BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Performs functions and duties associated with the care, handling and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment. All functions performed are within the limits of the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act and nursing policies and procedures.

REPORTS TO

• Sterile Processing Manager

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: High School/GED Required

License/Certification Required: Certified Sterile Processing Technician, Certified Surgical Technician, or CRCST, required within 2 years of employment; BLS preferred.

Minimum Work Experience: 2 years Sterile Processing experience preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Effective communication skills verbal and written.
• Computer skills required.
• It is an expectation that staff will work respectfully, cooperatively and professionally with team members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with checking sterile surgical supply, operating room stocking, inventory, special supply orders and placing routine supply orders. Responsible for the care and handling of all surgical instruments and must be competent in equipment decontamination, assembly, and sterilization practices.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and practices aseptic technique, and standard precautions. Follows all manufacturers’ recommendations when processing instruments and supplies. Performs biological monitoring and keeps accurate and complete documentation on all loads sterilized.
• Assembles and wraps instrument trays and/or sterilization pouches with correct documentation. Examines instruments to assess for needed repair, removes broken instruments from service, replaces broken instruments, and reports to Asst. Nurse Manager of needed replacement items. Examines instruments to assess for needed repair, removes broken instruments from service, replaces broken instruments, and reports to Asst. Nurse Manager of needed replacement items.
• Keeps records of room temperature and humidity; alerts supervisor of any deviation of acceptable ranges. Keep records of downtime of sterilizers, repairs, and reports outcome associated with equipment monitoring. Cleans sterilizer per schedule. Performs weekly testing to monitor effectiveness of automatic washers.
• Serves as expert in instrument/equipment sterilization; stays current on all Sterile Processing practices governed by AORN, JCAHO, AAMI, and CDC. Networks with Purchasing Department and Central Supply staff. Participates in all educational offerings associated with sterile processes.
• Serves as resource person for all staff associated with proper care and handling of instruments and readily educates those staff in SPD concepts. Participates in patient care conferences/staff meetings as needed. Serves as expert on all sterilization equipment and practices.
• Performs Endoscopy duties associated with care and handling of endoscopes and supply inventory per physician orders. Assists in registered nurse during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures from team perspective.
• Meets unit and hospital quality management goals. Acquires and maintains hospital and unit-specific competencies.
• Effectively and professionally interacts and collaborates with other providers of patient care.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly, manner as measured by management observation and peer input.
• Willingly accepts any other assignment that may be requested.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Light lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 10-20 lbs occasionally and frequent moving of objects of less than 10 lbs is required. Frequent sitting with some walking, standing, squatting, bending and reaching is required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required. 

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.