Sterile Processing Technician

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Under general supervision, performs routine tasks relating to the decontamination, processing, sterilization, and distribution of instruments, equipment and sterile supplies.
• Operates and monitors cleaning/sterilization equipment.
• Maintains records in compliance with AAMI, AORN, Joint Commission, and OSHA standards.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Collects, sorts, cleans, disinfects and inspects instruments, supplies and durable medical equipment.
• Inspects, assembles, wraps, and labels surgical instruments, procedural trays for sterilization and storage.
• Operates, maintains, tests, and documents use of sterilizing and cleaning/disinfecting equipment.
• Able to identify correct cleaning and sterilization methods for items being processed.
• Complies and maintains accurate related records in accordance with departmental policy and procedure.
• Performs and documents biological monitoring of all sterilizing equipment.
• Able to follow protocol for failed biological.
• Ensures that aseptic techniques are used at all times in handling preparation and storage of sterile reusable and disposable supplies.
• Maintains a sanitary, safe and clean environment in the Sterile Processing Department.
• Delivers processed supplies and equipment to designated departments within the hospital, may apply.
• Assists in the Endoscopy reprocessing department, may apply.
• Participates in training and orientation of new employees.
• Reports faulty equipment, safety concerns and deficiencies to Sterile Processing Leadership.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Ability to read and write is necessary to comprehend and follow equipment operating instructions, IFUs, and complete required documentation.
• Basic arithmetic calculations necessary to count instruments.
• Basic computer skills are required.
• Problem-solving and good communication skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• One year of related healthcare experience.

Required Competencies:

• Operating cleaning equipment
• Decontamination
• Processing
• Sterilization
• Distribution of instruments

Additional Competencies:

• Communication
• Labeling instruments
• Sanitation
• Reporting faulty equipment
• Basic arithmetic
• Basic computer skills
• Monitoring sterilization equipment
• Maintaining records
• AAMI standards compliance
• AORN standards compliance
• Joint Commission standards compliance
• OSHA standards compliance
• Cleaning instruments
• Disinfecting instruments
• Inspecting instruments
• Assembling instruments
• Wrapping instruments
• Testing sterilizing equipment
• Documenting equipment use
• Identifying cleaning methods
• Identifying sterilization methods
• Biological monitoring
• Aseptic techniques
• Safety maintenance
• Training new employees
• Problem solving

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

• Successful completion of Central Sterile coursework.

Preferred Certifications & Licensure: Certification-Sterile Processing.

Minimum Degree Required: Completed High School (Diploma or GED)