Sterile Processing Technician

Job Summary: The Sterile Processing Technician Uses a wide variety of tools, techniques, and equipment to provide sterile surgical instruments to the patient of Artesia General Hospital.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment in processing instruments and equipment 100% of the time.
• Uses approved method of transport for contaminated instruments and equipment 100% of the time.
• Demonstrates correct usage of decontamination equipment and procedures on all types of surgical instruments and equipment.
• Tests sterilization equipment according to current policy and documents results with 100% accuracy.
• Maintains sterilization log with 100% accuracy.
• Handles, stores, and transports sterile items to maintain conditions of sterility.
• Initiates recall procedure immediately in the event of a failed process indicator.
• Assembles instrument trays for Sterile Processing in a manner that facilitates achievement of conditions for sterility.
• Demonstrates correct operation of all equipment used in cleaning, decontamination, processing, sterilization, storage, and transportation of instruments and equipment.
• Selects appropriate methodology of decontamination, cleaning, maintenance, assembly, and sterilization for all instruments, trays, and equipment.
• Maintains knowledge base of surgical instruments and instrument trays.
• Uses appropriate containers, and/or packaging materials for specific instruments, trays, and sterilization processes.
• Identifies instrumentation in need of maintenance and/or repair.
• Assembles instruments and trays correctly with regard to mechanics and content.
• Labels processed instruments correctly.
• Maintains established inventory of sterile instruments.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operates equipment in a safe manner and in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
• Complies with safety policies.
• Reports malfunctioning equipment immediately and removes from service.
• May participate in data collection and problem solving relative to department and hospital Performance Improvement.
• Demonstrates a positive customer service attitude.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
• Uses hospital information systems according to policy.
• Conserves hospital/department resources.

AGE-RELATED COMPETENCIES: Demonstrates the basic knowledge and skills necessary to identify age-specific patient needs appropriate for this position.

Information Management: Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security.

Risk Management/Quality Management/Safety: Cooperates fully in all Risk Management, Quality Management, and Safety Activities and Investigations.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED. Work Experience: Previous experience in instrument processing or surgical technology highly desirable
• Training: Certificate in Central Sterile Processing Preferred.

ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work environment consists of daily patient contact, which may include exposure to blood, or other body fluids.