per diem Sterile Processing technician

Sterile Processing Technician (Per Diem – Days)

Location: Baystate Medical Center – Springfield, MA Schedule: Per Diem | Day Shift

Position Summary

Baystate Medical Center is seeking a detail-oriented Sterile Processing Technician to join our Sterile Processing Department on a per diem day shift basis. In this role, you will be responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment while ensuring compliance with manufacturer instructions, hospital policies, and industry standards.

The Sterile Processing Technician plays a vital role in supporting safe patient care by providing sterile, accurately assembled instrument trays and supplies for surgical and clinical procedures. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment, and effective collaboration with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination of reusable surgical instruments and equipment using manual and automated cleaning processes.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and damage prior to assembly and sterilization.
• Assemble, package, wrap, and sterilize surgical instrument trays, basins, peel packs, and medical devices according to manufacturer instructions and hospital procedures.
• Operate and maintain automated washers, ultrasonic cleaners, steam sterilizers, ethylene oxide sterilizers, and low-temperature gas plasma sterilizers.
• Perform and document daily quality assurance testing, including TOSI testing for automated washers and SonoCheck testing for ultrasonic washers.
• Conduct biological and chemical monitoring of sterilization processes and maintain accurate sterilization records.
• Properly load and unload sterilizers and verify the integrity of sterile packages before release and distribution.
• Scan instruments, trays, loaner equipment, and peel packs into the instrument tracking system throughout the processing cycle.
• Prepare surgical case carts by accurately selecting supplies using first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory practices.
• Inspect sterile supplies for package integrity and expiration dates before storage and distribution.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Complete required documentation and perform other departmental clerical duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and customer service skills.
• Ability to successfully complete departmental orientation (8–12 weeks), required web-based education, and hand hygiene training.
• Ability to perform essential functions in all Sterile Processing areas, including:
  • Decontamination
  • Prep and Packaging
  • Sterilization
• Must obtain CBSPD and/or HSPA certification within 18 months of hire.

Preferred

• Previous experience in Sterile Processing, Central Sterile, or a perioperative environment.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation and sterile processing best practices.

Why Join Baystate Medical Center?

At Baystate Medical Center, you'll become part of a collaborative healthcare team dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care. Sterile Processing Technicians are essential members of the surgical services team, ensuring clinicians have the sterile instruments they need to provide safe and effective care every day.