Sterile Processing Technician

Job Description

Job Summary:

• To provide hospital departments, including but not limited to, the Operating Room, Emergency Room and Labor and Delivery with sterile instruments and trays.
• Direct and coordinate Sterile Processing Department’s staff in accordance with departmental policies and procedures through AAMI/AORN.
• Constant interaction with internal and external customers to include (but not limited to) physicians and employees.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs sterile processing duties

• Processes and sterilizes equipment/instruments, following recommendations of AAMI and ASHCSP.
• Demonstrates knowledge of equipment/instruments being processed for various nursing units.
• Disassembles and cleans all equipment using approved disinfectants and detergents.
• Accounts for equipment and supplies used.
• Completes instrument sets accurately using Quality Control pick/reference sheets.
• Documents all work completed for sterilization in log book.
• Performs weekly assignments including weekly cleaning and restocking.
• Removes any inoperable equipment or instruments and transfers to appropriate holding area for pick-up.
• Prepares reusable equipment for redistribution as needed.

Assists in the coordination of patient care

• Assists nursing units in coordinating supplies for patient care.
• Collaborates with other hospital team members.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.

Clinical preceptor 

• Performs clinical preceptor role for technicians – collaborating with the patient care coordinator.

Care of environment and equipment

• Maintains unit.
• Maintains and cleans equipment

Assumes leadership role – Level II Techs

• Effectively problem solves
• Serves as a role model
• Supports staff in a “shift charge” role
• Supports customer services
• Supports clinical areas and leadership of those areas
• Assists in planning and implementation of unit goals
• Maintains open communication
• Encourages cost effectiveness
• Maintains productivity Performs other job duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of organizational policies and procedures regarding decontamination of instruments, sterilization, universal precautions and various hospital equipment.
• Able to monitor quality control throughout the department.
• Able to interpret and apply professional guidelines/standards (AAMI/AORN).
• Skill in identifying problems and recommending solutions/application of critical thinking. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

Qualification:

• Certification in sterile processing – Required
• Experience in preparation, decontamination and sterilization of instrumentation – Required
• 2 Years Graduate of high school or GED equivalency examination – Required