Sterile Processing Tech

Sterile Processing Technician

Children's National surgery center performs nearly 17,000 procedures annually, providing specialized surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Surgical Services at the main campus include 17 operating rooms and 2 procedure rooms, supporting a comprehensive range of perioperative services. The department's mission is driven by a culture of safety, with a strong focus on patients, families, and the care environment. Surgical Services is committed to fostering an environment that promotes safe, high-quality patient care, clinical excellence, continuous performance improvement, and positive health outcomes.

This position requires overall inspection, preparation, receipt and issuance of sterile processing equipment and supplies to the Operating Room and inpatient units. Performance of these technical tasks is integral to the support of clinical operations of the Operating Room.

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma/GED (Required)

Minimum Experience:

• 6 months to 1 year of related experience (Required)
• Experience in health care related field (Required)
• Sterile Processing Experience (Preferred)

Certifications/License Requirements:

• Certification as a Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST) (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Moderate computer ability
• Communication Skills Training (Inclusive of written and verbal skills).
• Knowledge of aseptic technique. Basic calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
• Human relations and interpersonal skills.
• Good telephone etiquette.
• Ability to maintain interpersonal skills; i.e. friendly and polite attitude towards families and staff

Functional Abilities:

Patient Advocate

• Supportive of patients, families and staff; report any concerns or issues regarding preoperative care to appropriate personnel.
• Direct any questions regarding preoperative preparation (case preparation) to Clinical Manager of SPD.
• Provide a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for surgical patient through the quality of processed equipment and supplies for the surgical patient
• Assemble paperwork needed for the patient.

Instrument and Supply Quality and Maintenance

• Receive, wash, inspect, prepare and issue instruments, trays and other equipment according to policies and procedures.
• Inspect and prepare surgical items for sterilization.
• Stamp, date, store and rotate items; issue sterile and nonsterile items; and inspect for outdated items.
• Maintain daily productivity levels.
• Communicate with Operating Room staff about the needs and activities of the inner and outer core, supplies, case carts, instruments, linens and waste.

Aseptic Technique

• Identify the principles of sterile technique.
• Demonstrate a surgical conscience at all times.
• Select and prepare supplies and instruments for the sterilizer.
• Utilize the appropriate sterilizer for sterilization purposes (i.e.: flash sterilizer vs. washer sterilizer).
• Apply the correct technique of disinfection and follow manufacturer protocols.

Sterile Processing

• Load and operate washers, dryer, ultrasonic cleaner, sterilizers and cart wash machines.
• Follow established policy and procedure for building instrument sets according to count sheets.
• Display knowledge and dexterity in the utilization of required instrumentation and supplies.
• Anticipate emergency or unusual circumstances associated with equipment needs and supply availability.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team.
• Demonstrate organizational skills when preparing for surgical cases.
• Maintain surveillance of sterilization; maintain and monitor the daily records and indicators; follow recall procedures.
• Implement procedures to ensure adherence to sterilization requirements.

Safety

• Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance
• Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation
• Stop in the face of uncertainty and take time to resolve the situation
• Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication
• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers
• Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance

Benefits That Support You:

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• Financial wellness support, including a 401(k) plan and healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
• Additional perks, including tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Why Join Us:

• Nationally Recognized Excellence Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Children's Hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
• Leading Pediatric Care One of the largest and most comprehensive children's hospitals in the country, offering nationally ranked specialties and cutting-edge treatments.
• Innovation & Research A premier academic medical center with a strong commitment to pediatric research, education, and advancing the future of child health.
• Mission-Driven Culture Dedicated to providing family-centered care while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for clinical teams.