Sterile Processing Tech

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Performs activities associated with the decontamination and sterilization of instruments for clinical departments in the hospital and clinic. Performs activities associated with the processing, storage, and distribution of supplies and equipment for patient care and hospital department use.

 Part-time benefited position working 32-40 hours per pay-period. Days of work are Monday - Friday with no weekends or Holidays. 

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs processing of sterile instruments and supplies for use in patient care areas including cleaning, decontamination, proper wrapping, and sterilization by steam autoclaving and low temp sterilizing storage of surgical instruments and linen, using aseptic technique. Reviews sterility, expiration dates and rotates supplies to prevent outdates.

Decontamination Duties

• Disinfects, decontaminates, and cleans instruments either by manually handwashing or machine washing to render them safe for further handling
• Disassembles instruments as needed and inspects all instruments for debris and bioburden before washing
• Follows manufacturer Instructions For Use (IFU) for washing all items
• Follows required personal protective equipment protocols
• Loads washer racks ensuring proper washer arm movement and selects the appropriate cycle
• Connects chemicals to corresponding washer, sink, and sonic cleaner tubing and ensures chemicals are flowing correctly

Processing Duties

• Inspects all instruments for cleanliness, looks for defects and proper function, tests instruments as needed and replaces dull, broken, or defective instruments
• Assembles and inspects trays for cleanliness and ensures all necessary instruments are accounted for and trays are complete and correct
• Prepares and packages instruments using proper wrapping techniques
• Prepares loads for the autoclaves by writing cards, labelling, loading and unloading carts and racks, and ensures all parameters have been met
• Follows IFU’s for prepping, packaging, and sterilizing instruments
• Does necessary cleaning and disinfecting of counters, shelves, and cupboards and any other needed areas

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION:

1. Preparation & Training - High school level of knowledge preferred.
2. Work Experience - Three to six months previous work experience in Central Service preferred.
3. Attendance - Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at JRMC. Employee are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. Employees are also expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule.
4. Analytical Ability - Analysis involves accurate comparison of similar instruments, simple math calculations that become part of hospital records, and visual interpretation of small sized numbers and letters printed on instruments. 
5. Independent Judgement - Works in accordance with JRMC policies and procedures. Requires a moderate amount of initiative for routine problem solving. Non-routine problems are referred to Surgical Services Manager.
6. Contact with Others - Continuous contact with co-workers and other hospital staff and shippers. Occasional contact with patients, visitors, and consumers. Performing activities with courtesy and tact.
7. Supervising the Work of Others - Little or no responsibility for supervising work of others.
8. Responsibility for Welfare of Others - Carelessness on the part of the employee could cause moderate harm to patients and result in delay to others. High degree of accountability in the areas of accuracy of records, distribution, stocking, and allocation of time, as well as in the area of confidentiality of records and information.
9. Mental/Visual Effort - High level of visual acuity is required when inspecting instruments, equipment, linen, and supplies. Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner. Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.  
10. Working Conditions - Well-lighted work area. Participates in and complies with JRMC Safety Management Program. Maintains knowledge of and observes Standard Precautions. Practices aseptic techniques whenever appropriate. OSHA JOB CLASSIFICATION: This position is defined as a Category I in which the employee does have exposure to blood borne pathogens. 
11. Physical & Sensory Effort - Majority of position requirements are done within the SPD area. Position also requires standing, walking, and lifting. Also reaches, stoops, bends, kneels, and crouches. Needs finger dexterity for writing and typing. Also needs touch sensitivity to discern sticky residues on instruments.
12. Hazard - Due to the nature of the work, carelessness with instruments and sharps could cause moderate harm.
13. Background - A comprehensive background check will be conducted as a condition of employment for this role. 
14. Drug Screen - A urine drug screening is required for all positions and must be completed within 30 days of the date of hire.
15. Promotion - Opportunities for promotion may exist depending on performance and departmental needs.
16. Physical Requirement - These are physical requirements of the position that may be performed as part of daily duties. Inability to meet one or more of these physical requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for reasonable accommodation, JRMC may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates and the proposed accommodation.

Employee Requirement

• Visual Observation - Continuously
• Standing - Continuously
• Walking - Continuously
• Sitting - Occasionally
• Hands and Finger Dexterity - Continuously
• Reaching with Hands and Arms - Frequently
• Climbing - Occasionally
• Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling - Occasionally
• Hearing/Listening - Continuously
• Tasting or Smelling - Rarely
• Working Inside - Continuously
• Working Outside - Never
• Working in Extreme Heat - Never
• Working in Extreme Cold - Never
• Working with Hazardous Materials - Occasionally
• Noise - Frequently
• Working in Dirt/Dust - Never
• Driving - Never

Lifting / Carrying / Pushing / Pulling:

• Up to 10 pounds - Frequently
• Up to 25 pounds - Frequently
• Up to 50 pounds - Rarely
• Up to 75 pounds - Never
• Up to 100 pounds - Never
• Over 100 pounds - Never