Sterile Processing Technician

Job Description :

Responsible for the reprocessing of reusable surgical instruments and patient care equipment for use in surgery and throughout various nursing units. Plays a vital role in ensuring clean, safe, sterile instruments and equipment are available to hospital staff for use in patient care.

Education Qualifications :

Education Qualifications :

No Education Requirements

Key Physical Requirements :

Standing and Walking : The role requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods, often during an entire 8-hour shift or longer.

Lifting and Carrying : Technicians must frequently lift and carry items of varying weights.

Routine lifting of up to 25 pounds is common.

Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required.

Instrument trays and sets are often subject to a maximum weight standard (commonly 25 lbs, per professional guidelines from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)).

Pushing and Pulling : The ability to push and pull heavy carts, which can weigh hundreds of pounds when fully loaded with equipment and supplies, is necessary.

Dexterity and Coordination : Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are essential for handling and assembling delicate surgical instruments and operating equipment.

Movement : Frequent bending, squatting, crouching, reaching, twisting, and kneeling are part of the daily tasks.

Environmental Tolerances : Technicians work in a fast-paced environment that can be noisy and warm due to machinery such as autoclaves. They must also be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods to protect from exposure to blood / body fluids, chemicals, and other hazards.

Essential Attributes Beyond Physical Strength :

In addition to physical demands, the role requires strong mental attributes to ensure patient safety :

Attention to Detail : Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for inspecting instruments for cleanliness and damage.

Problem-Solving : The ability to troubleshoot issues with equipment and adapt to changing protocols is important.

Reliability : Maintaining reliable and consistent attendance is a key requirement in this critical healthcare support role.

Licensure / Certification Qualifications :

Certifications :

East / West Regions : Must be certified as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) within 2 years of hire.

Brainerd Lakes Region : Does not require certification

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health : At Essentia Health, we're committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.

Job Location : St Marys Hospital Superior

Shift Rotation : FTE Flex Days (United States of America)

Shift Start / End : Variable / Variable

Hours Per Pay Period : 48

Compensation Range :

Union : SMHS AFSCME Local 1760 (SHAFS)

FTE : 0.6

Weekends : Yes

Call Obligations : Sign On Bonus :

It is our policy to afford EEO to all individuals, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, military service or veteran status, culture, socio-economic status, status with regard to public assistance, and other factors not related to qualifications, including employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other category as defined by law.