Sterile Processing Tech

Employment Type:
Full time Shift:
Evening Shift

Description:
At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor's visit or a place to go when you need medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities - that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.


MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa's largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest's largest referral centers.


With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa's largest employers.

Join the Mercy One Family!


Schedule:

• Evenings - Full Time 3PM-11 PM

The Sterile Processing Tech I is responsible for the building and coordination of instruments and case carts between the Operating Room, Ancillary departments and Sterile Processing. Coordinates case carts, add-ons and will serve as a contact person in Sterile Processing for each service in the Operating Room. Will have direct contact with physicians, nurses, and scrub techs. Will clean, decontaminate, prepare, assemble, and sterilize surgical instrumentation and related equipment used by surgical services and other clinical departments. Sterile Processing Technician Certification Preferred

ESSENTIAL KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

COMMUNICATION/INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

• Demonstrates and facilitates effective departmental and inter-departmental communications.
• Consistently responds to departmental and inter-departmental needs in a prompt, accurate, clear, and precise manner.
• Consistently informs appropriate individuals about problems involving equipment, supplies, instruments, implants, etc.
• Consistently maintains continuity of communications

COMPETENCY TO CLEAN AND DECONTAMINATE INSTRUMENTS, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, AND CASE CARTS

• Uses care in handling instruments, identifies heat sensitive items, and separates delicate items to prevent damage.
• Consistently keeps washers loaded and operating.
• Knowledgeable of the basic use of surgical instruments.
• Keeps accurate records of all instruments received and cleaned.
• Follows cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization procedures per manufacturer's instructions.

COMPETENCY TO PROCESS IMPLANTS

• Consistently inspects the integrity of implant packaging to ensure sterility.
• Assembles implant sets, emergency carts, and trays with minimal assistance Consistently processes, checks, and labels implants in a timely, accurate, and legible manner with minimal assistance.
• Replaces all items needed to complete implant sets and specialty carts with minimal assistance.
• Records requests for implants on the record form.
• Consistently maintains a clean and orderly work area.

COMPETENCY TO PROCESS INSTRUMENTS, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, SETS, TRAY, AND CASE CARTS

• Consistently inspects instruments for sharpness, deterioration, alignment, and cleanliness. Inspects all serration and cannulations according to policy.
• Uses care in handling instruments, identifies heat sensitive items, and separates delicate items to prevent damage.
• Checks the condition of instrument containers prior to use.
• Ensures that appropriate sterilization indicators and filters are placed in the instrument pan(s) prior to sterilization.
• Consistently follows specified checklist when assembling instrument sets/trays.
• Consistently labels/initials instrument sets and equipment accurately, legibly and in a timely manner.
• Consistently ensures that instrument sets are complete prior to sterilization; records all missing tag items that are not replaced in instrument sets.
• Consistently keeps conveyor unloaded and cleared of trays.
• Knowledgeable of the basic use of surgical instruments.
• Correctly processes workload (case cart, power equipment, decontaminating equipment, scopes, etc.) and determines processing/cleaning priorities.
• Follows cleaning procedure per manufacturer's instructions.
• Displays knowledge in identifying surgical instrumentation.

COMPETENCY TO MAINTAIN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS ASEPSIS AND SAFETY

• Understands and practices basis aseptic principles.
• Understands the importance of precisely following guidelines for decontamination and loading washers as outlined by policy and procedure.
• Demonstrates understanding of basic principles of all types of sterilization methods used at SVIMC and operates/maintains sterilizers according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Is prompt and loads sterilizers in the correct manner.
• Checks printouts at the beginning of the sterilization cycle, and at frequent intervals during the cycle and at the end of the cycle to ensure proper function.
• Performs daily appropriate testing for sterilizers according to manufacturer's instructions (Bowie-Dick, biological 3M Attest).
• Keeps accurate and legible ledger on all sterilization test results.
• Prepares cleaning solution accurately and maintains adequate level of cleaner in the washer.
• Understands and complies with infection control policies and procedures such as hand washing, containment of infections agents/materials.
• Attends in-service programs and complies with general safety guidelines, fire safety rules, hazard communications, emergency codes and procedures.
• Uses care in operating all equipment and carts; sinks are cleaned.
• Sterilizer drains are free of debris and cleaned daily.

Minimum Qualifications
Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma, GED, Metropolitan Test, or equivalent.

Required Licensure and Certifications

• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to the population served, to be completed within three (3) months of hire.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Training

• Knowledge of surgical supplies, instruments, and equipment.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.