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, all in view of customer satisfaction and/or patient safety in general as the ultimate goal.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Central Sterile Processing Technician minimum job requirements include: sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently walking and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive).
• Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills are needed. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly.
• Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wear identification while on duty.
• Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
• Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Attend in-services and regular staff meetings.

Other Duties:

• Responsible for control of all aspects of the sterilization process:
• Decontamination.
• Instrument inspection, preparation, packaging, sterilization.
• Documentation of sterilization.
• Sterile storage.
• Remediation of equipment failures and hazards.
• Provide integrity and sterility of products and services for the customers.
• Work in conjunction with the OR staff to provide timely sterile products.
• Maintain consistency and continuous workflow between the OR and Central Service Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service.
• Operate and maintain decontamination equipment.
• Reprocess reusable Patient Care Equipment (PCE) as per hospital established policies and procedures.
• Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
• Operate and maintain Gas Plasma (i.e., Sterrad) equipment; keep records of loads completed, items of loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
• Quarantining.
• Monitor surgery schedules daily, identifying general, specific and potential needs for all cases.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate records to remain compliant with applicable regulatory agencies, as well as reporting occurrences immediately to supervisors.
• Maintain strong working/collaborative relationships with other departments to ensure flow and continuity of services.
• Attend in-service presentations, including but not limited to infection control, patient safety, quality improvement, MSDS and OSHA standards.
• Report defective equipment to supervisor and/or staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed.

Required Education:

• High School Diploma.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST) / Registered Central Service Tech (RCST) required 1 year after start.

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.

Specific Physical Demands:

• Daily assignments involve or require prolonged sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently walking and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive).
• Transferring materials and equipment, or lifting, moving, carrying some heavy surgical trays for intermittent periods throughout the day as needed.
• Must have the ability to lift/push/pull/carry greater than 45 pounds.
• May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, cold, noise, radiation, blood/body fluids, and infectious diseases.