Central Sterile/Sterile Processing Technician (Full-time)

Job Summary

Responsible for maintaining an organized and functional sterile processing department. Create and maintain appropriate logs and documentation to ensure compliance with PBJC policies and applicable licensing agents. Report any variances to protocol/ faulty equipment/ missing instrumentation ASAP and clearly document the process. Maintain up to date equipment and set lists with pictures for reference. Alert materials management staff of inadequate disposable supplies. Ensure operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure. Maintain appropriate levels of all surgical instruments and supplies. Responsible for decontaminating, cleaning, processing, and sterilizing instruments and equipment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities - Central Sterile

Sterilization Methods/Testing/Inspections

• Differentiate sterilization methods required for specific instruments and equipment; appropriate validation and spore testing with records computed per policy; visual inspection of sterilizations for visible signs of malfunction; report to manager. 
• Load and operate all sterilizers (steam) and complete all appropriate documentation records as needed.

Instrument Procedure Trays/Peel Packs

• Assemble all instrument procedure trays and/or packs following prescribed manner using content lists as a guide. 
• Clean, prepare, and wrap package instruments correctly according to policy. (Autoclave loads)

Event-Related Sterilization

• Understand and utilize event-related sterilization.

Information Processing

Language Use Skills

• Skill in language use, including reading and comprehending instructions, short correspondence, and memos, constructing correspondence, and presenting information in one-on-one, small group situations, in person and electronically.

Computer Use

• Use computer to perform department functions, i.e. forms, data entry, e-mail.

Interpersonal Skills

Professional Image

• Follow dress code.  
• Project a pleasant and professional image per company policy.  
• Wear identification while on duty.  
• Come to work projecting an attitude that welcomes patients.  
• Communicate name and role to patient.

Flexibility/Stressful Situation

• Respond with flexibility to changing work load and/or assignments.  
• Stay organized and function under stressful situations.

Working Relationships

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, co-workers, and the public, that harbor a friendly, yet professional interaction.  
• Demonstrate willingness to readily interact with other staff members and department leaders.

Initiative

• Exhibit initiative and self-directed behavior.  
• Accept responsibility for own professional growth and personal conduct by seeking knowledge in work specific areas, taking advantage of opportunities at work to observe and volunteer.

Independence

• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and solve problems.

Mentor/Preceptor

• Act as a mentor/preceptor to students and new employees.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as directed/required, to ensure efficient operations of Premier Bone & Joint Centers. 

Adherence to Facility/Departmental Policy

Confidentiality

• Observe confidentiality of information in regards to patients, physicians, and fellow employees; ability to maintain confidentiality under HIPAA standards.

Attendance/Punctuality

• Maintain a good attendance record and arrive to work punctually.  
• Utilize established time clock system appropriately.

Overtime

• Able to substantiate overtime, minimize overtime and adjust hours as needed.

Cell Phone Use

• Cell phone may be used for business purposes only.  
• Utilize cell phone for personal use only during breaks or meal periods out of the public eye.

Care of Environment, Equipment & Supplies

Clean, Neat, Safe Environment

• Maintain a clean, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff, including personal work areas

Office Equipment Skills/Malfunctioning Equipment

• Utilizing correct/safe technique when using equipment and notify manager of malfunctioning equipment

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent - Required

Certification & Licensures

• Certification - CRCST/CBSPD or IAHCSMM Certification - Preferred

Experience

• 1 Year Central Sterile/Sterile Processing Experience - Preferred

Physical Requirements

• Seeing - Must be able to visually evaluate the patient’s status - Constant
• Hearing - Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with physicians, co-workers, and patients, as well as to receive instruction from physicians and/or supervisor - Constant
• Speaking - Must be able to verbally communicate with physicians, co-workers, and patients, and to give instructions to patients and/or employees under supervision - Frequently
• Grasping - Must be able to maneuver and handle surgical equipment and perform duties requiring fine motor skills - Constant
• Standing - Must be able to stand in place for long periods of time - Constant
• Sitting - Frequently

Weight Demands

Lifting - Must be able to lift at least 100 pounds or less - Occasionally

Pushing/Pulling - Must be able to maneuver and position equipment and patients - Frequently

Working Conditions

Environmental Hazards 

• The fast-paced environment may lead to increased levels of personal stress and demand high mental acuity.

Physical Hazards

• Physical harm is possible when performing physical requirements, as listed above.  
• Exposure to communicable disease, bodily fluids, and/or toxic substances is possible and can be physically harmful.

Unique Work Schedule

• May be required to work after hours