Sterile Processing Technician

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma
Graduate of an accredited central sterile processing tech program
Two years of experience as a sterile processing technician is required in an Ambulatory Surgery Center or hospital experience required.
Experience as a surgical technologist, preferred.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
Certified technician
Knowledge of AAMI & AORN standards and recommendations. Clear understanding of
sterilization process.

JOB DESCRIPTION

CLINICAL ACTIVITIES
To utilize specialized knowledge of instrumentation processing/sterilizations evidenced by:
• Demonstrates adherence to AAMI ST 79 and AORN guidelines for proper processing and sterilization of surgical instruments/equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions for use
• Knowledgeable of principles of aseptic techniques and universal precaution.
• Correctly handles instruments to prevent injury to self or others, to maintain proper working order.
• Inspects all instruments and equipment for any damage or malfunction or bio burden.
• Demonstrates familiarity with wide scope of surgical instruments, equipment and supplies and various alternatives available for sterilization.
• Ensures equipment, instrumentation and supplies are available by maintaining proper inventory and prompt repairs initiated.
• Maintains cleanliness and proper order in the work area.
• Wears appropriate PPE when decontaminating/processing instrumentation and equipment.
• Maintains all required records on sterilization.
• Proficient in use of all equipment
• Properly cleans and maintains all CSPD equipment according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to include: washer decontaminator, autoclaves, steris units, ultrasonic, etc...
• Provides assistance in emergency situations as directed.
• Decontaminates, inspects, and sterilizes all equipment and instrumentation according to
manufacturer’s instructions for use.

To function efficiently as a member of the surgical team as evidenced by:
3 months
• Works closely with Materials Management to ensure broken or missing instrumentation/equipment is sent out for either replacement or repair.
• Assists with stocking, preparation, and waste management of supplies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Maintains active professional relationships with doctors and patients by assessing needs and levels of satisfaction with Center services. Demonstrates a positive, friendly, and courteous manner. Identifies and reports problems, inefficiencies, deficiencies as shown by:
• Collaborates with physicians and nurses to update service needs and start new services.
• Positive physician satisfaction.
• Reports all inefficiencies, deficiencies, and unusual occurrences to Supervisor/Manager.
• Serves as a role model to all staff.
• Maintains confidentiality on matters to which they are privileged.
• Demonstrates Kelsey-Seybold Mission and Values.

EMPLOYMENT MANAGEMENT
Demonstrates ability to orient and coach staff as evidenced by:
• Resourceful in problem solving.
• Explains policies, procedures, and methods to staff who do not understand.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new employees, or employees in a new position as preceptor and role model.

RESOURCE AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Ensures the proper use of resources as evidenced by:
• Prompt attention and follow through to equipment maintenance and repairs.
• Careful use of supplies to avoid waste and damage.
• Reports to the appropriate person when supplies are low.
• Keeps accurate records, complete in a timely, legible manner.
• Uses appropriate human, financial, and material resources while considering the overall budgetary constraints.
• Inventory maintained at approved levels.
• Ensures prompt attention to instruments and equipment upon completion of each surgical procedure.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Complies with local, State and Federal rules and regulations and accreditation guidelines as evidenced by:
• Maintains and accurately completes sterilization records in compliance with CDC, AORN, AAMI and accreditation Standards.
• 100% of regulatory concerns or unusual occurrences are reported to nursing supervisor within 24 hours of occurrence.
• When patient injury or disaster occurs, administration is notified immediately.
• 100% compliance policy and procedure regarding sterilization practices