Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile Processing Technician

Responsible for decontamination cleaning processing and sterilization of supplies and equipment dispensed by the department following established infection control practices.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assembles with 100% accuracy all instrument trays sets kits and packs according to the prescribed manner using content lists or set recipe as a guide. Wraps packages and handles them according to the standard procedure. Scans trays/sets one at a time to avoid potential problem. Carefully inventory each tray/set according to the recipe or content lists. Validates containers/wrapped items to ensure all trays are properly prepared by initialing the load card/tape. This confirms filters locks indicators count sheets and valve plates are in place. Marks items with the identifying data and distributes or stores in designated area. Consults with the supervisor team leader or designee when unable to replace parts or when the equipment is deficient in the work area.
• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies procedures quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Disassembles and cleans equipment such as suction machines IV poles and monitors and pumps using approved disinfectants detergents soaps and cleaners (if applicable). Reassembles equipment after cleaning and operates to test for proper functioning. Sets all inoperable equipment to the appropriate holding area for pick up for repair.
• Dispenses products requested for sterile and non-sterile equipment and supplies. Assigns priority to emergency requests and issues them to the requesting department according to department established procedure. Scans all items/products as appropriate prior to issuing to the department. Enforces/completes the SPD forms for documentation or tracking purposes.
• Maintains a clean and organized work areas and equipment at all times. Follow the routine schedules for cleaning and maintaining the equipment on regular basis as recommended by the manufacturer. Maintains a safe work environment by following the standards of cleaning and applying good aseptic techniques.
• Maintains and cleans the shelves and work areas at end of each shift. Applies aseptic techniques in daily work assignments. Performs general cleaning of the department surface areas racks shelves all storage areas.
• Makes a visual inspections of the inventory to maintain adequate stock and supply levels. Works closely in maintaining appropriate inventory levels of stock. Assists in requisitioning / ordering of departmental supplies.
• Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts as required.
• Participates/assists in multidisciplinary quality and service / quality improvement teams.
• Performs biological and chemical monitoring. Performs the tests at the beginning of the shift or as often as needed. Records results in the appropriate log. Performs visible inspection of the sterilizers (sterrad ETO and steam) and reports immediately to the Team Leader or Supervisor/Manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Prepares/maintains certification to enhance professional growth and development- Participates in educational program- Participates in in-service meetings and workshops.
• Process all contaminated instruments supplies and equipment returned to decont area. Checks proper operation of the cart washer U/S washers Washer Decontaminators dryer and dumb waiter on a daily basis and reports malfunction to team leader./manager. Prioritizes trays that need to be turnover with appropriate communication with the team leader and/ or designee. Receives/processes loaner trays following established standard procedure. Maintains inventory supplies in Decont area or notifies appropriate personnel. Manually cleans the power tools scopes and lenses and other delicate instruments. Maintains clean and orderly area at all times within shift. Performs leak test on all flexible endoscopes prior to cleaning and disinfecting according to established procedure. Performs water tests and records them accordingly on a daily basis if applicable. Performs routine cleaning of washers/decontaminators regularly as scheduled daily by shift weekly biweekly or monthly
• Sterilizes instruments equipment utensils and supplies using various types of sterilizers and aerators according to regulatory agencies. Properly loads autoclaves in the prescribed manner and sets controls to specified time and temperature according to manufacturer's recommendation. Completes appropriate documentation records prior to sterilization. Reads marks and initials autoclave printout to verify appropriate sterilization cycle and to provide records for verification. Inspects items sterilized prior to sending/receiving to the appropriate department or area by checking the locks indicators/tapes to assure integrity of the sterilized sets/trays. Cleans the sterilizer strainer and rinse under running water until debris are removed daily and every shift or as often as needed.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required or
• equivalent. required

Experience

• Less than 1 year 6 months related experience required or
• Completion of the central service technician course required

Licenses and Certifications

• Must prepare for the certification for Sterile Processing within 1 year of hire within 1 Year required and
• Sterile Processing certification complete the certification within 2 years of hire. required

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of aseptic technique sterilization techniques infection control requirements basic knowledge of medical/surgical procedures and terminology.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.

This position has a hiring range of USD $18.00 - USD $29.74 /Hr.