HCSS Sterile Processing Technician

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, prepares, assembles, maintains, and transports surgical trays, instruments, and equipment following established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing.

MAJOR DUTIES / CRITICAL TASKS:    

Instrumentation Decontamination:

• Decontaminates surgical instruments and other medical equipment as needed by keeping a continuous flow of equipment moving through the process.

• Records biological testing, immediate use sterilization load results, and all other data from all sterilizers daily.

• Utilizes appropriate cleaning detergents and agents by reading directions and MSDS sheets.

• Requests manufacturer`s guidelines for proper decontamination of loaner instruments.

• Follows industry and hospital standards associated with the transport of contaminated instruments and equipment.

• Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the decontamination area.

Instrumentation Assembly:

• Inspects all instruments for cleanliness, proper function, and breakage by viewing the instruments before assembly.

• Assembles surgical trays and equipment following established tray listings.

• Wraps or pouches items according to size and type of instrument or equipment.

• Interacts with customers to ensure prompt delivery of needed equipment.

• Maintains accurate instrument counts for all surgical sets to be assembled and informs supervisor of any discrepancies.

• Communicates any issues that arise with instrument preparation to the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager.

Sterilization:

• Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed policies and procedures.

• Challenges the sterilization process by using internal, external and biological monitoring systems appropriately.

• Monitors, reads, documents, and interprets all parameters for all types of sterilizers to insure proper function and patient safety.

• Picks surgical case carts by following established Surgeon Preference Cards or Procedural Pick list / requisition.

Case Carts & Supplies:

• Assembles and distributes case carts per department policy.

• Picks surgical case carts by following established Surgeon Preference Cards or Procedural Pick list / requisition.

• Prepares surgical emergency case carts for emergent procedures.

• Distributes all sterile and non-sterile supplies upon request or case cart requisition.

• Orders and puts away supplies and linens upon request.

In addition to the functions categorized above, the Sterile Processing Technician I:

• Sanitizes the workstation at the end of each shift.

• Utilizes the Abacus Instrument/Equipment Tracking system per department protocol.

• Effectively communicates, verbally and in writing, with customers, peers, and visitors.

• Troubleshoots and resolves issues associated with instruments or equipment.

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

• Issues or dispenses sterile supplies to the appropriate locations throughout the facility.

• Rotates trays and inventory to assure proper sterility guidelines are followed.

• Assumes charge responsibility in the absence of the supervisor or manager.

• Maintains appropriate quality records such as logs, sterilization records and count sheets.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and/or in written form.

• Customer service orientation and values.

• Ability to negotiate solutions and outcomes.

• Team player.

• Ability to maximize people and financial resources.

• Ability to work in partnership with management and staff.