Certified Sterile Processing Tech/Endoscopy

Central Sterile & Reprocess Tech (Endoscopy)

The Central Sterile & Reprocess Tech (Endoscopy) provides care to patients undergoing procedural intervention in compliance with policies and procedures of Surgical Services, AORN, JCAHO, OSHA, and AMI standards. The Central Sterile & Reprocess Tech must have a working knowledge of decontamination, instrumentation, sterilization, and the building of case carts. The Technician is also responsible for the processing of any sterilized product across the hospital. The Central Sterile & Reprocess Tech provides technical assistance with all procedures throughout various departments of the hospital under the supervision of the Sterile Processing Manager.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Decontamination: Receives soiled case carts and soiled instruments into the decontamination area; scans all instruments into the impress system. Prioritizes instruments needed for turnaround (i.e., instruments on the needs list. Handwashes or pre-soaks in enzyme solution. Pre-cleans all lumened instruments in ultrasonic cleaner. Has working knowledge of washer functionalities. Selects rack and cycle for type of instruments to be cleaned. Washes case carts in cart-washer. Changes solutions for instrument and cart washer when indicated. Makes sure magnets on instruments rack are correctly aligned in washer. Refills solution containers daily, ensuring proper solutions are used.
• Core: Acts as a liaison between OR suites and SPD to communicate the changes and needs for subsequent cases. Performs daily tests and biologicals on sterilizer and Steris and maintains records of flash sterilization. Provides routine maintenance on Steris and eye sterilizer. Assemble and Steris scopes as needed. Transports sterile items to the OR suites. Checks case carts for needed items. Returns unused items to sterile processing. Orders supplies for the core area.
• Instruments: Maintains effective communication with OR, Management, Physicians, peers and interdisciplinary team to provide the appropriate instrumentation to start and maintain the surgery. Assists in proper technique in handling instruments. Check and update needs list regularly. Assembles instruments in order of importance: instruments and sets on needs list; one-of-a-kind instruments and sets; all other instruments and sets. Inspects all instruments for damage after decontamination. Determine repair procedure when needed; place in appropriate "on-site" container, communicate and identify what repair is needed. Check case carts for accuracy before being sent to the core. Replaces damaged instruments. Wrap instruments/sets in appropriate wrapper/container.
• Sterilization: Has working knowledge of all sterilization techniques in SPD and OR. Is able to trouble shoot sterilization problems within SPD and OR. Initiates daily sterilization routine: check and remove debris from drain baskets; inspect door gaskets for cracks/damage; check steam pressure; perform Bowie Dick air leak test and record results. Prepare the biological indicator test packs. Initiate daily biological monitoring. Record results of previous biological monitoring. Report problems to Coordinator/coordinator assistant/charge tech. Initiate recall procedure if necessary. Prepare label gun with correct date and identification number. Stamp each item to be sterilized with the load number. Load items into Impress System. Arrange items on the loading cart for proper penetration of steam and elimination of liquid. Initiate and monitor sterilization cycle. Check sterilization cycle record tape at the completion of the cycle and initial tape. Remove load from sterilizer and place load away from vents for cooling. Transfer sterilized items to "Home Location" using the Impress system. Place the sterilized items onto the appropriate shelf location.
• Case Carts: Demonstrates a working knowledge of Surgi Server as it relates to pulling pick lists. Is able to assemble case trays for every service and procedure performed within St. Mary Mercy Hospital. Maintains accurate preference cards-adjustments are to be made the same day as change is made. Builds case carts accurately and indicates missing items on the pick sheet. Prepares case carts by Physician/Surgeon preference card. Prepares needs list for sterile instruments and supplies for the next days cases. Replaces emergency carts ASAP.
• Other Duties: Distributes crash carts when distribution services are closed. Decontaminate PLUMs, PCA and epidural pumps. Picks up and returns sterile items to all the inpatient units including, Cardiac Cath Lab, Emergency Center, Endoscopy, Radiology, West Side GYN and the Maternity Center. Decontaminate all specialty carts including crash carts for all units and services of the hospital. Picks up, decontaminates, restocks and delivers pediatric intubation carts for Emergency Center. Demonstrate a positive, friendly, respectful demeanor to everyone who comes in contact with the Sterile Processing Department.

This position does not provide direct patient care. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• Education: High school education or equivalent. Must be able to comprehend written and verbal instructions. Should have basic working knowledge of computers. Should have the ability to operate computerized equipment.
• Licensure: Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician preferred.
• Training and Experience: 2 years previous Central Processing or Operating Room experience preferred.
• Job Knowledge: Supervised by the SPD Manager. Has performed a multitude of tasks pertaining to patient care. Must be familiar with the location of various departments and general regulations of the hospital. Must have knowledge of surgical instrumentation. Must have good understanding of basic asepsis and sterile equipment and supplies. Must have knowledge of sterilization and decontamination procedures. Must have a working knowledge of SPD equipment and supplies. Must have knowledge of case carts. Patient Care knowledge and SPD Equipment knowledge. Computer knowledge necessary to effectively utilize hospital systems.

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.