Sterile Processing Tech I

Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients?  Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient-focused and dedicated to making a difference.  We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible.  Recently named a Forbes America's Best-In-State Employer 2022!

Rotates assignments to assure prompt and accurate cleaning, reassembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments, medical equipment and supplies.

• Uses fundamental concepts of cleaning and decontaminating soiled surgical instruments and equipment by carrying out the following tasks:
  Consistently utilizes and is proficient in using the computerized instrument management system in the decontamination area.
• Manually sorts soiled surgical instruments and removes gross soil from instruments and equipment using chemical disinfectants and soaks according to established policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Operates ultrasonic instrument cleaner, washers and other cleaning equipment according to established policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Manually cleans fiberoptic endoscopes, micro-delicate surgical instruments and high-speed pneumatic drills equipment according to established policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Disposes of potentially infectious material such as blood, body fluids, suction collection containers, solid wastes, knife blades, needles and syringes policies 100% of the time as measured by supervisory observation and feedback from other staff.
• Preparation and assembly of surgical instruments and sets of OR and house trays for sterilization by carrying out the following tasks:
• Consistently utilizes and is proficient in using the computerized instrument management system in the preparation and assembly area as measured by tracking data and supervisor observation (BMC only).
• Sorts, identifies, reassembles surgical instrument sets and trays for cleanliness and damage according to established policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Checks the correct assembly of instrument sets according to checklist before wraps, seals, and labels are applied to package according to policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Manufactures specialty medical supplies such as dressings, drains, etc. 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Inspects, folds and wraps surgical linen items such as wrapping materials and surgical drapes 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Reassembles and tests portable nursing equipment 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Places packages ready for sterilization on correct steam and posts correct paperwork 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Operates and prepares all sterilization equipment for sterilization, carries out the following tasks:
• Checks for quality control measures, which include biological and chemical indicators, Bowie Dick tests, and mechanical controls according to policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Loads sterilizer carts and baskets and prepares sterilizer load contents records before operating steam and ethylene oxide sterilizers according to policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Records and interprets the results of chemical, physical and biological tests of sterilizer function and keeps accurate production records according to policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Unloads sterilizer carts and inspects sterile packages for damage before returning to customer according to policies 100% of the time as measured tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Sorts and prepares sterile goods on shelves for distribution according to policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Cleans sterilizer load carts, sterilizer and other equipment weekly according to policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff.
• Delivers clean, sterile supplies and collects barcode tickets and soiled instruments from all areas at established times according to policies 100% of the time as measured by supervisory observation and feedback from other staff.
• Sorts, assembles, and package specialty items (customer owned) first to get these items on the next available sterilizer load, then items belonging to CS shelves are done next 100% of the time as measured by supervisory observation and feedback from other staff.
• Fills orders and issues out items utilizing the computer to create delivery report and delivers to correct customer according to policies 100% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisory observation, and feedback from other staff (BMC only).
• Places orders going to regional clinic areas into plastic bags, rigid containers, or transport carts using infection control measures with delivery report according to policies 100% of the time as measured by supervisory observation and feedback from other staff.
• Collects, decontaminates, and delivers patient care equipment throughout the hospital and from all out patient areas carrying out the following tasks:
• Consistently uses and properly issues equipment utilizing the computerized equipment tracking module as measured by tracking data, supervisor observation, and feedback from other staff (BMC only).
• Manually cleans and decontaminates patient care equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations and/or policies 100% of the time as measured by supervisory observation and feedback from other staff.
• Fills telephone requests for equipment and supplies within 30 minutes of receiving the request 95% of the time as measured by tracking data, supervisor observation, customer feedback, and feedback from other staff.
• Assists with on-the-job experience for new technicians as requested and measured by supervisory observation and feedback from other staff.
• Reports to oncoming shift information about work in process, priorities, and other operations as measured by supervisory observation and feedback from other staff.
• Uses decision-making skills, problem solving techniques, and assumes responsibilities to prioritize work and identifies problems within appropriate time frames daily as measured by supervisory observation and feedback from other staff.
• Performs other duties as requested and observed by supervisor or manager.

Education:

• High School or GED, preferred. 
• Completion of an approved Sterile Processing Technician training program, preferred. 
  

Experience:

• Previous experience as a Sterile Processing Tech, preferred. 

License/ Certifications: 

• Must obtain (CRCST) Central Service Technician/Sterile Processing Technician Certification within 18 months from date of hire (Previously employed, as a SPD in a healthcare facility for a cumulative period of one year occurring within the four years immediately prior to January 1, 2015 will waive this requirement.)

Skills:

• Clinical Skills
• Focusing
• Reading/ writing/ comprehension

Physical Requirements:

• Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 lbs. for force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.
• Occasional: climbing, crouching, typing/ clerical. dexterity, kneeling, seeing/monitor/ computer use, stooping fit testing. 
• Frequent: grasping, hearing, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, talking, walking, , visual acuity (color, depth, perception).

Hazards: 

• Occasional: burns, radiation/ radiant energy. 
• Frequent: Bodily Fluids/ Bloodborne Exposure, chemical, electrical, mechanical. 

Working Conditions: 

• Occasional: Fumes, gases
• Frequent: extreme temperatures, noise, vibration, wet and/or humid, mists, odors. 

Travel:

• Occasional Travel - The job may require travel from time- to-time, but not on a regular basis.
  

Benefits:

Our commitment to our employees includes benefit programs that are designed to meet the various needs across our employee population.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off, including vacations and holidays
• Life insurance and disability protection
• Retirement benefits and more…

Throughout our network, we take a balanced approach to the benefits we offer. Many benefits are company-paid, while others are available through employee contributions. Specific benefit offerings may vary by location and/or position.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related condition), age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other status protected by law.