Certified Sterile Processing Technician

JOB SUMMARY

Performs and participates in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment. Performs other duties as assigned or required. Communicates with physicians, Director of Surgical Services, House Supervisors, and other department managers as well as co-workers as appropriate any needs for instrument processing. Must respond quickly and accurately to changes in environment. Sterile Processing Tech ensures that equipment functions properly, and that the sterilization practices are conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Monitors biological and chemical wash solution to ensure quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments and medical equipment. Document and maintain accurate sterilization records.

Decontaminates and sterilizes instruments, medical supplies and equipment, and assembles, wraps and sterilizes trays of instruments. Follows proper Standard Precautions as appropriate for tasks.

Knowledge and operation of sterile processing equipment and perform simple maintenance on equipment (e.g., clean filters and drains.)

Prepare trays for designated areas according to policies and procedures and instructions for use.

Assists Director of Surgical Services with maintaining established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, and quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection control standards.

Familiar with Policies, Procedures, and Protocols. Care and Documentation meets current standards of practice and complies with all such guidelines.

Maintains required SPD logs and reports data monthly to Director of Surgical Services or delegee, i.e., IUSS, Bowie Dick, etc.

Other duties as assigned to support the overall effectiveness of the department and organizational performance in accordance with Curry Health Network’s Mission, Vision and Shared Values

SHARED VALUES

Service:           We serve with compassion and understanding.

Teamwork:     We are one team – each one of us makes a difference.

Curiosity:        We promote learning.

Integrity:        We live by honesty, trust, and doing the right thing by our organizational values.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• High school graduate or equivalent required.


• Current national Central/Sterile Processing Technician certification required.


• Current AHA BLS certification required.


• Minimum 1 year experience in Surgical Services setting required.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Moderate computer skill including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).


• Compassion and a desire to help patients.


• Attention to detail, observing and accurately reporting the patient's issues and findings to the responsible RN.


• Skill and ability to provide care to the extent defined by PCT competency.


• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work with people in close situations, using excellent communication and listening skills.


• Documentation skills to accurately and appropriately capture the observations noted and treatment provided.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands

On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities:

None of the time: Taste or Smell

Up to 1/3 of the time: Stand, Sit , Push, Pull, Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl

From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Walk. Stand, talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle or feet, reach with hands and arms

Up 2/3 of the time and more: NA

This job requires that weight be lifted, or force be exerted as follows:

None of the time: Up to or more than 100 pounds

Up to 1/3 of the time: Up to 100 pounds  

From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Up to 25 pounds

Up to 2/3 of the time and more: Up to 10 pounds

This job has special vision requirements as follows:

Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This job requires exposure to the following environmental conditions:

None of the time: We, humid conditions, Work near moving mechanical parts, Fumes or airborne particles, Toxic or caustic chemicals, Outdoor weather conditions, Extreme cold, Extreme heat, Risk of Electrical shock, work with explosives, risk of radiation, vibration

Up to 1/3 of the time: No requirement

From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: No requirement

The typical noise level for the work environment is: quiet to loud noise

Hearing requirements: ability to hear instructions. and hear alarms on equipment

This job requires the following repetitive motion actions:

0 hours: No requirement

From 1 – 2 hours per day: Grasping firm/heavy

From 3-4 hours per day: Repetitive use of foot control

From 5-6 hours per day: Grasping simple/light

From 7+ hours per day: Repetitive use of hands, Fine dexterity