Sterile Processing Technician - Sterile Processing Department * Evenings - 40hrs/wk

General Summary

Under direct supervision, and according to established procedures, polices and regulations, the Certified Sterile Processing Technician I performs technical work involved in decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, sterile storage and distribution of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies. Ensures proper monitoring of sterilization equipment. Occasionally works overtime, rotating weekends and holidays and must take call on a rotating basis for weekends and holidays.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Current Certification as Sterile Processing Technician required.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and various web-based programs for data entry. Ability to read and understand manufacturer instructions for the cleaning and sterilization of proprietary instruments and equipment. Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Able to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy. Follow set rules, guidelines and standards of practice.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Completes all tasks required at each workstation in SPD.
• Prioritizes the workload based on the need of departments.
• Cleans and sorts all soiled instrumentation, drills, scopes and other medical equipment entering the decontamination area based on standards and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Adheres to Universal/Standard Precautions and department dress code to at all times.
• Operates the washer decontaminator, cart washer, ultrasonic cleaner, automated scope reprocessor, all sterilizers, and computer.
• Performs proper principals and strict techniques for sterilization.
• Maintains daily records of testing results of Biological Indicators (BI’s) and BOWIE-DICK tests via instrument tracking software.
• Reads BI’s at the appropriate times.
• Ensures proper assembly, and packages instrument sets according to count sheets, standards, and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Inspects all instruments for good working condition.
• Uses appropriate chemical indicators for sterilization method.
• Maintains an error rate that is below 2.0% per month for tray accuracy.
• Assists in additional duties that are identified by SPD Lead Technician, SPD Supervisor, OR Manager and/or Surgical Services Director.
• Communicates missing instrument information to appropriate SPD and OR staff.
• Provides effective report to the employee assuming responsibilities on the next shift.
• Reviews inventory stock/ non-stock supplies, and implants.
• Helps maintain appropriate par levels and notifies SPD Lead or SPD Supervisor of low levels of inventory.
• Assists in keeping the SPD clean and organized.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

These may include but are not limited to

Maintaining a current knowledge base of department processes, protocols and procedures, pursuing self-directed learning and continuing education opportunities, and participating on committees, task forces, and work groups as determined by management.