Sterile Processing Technician

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Performs and participates in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment in compliance with the hospital-wide infection control program, with customer satisfaction and patient safety as the ultimate goal
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Adhere to dress code and maintain professional appearance.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wear identification while on duty.
• Maintain regulatory requirements including state, federal and local regulations.
• Represent the organization professionally and comply with ethical business practices.
• Participate in performance improvement and quality improvement activities.
• Attend in-services and staff meetings.

Sterilization & Processing Responsibilities:

• Control all aspects of the sterilization process.
• Decontamination, inspection, preparation, packaging and sterilization of instruments.
• Documentation of sterilization and sterile storage.
• Quarantine processes.
• Remediation of equipment failures and hazards.
• Provide integrity and sterility of products and services.
• Work with OR staff to provide timely sterile products.
• Maintain workflow between OR and Central Sterile Processing.
• Reprocess reusable Patient Care Equipment (PCE).
• Operate and maintain decontamination equipment.
• Operate steam autoclaves and maintain load records.
• Operate Gas Plasma (Sterrad) equipment and maintain records.
• Monitor surgery schedules and identify needs.
• Maintain compliance records and report occurrences.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with departments.
• Attend infection control, patient safety, quality improvement, MSDS and OSHA trainings.
• Report defective equipment.

Education:

• High School Diploma.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST) / Registered Central Service Tech (RCST)

Preferred Certifications & Licensure:

• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) status preferred.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Sterile Processing or other hospital ancillary service, preferably Materials Management Central Service Materials Management.
• Basic knowledge of computers, particularly Word Processing, Print-out/Reports, and Excel/Spreadsheet analysis.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English both verbally and in writing.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged sitting/standing and frequent walking and reaching.
• Lift/push/pull/carry greater than 45 pounds.
• Move heavy surgical trays.
• Possible exposure to fumes, chemicals, cold, noise, radiation, blood/body fluids and infectious diseases.