Sterile Processing Instrument Technician

Position Summary

Responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of supplies and equipment following established infection control practices. Must be conscientious with regard to procedures and capable of accepting pressure assignments, clerical assignments and all duties relative to the department. Willingness to accept new ideas and to learn duties of the position.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Ensures proper operation of autoclave units prior to use each working day.

2. Responsible for running biological and chemical tests at beginning of every day shift. Records results in appropriate log.

3. Inspects gas and steam autoclaves for visible signs of malfunction and reports to Surgical Services Manager.

4. Processes contaminated instruments and supplies.

5. Complies with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids, chemical disinfectants, radiation, and other hazardous substances.

6. Uses knowledge of sterilization principles to correctly wrap or package items for sterilization, including heat sealing and peel pack.

7. Processes all items appropriately using Hydrogen Peroxide or steam sterilization.

8. Processes clerical work related to the department.

9. Be attentive to case flow and assist with instrument and equipment needs between cases.

10. Applies aseptic technique in daily work assignments. General cleaning of department surface areas, racks, shelves, storage cabinets, and all storage areas.

11. Stores all supplies and equipment in appropriate location.

12. Cares for instruments, syringes, needles and special procedure items, and is knowledgeable in their usage.

13. Assembles all instrument procedure trays, packs, supply carts following prescribed manner using protocol content lists as a guide. Marks items with identifying data and distributes or stores in designated areas.

14. Properly loads, operates, and cleans all sterilizers, gas and steam, and all general equipment. Performs biological and chemical control tests as per manufacturer and JCAHO recommendations.

15. Performs other related duties as required such as examining sterilization/expiration dates, reporting inoperable equipment, making visual inventory inspections to maintain adequate levels of stock and supplies, tests effectiveness of autoclaves by assembling and placing culture spore tests and total air removal tests in autoclaves. Checks all autoclaves for proper working condition and correctly dated graphs.

16. Works closely with Surgical Services Manager to maintain appropriate inventory levels of stock.

17. Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

18. Participates in departmental performance improvement activities.

Competencies

1. Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

2. Thorough knowledge of nomenclature of items and equipment used by the department.

3. Knowledgeable of cleaning and sterilization procedures and techniques. Basic understanding of various functions of the department.

4. Conscientious regard for technical and minute procedures.

5. Ability to use appropriate discretion in handling confidential material and information.

6. Ability to interact with all customers (co-workers, patients, families, physicians, vendors, etc.) of NRMC with hospitality and the highest standards of customer service, exhibiting professionalism and a spirit of teamwork. Each associate should have an understanding that he or she represents NRMC and should act accordingly and in a manner that demonstrates respect and pride for this organization.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Required Education and Experience

1. Must have high school diploma.

2. Current CPR certification required.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Graduate of accredited/approved sterile processing program preferred.

2. Familiarity with medical terminology preferred.

3. Previous experience in a surgical environment preferred.