Sterile Supply Technician I

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for sterilizing supplies and decontaminating instruments needed for patient care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assesses instrument/supply needs daily in the OR and ER, restocks daily as needed. Prepares instruments/supplies in other areas as needed.
• Issues required supplies/instruments daily or as needed to nursing units, operating room, and any other areas as needed.
• Evaluates instrument/supplies prior to sterilization for impairments or other sterilization related issues

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Begins preparing sterilizer for use promptly at the beginning of each shift.

Correctly utilizes biological and chemical monitors.

Correctly utilizes dart tests.

Performs correct procedure for flushing sterilizers daily or when used and documents in the designated areas.

Maintains accurate logs. Spore checks and other sterilization parameters are performed and documented daily. Correctly participates/performs cleaning procedures on designated equipment weekly or as scheduled. Documents on logs accordingly.

Assesses the need for personal protective equipment, places approved orders, and replenishes supply cabinets on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and as needed.

Puts all supplies and carts away in their designated areas at the end of each shift.

Correctly prepares and monitors indicators for the Steris and documents in the log at designated times.

Assists anesthesia with care and cleaning of instrumentation in a timely manner.

Monitors and prepares milk baths in Sterile Processing according to schedule and need.

Documents in appropriate log timely.

Performs pertinent procedures on instruments as needed (ie. acid wash).

Reports to the OR and ER Managers need for replacing instruments.

Provides pertinent ordering manufacturer numbers.

Assists in cleaning flexible endoscopes as needed.

Assists OR staff by filling glove holders, masks, scrubs, and changing sharp containers weekly or as needed.

Correctly prepares linen and distributes neatly to designated area timely.

Assists in putting medical supplies away in OR/Sterile Processing by the end of each shift.

Assists in monitoring medical supplies for expiration dates.

Provides manager with supply orders that are legible and with correct ordering numbers.

Orders supplies at appropriate par levels to reduce overhead cost. Prepares physician office/health department instruments correctly and timely according to parameters.

Assures all instruments are counted and documented prior to and after sterilization.

Assists in terminal cleaning of rooms during periods of high patient census or as scheduled.

Reviews and observes policies and procedures designated for Sterile Processing.

Obtains and maintains knowledge of sterilization standards (through class or private study).

Participates in OR/Sterile Processing performance improvement activities.

Obtains and maintains knowledge of surgical instrumentation and equipment.

Attends in services on new equipment as assigned. Recognizes and responds to priority needs in patient

care areas.

Independently performs assigned duties and recognizes and performs duties which need to be done

although not directly assigned.

Actively participates in orientation of new employees.

Keeps self-busy doing department productive activities in periods of low patient census.

Follows chain of command with concerns or questions.

Demonstrates a positive attitude towards physicians, co-workers, and all customers.

Strives to exceed the customer satisfaction.

Communicates issues or concerns to the person(s) involved.

Assists in other areas of the hospital willingly if needed.

Attends 75% of department meetings and/or in-services.

All other duties as assigned.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSURES

BLS - Basic Life Support Required Equivalent Experience - Within 1 month of hire or transfer

SPD CERT - Cert Sterile Process Tech Required Equivalent Experience - Certified in Sterile Processing (SPD Cert) preferred. If not certified, must complete certification within twenty-four months and maintain.

EDUCATION – High School Diploma or GED required.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

Medical terminology course or equivalent experience acquired through a clinical setting required.

Organization skills, manual dexterity, customer service skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and computer skills are required.

MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft® Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MidMichigan Health