Sterile Processing

*STATED SALARY IS STARTING PAY RANGE

POSITION SUMMARY: Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the cleaning, packaging, sterilizing and storing of supplies, instruments and equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS:            

Education, licensure and certification: 

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required
• Central Service Technician (CST), Sterile Processing Technician (SPT), Surgical Technologist certification, other related certification or ability to obtain certification 
• Must maintain BLS certification

Experience: Previous experience in processing surgical instruments, or demonstrated ability in sterilization techniques with a thorough knowledge of instrumentation, care and handling is preferred

Physical: 

• Must be able to Sit, stand, and walk continually
• Frequently bend, climb, reach overhead, carry/push or pull up to 25 pounds, grasping/squeezing
• Must be able to speak and hear normal auditory levels

Mental: 

• Must have excellent communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse population professionally 
• Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels within Bend Surgery Center and external customers, clients and potential employees
• Must be detail oriented and have ability to multi-task effectively and efficiently

Mathematical skills: Basic math skills required

Language skills: Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English.  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures.  Ability to respond to questions, and professionally interact with managers, employees, clients, vendors, and the general public.

Job skills:

• Advanced knowledge of infection control, decontamination, and sterilization techniques
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation and equipment use and care
• Detail oriented
• Ability to multitask and work effectively and efficiently in high pressure situations
• Must have excellent communication skills with demonstrated interpersonal verbal and written communication skills

JOB RELATIONSHIP: Is directly responsible to the Operating Room Manger and reports to the Sterile Processing Coordinator during daily business operations.  Does not supervise other staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Prepares supplies, instruments and equipment for sterilization
• Cleans each item according to manufacturer’s instructions and inspects to ensure each item is in good working condition
• Sorts and arranges items into proper trays and wraps trays and individual items 
• Accurately labels each item with name and expiration date
• Operates autoclave, ultrasonic washer and other equipment for processing sterile instruments
• Cleans sterilizers according to established policies and procedures
• Maintains adequate inventory of sterile items
• Checks sterile items in all areas of the facility weekly for contaminated packs
• Performs inventory of processing supplies and replenish as necessary 
• Assists in maintaining records of all instruments, equipment and sterilization processes
• Maintains and updates the instrument tray inventory list
• Maintains order and cleanliness of the Sterile Processing Area
• Adheres to safety policies and practices good body mechanics and ergonomics
• Follows all rules and regulations for PHI and HIPAA protections of patient information
• Follows all policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, attendance, timeliness, and safeguarding confidential information
• Reports incidents in a timely manner
• Promotes patient and employee safety and communicates concerns appropriately, following Chain of Command
• Attends in-service programs as requested
• Demonstrates ability to evaluate suggestions and criticism objectively and undertakes responsibility of changing behavior or seeks further guidance as needed
• Performs other related duties as directed

ESSENTIAL VALUES, CODES OF CONDUCT

• Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to the Code of Conduct
• Attitude that is caring, respectful, sensitive, tactful, compassionate, empathetic, and tolerant
• Exhibits mental alertness for quality decision making and exercising good judgment
• Works well with others – a team player
• Strong ethical and moral character and exhibits high level of integrity

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Days and hours of work vary to meet patient or center needs
• The Center is a well-lit, ventilated and climate-controlled environment. The Center may require decreased lighting to meet patient care needs or procedure requirements, such as laser rooms and some OR/Procedure rooms
• Ability to work with medical and office equipment, some of which will have moving parts
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderate
• May have exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids and materials or toxic chemicals and cleaning solutions
• Procedure rooms are often small, and due to equipment may have little room to work around and may necessitate reaching, pulling, pushing
• Work in close proximity to patients and co-workers