Sterile Processing Tech

Overview

Cares for and reprocesses surgical instrumentation, including disassembly, decontamination, disinfection, inspection, testing, assembly, packaging, labeling, high-level disinfection, and sterilization. Cares for and operates ultrasonic cleaners, washers, sterilizers, and other equipment. Completes quality monitoring and documentation. Picks supplies and instruments to prepare case carts for surgery. Assists with supply inventory management and clinic instrument rounds. Performs all duties with a commitment to excellence in quality and customer service. May include day, evening, night, weekend, holiday, and on-call hours. Report-back time for on-call per department guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned. Report back for on-call per department guidelines. Serves as preceptor, coach, and role model for new Sterile Processing Techs.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follows department procedures and manufacturer's written instructions for use (IFU) to perform the following duties with exceptional accuracy :
• Disassembles, inspects and prepares instruments for manual or mechanical decontamination following Universal Precautions and proper use of PPE at all times.
• Loads and operates mechanical washers and ultrasonic cleaners. Manually decontaminates and disinfects instruments as appropriate.
• Inspects clean instruments for damage and tests for proper function and sharpness.
• Assembles all instrument procedure sets according to the prescribed manner using tray lists. Replace missing instruments as required to complete instrument sets.
• Prepares instruments for sterilization using an aseptic technique, including wrapping or packaging for sterilization, using chemical indicators, and properly marking packages with identifying data.
• Loads and operates steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers.
• Uses biological, chemical, and process indicators appropriately and reviews and documents results in appropriate logs. Review physical monitoring printouts to confirm cycle parameters.
• Picks supplies and instruments to prepare case carts according to procedural preference lists. Inspects packaging for damage to ensure the integrity of sterility for all items and inspects all items for outdated items before distributing them to customers.
• Performs high-level disinfection of endoscopes. Loads and operates automatic endoscope reprocessors.
• Answers telephone and responds to customers' routine and urgent requests for supplies, instruments, and case carts professionally and expediently at all times.
• Notifies department leadership of facility and equipment problems and submits work requests as needed.
• Maintains assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition to meet standards for handling clean and sterile items and to maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintains a working knowledge of all surgical instrumentation. Maintains a working knowledge of instrument assembly and tracking software.
• Performs rounds to nearby clinical departments to deliver sterile instrumentation and retrieve used instrumentation.
• Cleans non-critical patient care equipment between uses.
• Assists with counting and stocking surgical supply inventory.
• Learns, understands, and is aware of all regulatory standards and bodies that make recommendations (FDA, AAMI, Joint Commission, to name a few).
• Must learn about the different chemistries they use, the effect they have on instrumentation, and what they are used for.
• Learn the proper use of the SPM Instrument tracking system.
• Learn how to prep and prepare instruments using the One Tray System for sterilization.
• Learn how to prep and reprocess N95 masks as recommended by the FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) standards.
• Learns how to read and interpret instrument and equipment IFUs to ensure the proper reprocessing steps and assembly.
• Actively assist with the onboarding of new partners

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations :

Quality -Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, paying attention to details; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service -Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; meets commitments; abides by the MH confidentiality and security agreement; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; effectively communicates information to partners; thinks system-wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work : Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost : Conserves organization resources; understands fiscal responsibility; works within approved budget; develops and implements cost-saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred

CERTIFICATION / LICENSURE

Certification through either Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution (CBSPD) or Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) required within 12 months of hire

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Passing the Driver's License Check and / or Credit Check (for those positions requiring).

Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and / or IL Health Care Workers Background Check.

Must be able to follow written / oral instructions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

WORK ENVIRONMENT

AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED

INFORMATION ACCESS

WORK CONTACT GROUP

SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

SUPERVISES