Sterile Processing Technician I

At UK St. Claire, our staff is our greatest asset in the mission to create a healthier and more prosperous population. We strive to foster the talent and potential of our employees and prioritize safe working conditions and equal compensation rates to ensure that continual growth is possible. UKSC is a nurturing workplace for all healthcare professionals. We invite you to explore our current job openings and see if our opportunities could be the right fit for you.

Job Description:

Job Summary

Responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and assembling surgical instruments and equipment to support patient care and infection prevention. Processes and decontaminates used instruments, assembles surgical trays, and maintains supply inventory. Answers unit phone calls, responds to operating room requests, and ensures cleanliness of the department and workstations. Applies knowledge of regulatory standards for universal precautions, sterilization methodologies, and biological monitoring. Ensures compliance with certification requirements and maintains high standards of safety and quality.

Essential Functions

• Cleans, decontaminates, and sterilizes equipment, supplies, and surgical instruments.

• Assembles and prepares instrument trays and packs for a variety of surgical cases, ensuring timely response during urgent or emergency procedures.

• Prepares and uses disinfectants and other solutions as required for decontamination.

• Operates mechanical washers and ultrasonic cleaners for instrument and equipment processing.

• Runs, incubates, reads, and records biological and diagnostic tests daily to ensure sterilization standards are met.

• Places sterilized items in proper storage areas after processing and maintains control systems for processed supplies.

• Tracks equipment and instruments, maintaining accurate logs and records according to standards and policies.

• Identifies all surgical instruments promptly to respond to emergency situations in the operating room.

• Recognizes safety hazards and biological failures, initiating corrective or preventive measures as needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

High school diploma or equivalent and vocational/technical training in a designated technical area

Experience Requirement

0–2 years of experience in a healthcare, clinical setting, or a relevant area

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

All experience must be paid and in the same related field.

Part-time and PRN experience will be prorated based on hours worked per week.

Volunteer work and internships for academic credit are not counted.

Certifications & Licensures

Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician (CSPD), Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)

Working Conditions

A. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

B. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects over 50lbs: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

C. Standing or walking with objects up to 10lbs: 4. Regular (> 50% of the time)

D. Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

E. Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

F. Risk of back injury from moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

G. Repetitive motion: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

H. Working at heights above 4 feet: 1. Never

I. Working in confined spaces: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

J. Risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

K. Job-related travel: 1. Never

L. Loud noises: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

M. Temperature extremes: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

N. Hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

O. Radiation: 1. Never

P. Burns: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

Q. Cuts/Punctures: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

R. Bloodborne/airborne pathogens: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

S. Recombinant DNA or viral vectors: 1. Never

T. Combative/violent people: 1. Never

U. Animal handling (including carcasses): 1. Never

V. Please specify other(s) and amount of exposure (i.e. Occasional, Intermittent or Regular): N/A

Physical Demands

This position requires regular standing or walking with objects weighing up to 10 pounds; intermittent standing or walking with objects up to 25 pounds; intermittent lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds, with occasional lifting, pushing, and/or pulling of objects over 50 pounds; occasional sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time; and performing tasks with repetitive motions. Also involves some exposure to risk of injury from moving, lifting, or positioning equipment or materials; and exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste, cuts/punctures, bloodborne or airborne pathogens, burns, and occasional work in confined spaces.

Additional Job Descriptions

N/A

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