Sterile Processing Technician

Position Purpose

The Sterile Processing Technician performs and participates in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.

Position Requirements

Sterile Processing Technician minimum job requirements:

A. Job Knowledge

1. Decontaminates and sterilizes instruments, medical supplies and equipment, and assembles, wraps and sterilizes trays of instruments.
2. Follows proper Standard Precautions while in decontamination and sterilization areas.
3. Monitors wash solution to ensure quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments and medical equipment.
4. Sorts mismatched sets of instruments, trays, and medical equipment and makes them available to Sterile Processing customers in a timely manner.
5. Restocks, labels, and maintains inventory, submits requisitions, collects and distributes instruments, trays, crash carts, and facility medical equipment.
6. Performs environmental maintenance duties and assists in maintaining inventory levels in Sterile Processing, the operating room, and in equipment storage areas.
7. Verifies that equipment functions properly, requisitions for equipment maintenance, repair or replacement, and removes defective equipment.
8. Maintains a clean work area
9. Assists with maintaining established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, and quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection control standards.
10. Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills
11. Adheres to all company policies and procedures
12. Has regular and predictable attendance
13. Performs other duties as assigned or required

B. Compliance

1. Adheres to RRSC Standards of Business Conduct

2. Demonstrates the safe operation of equipment and machinery, and follows procedure for reporting and correcting an unsafe situation

3. Complies with State and AAAHC and assures nursing staff compliance by reporting all regulatory concerns or unusual occurrences to Director of Nursing within 24 hours of discovery and when patient injury or disaster occurs

Education, Vocational Training and Experience

Three to five years prior experience as a Sterile Processing Technician required.

Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to work independently

2. Ability to exercise judgment and make decisions

3. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

4. Ability to perform well under stress

5. Excellent organizational skills

6. Ability to document accurately and concisely

7. Ability to handle confidential information

8. Good interpersonal and customer relations skills via telephone and face-to-face

9. Ability to manage time well

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently walking and reaching (overhead, extensive, and repetitive).
• Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills are needed.
• Attention to detail and ability to write legibly.
• Must have the ability to lift/push/pull greater than 50 pounds.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is indoors in climate-controlled environment.
• Patient care environment with potential exposure to unpleasant odors, blood and bodily fluids that may carry infection, infectious diseases and chemical and electrical hazards.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor climate.

Working Relationships

Position reports to: Director of Nursing