Sterile Processing Tech II - Sterile Processing - Full Time

Position Summary :

The Sterile Processing Technician II acts as a clinical resource for staff and participates in the orientation, coaching and mentoring process of new employees and staff as well as participates in departmental improvement activities. The Sterile Processing Technician II will provide quality processed instrumentation, materials and equipment for patient care. The main functions of this position include : demonstrating knowledge and proper cleaning / care, handling, assembly, and sterilization of equipment and supplies based on IFUs, AAMI best practice standards, and regulatory requirements; team work participation with staff members; achieving the turn-around plans / priority processing; and maintaining a clean work environment within the department.

Experience :

2 years of surgical / relevant experience. Must have good interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of the medical staff.

Education :

High School education or GED required; Surgical Technician, Licensed Practical Nurse or other relevant clinical surgical experience i.e. Certified Ophthalmology Assistance etc. preferred. Must obtain Sterile Processing certification within 18 months of hire to maintain employment.

Essential Functions :

1. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of instrument / equipment Instructions for Use (IFU), AAMI standards, hospital policies and regulatory requirements.

2. Follow Standard Work in the decontamination process to properly clean instruments in compliance with recommended IFUs to prevent contamination and infection.

3. Follow Standard Work in the assembly process to properly assemble instrumentation following required tray assembly using “SPM” system including appropriate indicators / filters for sterilization to prevent contamination and infection.

4. Follow Standard Work in the sterilization process to properly sterilize instrumentation following recommended IFUs to prevent contamination and infection.

5. Follow Standard Work in case cart completion to ensure all required instruments and supplies are available for the cases to be performed to prevent delays and provide safe patient care.

6. Follow Standard Work related to the Sterile Processing Priority Process to ensure availability of required instrumentation and supplies for the cases to be performed to prevent delays and provide safe care for our patients.

7. Follow Standard Work for all high-level disinfection processes to properly reprocess flexible scopes and probes in compliance with recommended IFUs to prevent contamination and infection.

8. Follow Standard Work related to Sterile Processing Vendor Process to ensure availability of required instruments and supplies for the cases to be performed to prevent delays and provide safe care for our patients.

9. Follow Standard Work for inventory control to ensure availability of needed supplies, verify sterility / integrity and prevent expiration of supplies.

10. Follow Standard Work related to quality monitors / measures related to maintenance of equipment utilized in the cleaning and sterilization process as well as other key quality measures and performance improvement activities.

11. Communicates with others, as necessary, within and outside the department to coordinate department activities and assure needs are met in a timely fashion.

12. Collaborates with Sterile Processing Leadership in reporting SPD departmental needs, inventory shortages and equipment repairs in a timely fashion.

13. Demonstrates effective time management, flexibility, prioritization, and critical thinking skills in his / her performance of duties.

14. Represents the department and hospital in a professional, courteous manner to co-workers, members of the Guthrie Healthcare system and visitors being sensitive to their perception of verbal and non-verbal communication.

15. Demonstrates knowledge and maintains competency of standard work / key work processes.

16. Applies principles of microbiology, sterilization, disinfection and modes of disease transmission to promote an infection free environment.

17. Uses proper body mechanics when moving or transferring items to prevent injury to self or others.

18. Assists in maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

19. Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely. Maintains appropriate records and monitors quality control.

20. Maintains competent in the use of EPIC and ensuring patient privacy is protected.

21. Is proactive in controlling costs by seeking any cost-saving strategies and reporting them to SPD Leadership.

22. Follows hospital / department policies and procedures in emergency / stressful situations; i.e. fire drills, disaster pans, etc.

23. Identifies / participates in departmental problem-solving actions and proper departmental escalation.

24. Demonstrates willingness to accept non-routine work assignments as appropriate.

25. Attends and participates in departmental staff meetings and in-services.

26. Demonstrates willingness to participate in departmental improvement activities, process changes or implementations.

27. Demonstrates willingness to learn, train and operate Nutrace instrument laser unit while maintaining personal and staff safety.

28. Acts as a clinical resource for staff, participate in the orientation process and be a preceptor for new employees.

29. Acts as coach and mentor for staff to promote utilization of standard work.

30. Participates in educational sessions for new employees and staff.

31. Participates in providing annual competencies for staff.

32. Assists with the orientation of new employees.

Other Duties :

It is understood that this description is not intended to be all-inclusive and that other duties may be assigned as necessary in the performance of this position.

Rev : 9-1-2023