimum Requirements:

• A High School diploma or equivalent and certification in sterile processing and distribution.
• Must maintain minimum of 10 CEU'S per year by NYS Law.
• Entry Level. Prefer 13 years' experience. Prefer prior Sterile Processing Department, Operating Room support and/or prior details-oriented assembly experience.
• Must commit to achievement of certification by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) within 18 months of hire.
• Strong attention to detail, vigilance, and meticulous care on the job.
• Passion for keeping people safe.
• Good judgment and critical-thinking skills.
• Manual dexterity and the ability to handle fragile equipment.
• Technical skills and familiarity with sterilization techniques.
• The ability to work well in a team or independently.

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Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.