Sterile Processing Technician

INTRODUCTION

Sterile Processing Technicians are to fully assist all surgeons and surgical staff to help improve the quality of surgical care given to the patients. In addition, the Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the cleaning and sterilization of all surgical instruments and surgical accessories. The Sterile Processing Technician maintains sufficient inventory levels needed for the entire surgery department to ensure operational efficiency. The position is under the direct guidance of the Sterile Processing lead.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITITES

• Responsible for movement of instruments and other sterilized items from treatment areas and ORs, down to Sterile Processing for cleaning and sterilization.
• Proper storage of non-sterile and sterile instruments, supplies, and decontamination chemicals.
• Able to operate steam autoclaves and understand how they work.
• Knowledge of EO gas sterilizers and how to run them (certification required but can be acquired through our facility).
• Use of ultrasonic cleaning devices.
• Inspection of instruments while packing to determine integrity.
• Help facilitate daily flow of equipment, instruments, prep items into and out of the surgery areas / main hospital in a timely and efficient manner.
• Acquire knowledge and experience with instruments and procedures to understand set up of appropriate items needed for procedures performed by surgeons or technicians in the OR and prep area.
• Decontaminate, process, and repackage flexible and rigid endoscopes.
• Provides lists and information needed so all services can easily find equipment available in the Sterile Processing area.
• Contribute to efficient workflow and quality control of the functions of Sterile Processing for all services.
• Reporting any equipment or instrument damage or malfunctions to the surgical supervisor
• Knowledge of all complex surgical instrumentation and all cleaning and care needs to go with said items.
• Resource for all services to go to with surgery equipment/instrument problems or needs.
• Helps to maintain inventory manuals listing the specialized surgical equipment, instruments and supplies specific to the surgical department; one for orthopedic and one for soft tissue procedures.
• Restocking of Sterile Processing supplies and ordering of surgical orthopedic screws and plates as needed.
• Knowledgeable on the correct sterilization techniques and procedures for new and existing equipment.
• Consistent communication with surgical staff/department staff to ensure instruments and packs are being sterilized in a timely manner and in an order conducive to the daily surgical schedule.
• Breaking down of surgical tables and accounting for all instruments leaving the OR to be brought down for decontamination.
• When necessary, work with the inventory department to complete inventory counts on all surgical items.
• Work with Sterile Processing lead, to create SOP manual for daily and weekly cleaning for all Sterile Processing areas.
• Maintaining steam autoclaves – keeping track of cycles run, emptying and refilling reservoirs, wiping down autoclaves and sterilization racks.
• Maintaining the sonic washer and water distiller – changing enzymatic cleaning solution and cleaning of equipment by handbook standards.
• Resource for troubleshooting sterilization and other specialized surgery equipment; this includes getting repairs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Adhere to dress code – scrubs are freshly laundered; appearance is neat and clean.
• Must wear a cap (we will provide one for you) while working in the processing area.
• Works well with all team members and ensures that all actions support the hospital, doctors, and practice philosophy.
• Promotes a friendly, non-competitive environment to aid all other services with their surgical equipment and facility needs.
• Responsible for completing all phase training requested of you by your direct supervisor.
• Follow policies regarding employee pets, uniforms, and personal appearance.
• Engage in the cleaning and maintenance of all shared work areas; this includes trash removal from all Sterile Processing areas.
• Help maintain equipment in good working order and submission of tickets for repairs/replacement.
• Able to run washing machine and dryer for Sterile Processing laundry.
• Recommend /present process improvement ideas to management.
• Assist and oversee training of new central sterile employees while promoting a positive environment.
• Attend any training necessary as required for continued professional development.
• Must be able to work rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays.
• All other duties as assigned by management.

CONTROLS OVER WORK

The Sterile Processing Technician provides support services to the Pieper Memorial teams, and ensures, on a day-to-day basis, that the team carries out Pieper Memorial's promise: making patient health and client support our top priority and excellent service our goal.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate initiative and self-motivation to follow through on all responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-moving environment.
• Able to remain calm under stressful situations.
• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of surgical inventory and the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.
• Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide “tableside” assistance.
• Critical thinking- Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Demonstrate reliability and commitment to the team and the hospital.
• Be an active problem solver, determine system improvements and help implement positive change.
• Remain flexible to hospital needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.