Sterile Processing Tech - Full Time

• Responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing and sterilization of supplies and equipment dispensed by the department following infection control procedures. Disassembles, cleans, assembles, sterilizes and stores procedure tray, instruments, equipment, crash carts and supplies according to prescribed procedures and aseptic technique.
• Assists in maintaining supply inventory to keep department running optimally.

Minimum Education, Licensure / Certification and Experience Required.

Education

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Certificate of Completion from a Central Processing Program or 1 year Sterile Processing experience

Licensure / Certification

• Certification through IAHCSMM or CSPBD, preferred.

Special Skill / Aptitudes

• Thorough knowledge of aseptic/sterilization techniques and procedures, infection control workflow principles and requirements, equipment & supply processing preferred. Experience is generally obtained by one or more years experience in surgical setting.
• Good hand, arm and vision dexterity to handle sensitive instruments and equipment; ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to operate special department computerized equipment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to train new associates on equipment. Able to perform duties professionally under stressful conditions.
• Excellent customer service orientation skills necessary in order to deal effectively with various levels of hospital personnel, outside customers and community groups.

Experience

• Certificate of Completion of Central Sterile Processing course; or min 1 year experience

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Sterilize instruments, equipment, utensils, linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves, loading same in prescribed manner, setting controls to the specified time/temperature based on the material type and requirements of items being sterilized. Completes appropriate documentation records prior to item sterilization, reads and initials autoclaveprintouts/graphs, to verify appropriate sterilization cycles/dry times, to provide required records and compliance, for the department, per AORN, JACHO, OSHA, and AAMI standards and appropriate inspections.
• Insures proper daily operation of autoclave units prior to use; runs and reads biological/chemical tests according to prescribed procedure; records results in appropriate logs; inspects autoclaves and recorded records for visible signs of malfunction, reporting same to manager. Oversees and processes all contaminated instruments and supplies returned to the department; uses knowledge of sterilization principles to correctly wrap/package items for sterilization; processes items appropriately using the applicable sterilization agent (i.e., gas plasma, steam). Assemble all instrument procedure trays, packs and kits according to prescribed manner, using content list(s) as a guide; wraps packages and handles all items following established procedure(s); marks items with identifying data and distributes to proper designated storage areas; notifies manager when unable to replace parts and/or instruments, reports supply/equipment deficiencies when necessary. Assists in setting up the Operating Room with supplies, instruments and dispenses product(s) as requested; assigns priority to emergency requests; issues supplies/equipment based on knowledge of intended use/procedure; demonstrates and exercises responsible judgment in providing same for patient care. Disassemble and clean patient equipment/carts (i.e., Suction D & C Machines, E.N.T. Cart, Balloon Pumps...) using approved disinfectants, detergents, soaps and cleaners; reassemble equipment and operate to test for proper functioning; replace lost or damaged parts (i.e., tubes, containers, connectors) from on-hand inventory; transferring inoperable equipment to the appropriate staging area for repair.
• Maintain assigned work areas in a clean, organized manner to meet required standards for handling sterilized and clean materials, and a safe work environment. Cleans, refills, and maintains integrity of adult and pediatric crash carts; assumes final responsibility for cart documentation, expiration dates and completeness. Uses the instrument management computer system to maintain, prioritize workflow and track surgical instruments and reprocessed equipment. Carries out assigned duties based on daily assignment schedules, filling gaps to accommodate work flow and promoting a team-focused environment. Precepts and orientates new department employees to each work assignment area and overall department operations, utilizing a competency checklist; completes departmental/hospital mandatory in-services as required. Works with appointed Operating Room Service Coordinator in a specialized OR concentration (i.e.. Ortho, Cardiovascular/Thoracic, General/GYN, Neuro...) to become knowledgeable of the instrumentation and it's uses.
• Demonstrates and actively promotes an understanding and commitment to the mission of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland through performing behaviors consistent with the Trinity Health Values.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations, the Trinity Health Organizational Integrity Program, including the Standards of Conduct, Code of Ethics, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behaviors.
• Supports and conducts one's self in a manner consistent with customer service expectations.

Working Conditions:

• May involve exposure to communicable disease, hazardous gases/chemicals and resultant vapors from use; injury from sharp objects; no known allergies to disinfectants, detergents, soaps and cleaners.
• Frequently required to stand, stoop, walk, sit and use stretching motions.