Sterile Processing Technician 1

Job Responsibilities

• Retrieves and receives used instruments and patient equipment from the operating room, clinical departments, ancillary areas, and clinics in a manner that prevents cross contamination in the hospital and to reduce the risk of injury (exposure) to workers, (OSHA standard). Demonstrates independent function in decontamination procedure in accordance with standard precautions.
• Ensures that sterility is achieved by choosing the correct method of sterilization, the correct cycle, monitoring the sterilizer function, chemically and biologically testing sterilization equipment, and interpreting / documenting mechanical and testing results.
• Ensures procedural instrumentation, power equipment, surgical implants and patient medical devices are assembled, inspected for proper function, and appropriately packaged for disinfection and sterilization.
• Ensures that patient equipment is in appropriate working order for utilization in direct care.
• Ensures that sterility and aeration is achieved, and safe practices are performed in utilizing the Ethylene Oxide Sterilization process. Performs, observes, and assesses safe work practices, regulatory compliance and emergency procedures related to the handling of Ethylene Oxide gas. Must maintain certification (annual testing) in the safe operation of ETO sterilizers and wear personnel environment badges per policy and OSHA standard
• Maintains inventory and appropriate storage of sterile items and equipment in anticipation of distribution to various departments on request. Responds to routine and STAT requests.
• Transports instruments to off site clinics via company vehicle.
• Distributes and re stocks crash carts (adult and pediatric) and trauma carts

Position Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certification as a Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician is required within 18 months of hire (400 hours of experience required to sit for exam)

Preferred :

Work Environment

Include contact, fluid and airborne infections

Carcinogenic and highly flammable Ethylene Oxide

Training

Acquire certification upon 18 months of hire

Sterilizer quality assurance and testing

High temperature steam, low temperature hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide sterilization,

Manual sinks, enzymatic detergents, enzymatic dosing system, instrument cleaning brushes

How to follow instrument count sheets / recipe

Sterilization documentation

HIPAA Roles Based Access to Patient Information

Staff Supervised