Sterile Processing Technician

JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, the Sterile Processing Technician position is responsible for decontamination, assembly, inspecting, wrapping, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment for Surgical Services and all ancillary departments which includes working in conjunction with the Operation Room (OR) staff to provide timely sterile products, trays, and case carts where applicable. The position maintains consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Central Service Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 25%

1. Communicates with staff from the interprofessional health care team concerning patient safety to improve outcomes and the safe transition of care through effective assignment and shift handoffs, using a structured format. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional. (EF)
2. Responds positively to requests for assistance. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment. Makes contributions to the work effort as a whole and uses problem resolution effectively. (EF)
3. Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e., peer-to-peer accountability (EF)

SERVICE - 25%

1. Performs decontamination and assembling of basic surgical trays, individual instrumentation and equipment utilizing established count sheets. Wraps or contains items appropriately according to size and type of instrument or equipment. (EF)
2. Provides timely sterile products, trays and case carts, by location, by following guidance of experienced surgical techs, in conjunction with the OR staff. (EF)
3. Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed manufacturer instructions for use and according to institutional policies and procedures. (EF)
4. Organizes workload utilizing available work time by assisting others and performing additional task as needed. Provides consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 25%

1. Utilizes appropriate cleaning detergents and agents by reading directions and SDS sheets. (EF)
2. Utilizes all department equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions for use and department policies and protocols. (EF)
3. Ensures through visual inspection that trays have completed the quality process according to AAMI standards for patient use. (EF)

FINANCE - 10%

1. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, cleaning the workstation at the end of each shift, and minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members. (EF)
2. Uses department resources efficiently to ensure completeness of trays, instruments and equipment according to count sheets; does not waste supplies. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 15%

1. Understands, applies, and demonstrates industry Sterile Processing standards i.e., Steam, ETO and Low Temperature Hydrogen Peroxide. (EF)
2. Participates in department projects and Shared Governance committee for department. Follow up on action items as necessary to ensure completion of assignments. (EF)
3. Identifies own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts, and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

o High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

o Formal education through a Sterile Processing program preferred

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o None