Sterile Processing Technician - PT (17-23) hrs- Swing Shift

Description

Job Summary 

Performs decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout surgery, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process.

Duties and Responsibilities 

· Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification and assembly according to OneSource and preparation for sterilization; retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.

· Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness and cleanliness.

· Coordinates with Materials Dept to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels.

· Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Communicate with operating room staff to provide required instruments. 

· Is responsible for reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Clinical Director and Material Manger and follow process for replacement

· Must be able to clean, sterilize, and assemble equipment, instruments, special trays, packs.

· Sterilize supplies obtained from other departments and return them to appropriate areas.

· Handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate.

· Sorts mismatched sets of instruments, trays, and medical equipment and makes them available for use.

· Order stock and inventory supply closets as well as surgery.

· Attend all staff meetings and required in-services.

· Communicate with colleagues, peers and superiors through succinct expression and receptive listening.

· Participate in resolving problems of the department.

· Help maintain and update all surgical procedure cards and make notebooks.

· Safely operate the steam and steris sterilizer.

· Assist in the orientation and training of new personnel.

· Remain cognizant of changing laws and regulations pertinent to the O.R. and develops and recommends policies and procedures to assure compliance with the changing laws.

· Maintain required confidentiality.

· Deal with anger, frustration and criticism in a constructive manner.

· Assume responsibility for personal actions and results.

· Prepare and arrange instruments, supplies, and assist the surgeon by providing sterile instruments and supplies.

· Actively engage in quality improvement activities.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

· Certificate in Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician (CRCST)

Preferred Requirements

· Bilingual (English and Spanish)

· Associate’s degree in Surgical Technology

Skills/Competencies

· Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to be able to determine operational adequacy and to distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction. 

· Knowledge of applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards sufficient to be able to perform all assignments within the safety parameters. 

· Able to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment.

· Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals and medical instruments sufficient to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies and instruments.

· Complete twelve (12) hours of Sterile Processing (SPD) training via webinars, podcasts, formal classes or online study. 

· Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

Physical Requirements

May be required to pull up or reposition patients in bed, lift supplies, place equipment on supports, push beds throughout the hospital, and perform external cardiac compressions. The individual must be able to bend over to perform certain duties, e.g., check chest tube drainage, check urinary output, etc. The individual must also be able to maneuver throughout halls, stairways, and patient rooms in response to hospital emergencies. Interpretation of environmental input requires visual and auditory skills. In the event there is a need to evacuate the building, heavy lifting will be required to carry patients to safety. Frequently lifts up to 100 or more pounds consistently causing a high volume of stooping, bending, lifting, pulling, and twisting.