Sterile Processing Tech - Northwest Tucson Surgery Center

Job Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician I ensures the availability of clean, sterilized, and properly functioning surgical instruments and equipment for operating rooms and procedural areas. This role is responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, assembling, sterilizing, and storing instruments and supplies in compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and infection control standards. The Sterile Processing Technician I supports patient safety by maintaining a sterile environment and adhering to established protocols.

Essential Functions

Cleans, decontaminates, inspects, assembles, and sterilizes surgical instruments and equipment according to established protocols.

Conducts daily tests of sterilization equipment, including Bowie-Dick tests, chemical, and biological indicators, maintaining accurate records of results.

Stocks and assembles case carts, ensuring proper inventory and availability of instruments and supplies for procedures.

Performs routine maintenance of sterilization equipment, including weekly autoclave cleaning, and reports malfunctions promptly.

Organizes and stores sterilized instruments and supplies on appropriately labeled shelves to ensure easy accessibility.

Monitors and restocks supply shelves and carts daily, ensuring adequate inventory for hospital needs.

Adheres to infection control policies and procedures, including the use of standard precautions, to prevent hospital-acquired infections.

Obtains, returns, and dispenses supplies and equipment within requested time frames, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

Conducts inventory checks and replenishes expired or used items on emergency and supply carts.

Assists with the orientation and training of new personnel in sterile processing protocols and procedures.

Communicates with nursing units to track and locate missing equipment and documents loss of supplies or equipment.

Ensures equipment is checked for proper functioning before each use and maintains a safe and sterile work environment.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in sterile processing, instrument reprocessing, or an operating room required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Understanding of surgical instrumentation and sterilization processes.

Ability to follow strict protocols and maintain attention to detail.

Knowledge of infection control policies and standard precautions.

Proficiency in operating sterilization equipment and performing routine maintenance.

Strong organizational skills to manage inventory and maintain accurate records.

Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with healthcare personnel.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity

This organization does not discriminate in any way to deprive any person of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of any employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or military or uniformed services, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations. In addition, the facility complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to : hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If you are an applicant with a mental or physical disability who needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the director of Human Resources at the facility to which you are seeking employment; Simply go to to obtain the main telephone number of the facility and ask for Human Resources.