Sterile Processing Technician Il

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: $18.56 - $26.92 per hour, depending on experience

Monday - Thursday, 10 Hour shifts. On-call rotation as required.

Education/Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• At least 1 year experience in SPD (certified or uncertified)

Preferred:

• Surgical inventory experience

License/Certification

Minimum Required:

• (HSPA) Certified and Registered Central Service Technician -CRCST OR
• (CBSPD) Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician- CSPDT

Preferred:

• HSPA additional to CRCST
• Certified Instrument Specialist – CIS
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor – CER
• CBSPD addition to CSPDT
• Certified Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technician – CASSPT
• Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor – CFER
• Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist – CSIS

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