Sterile Processing Technician

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Responsible for the decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of trays, instruments, supplies, and equipment following all infection control practices.
• Responsible for dispensing equipment upon request.
• Maintains accurate records and departmental inventory usage.
• Responsible for case cart building and responds to requests from surgery.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Disassembles, cleans, and disinfects instruments and equipment used for patient care utilizing correct manual and mechanical processes.
• Operates equipment used in the decontamination process, i.e. sonic washer, cart washers, washer sterilizers and decontaminators.
• Performs cleaning tasks in work area as assigned.
• Uses universal precautions when working in decontamination area (i.e., gloves, face shields, protective gown).
• Makes rounds throughout the facility to retrieve reusable instruments and equipment and transports back to the Sterile Processing Department.
• Unloads instruments from washer sterilizers and distributes to appropriate workstations.
• Assembles instrument trays and packs utilizing written instructions and proper protocol.
• Checks for sharpness and proper functioning of instruments.
• Recognizes and memorizes a large variety of instruments.
• Applies sterilization wrappers properly to maintain the integrity of the contents.
• Utilizes heat sealer on packs as needed.
• Each item is identified correctly on the outside packaging of each item.
• Loads sterilizer carriage and transports trays to sterilization area.
• Checks trays, packs, and basins on sterilizer carriage making certain that correct procedures have been utilized.
• Able to operate each type of sterilizer. Selects correct cycle and time period required for specified load.
• Knowledgeable of all methods of sterilization.
• Accurately documents all sterilization information.
• This can be completed manually or through the use of a computer.
• Biological monitoring is completed per departmental policy.
• Sterile instruments and supplies are handled properly and restocked in sterile storage area.
• All items are rotated as required.
• All equipment is continuously monitored to ensure it is functioning properly.
• Surgical preference lists are obtained from computer to pull supplies for each case.
• Location of instruments and supplies are labeled to increase efficiency.
• Performs quality control final check before items leave the department.
• Procedural carts used are restocked, stored, or returned to appropriate area.
• Fulfills requests from the OR and Pre-op/PACU when requested.
• Assists with one-on-one training of other associates.
• Responds to emergency codes when required.
• Follows instructions and departmental guidelines regarding sterility.
• Attends departmental-in-services and mandatory meetings.
• Knowledgeable of all areas in the Sterile Processing Department.

Required Education:

• Must have high school diploma or GED.

Preferred Certifications & Licensure:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).

Experience:

• Two years Central Service experience.