Certified Sterile Processing Technician

Works under the supervision of the Manager-OR Support. This position is responsible for ensuring that all surgical supplies, instruments and equipment are properly inventoried, decontaminated, assembled, inspected, packaged, sterilized, stored, distributed and tracked in a quality/timely manner throughout the hospital and clinics. Works independently with little supervision. Qualified to train others and serves as a resource related to Sterile Processing Procedure. Performs appropriate quality control testing and record keeping as recommended. Maintains current registry/certification in Sterile Processing.

Responsibilities

• Cleans, disinfects and sterilizes soiled instruments, equipment, case carts and utensils per manufactures recommendations.
• Checks for cleanliness, proper function, lubricates and assembles various instruments, equipment, and scopes used in Surgery/Clinics.
• Assembles instruments/selects appropriate packaging and prepare sets for sterilization/disinfecting.
• Selects/performs appropriate method of sterilization and biological testing to determine efficacy of the recommended process.
• Maintains, properly documents and verifies various records for sterilization.
• Cleans equipment for patient use.
• Anticipates instrument needs for cases due to surgeon and procedure preference cards.
• Answers telephone, takes messages, and pulls case carts as needed.
• Trains and checks off competencies of new staff.
• Other duties as assigned

Education

• H.S. Diploma - Required
• 3 months of full time orientation prior to working independently. - Required
• Background in medical field. - Preferred

Work Experience

• Must be able to perform the duties of this position within a specified time set by the Manager. - Required

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST) - Obtainment of certification is preferred at 6 months, but required within 1 year of hire date. Position is contingent upon maintaining registry; continuation of certification annually. - Required within 1 Year

Travel Requirements

• Must be able to travel between various system facilities and off-site locations as needed. - Required

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Speaking clearly.
• Able to communicate by voice with co-workers, representatives, customers.
• Calibrate equipment.
• Precise hand/eye coordination with surgical instrumentation.
• Able to assemble surgical instrumentation.
• Manipulate small items and equipment.
• Must possess fine motor skills to handle micro instrumentation.
• Demonstrate great attention to detail-oriented work.
• Answer telephone.
• Ability to learn keyboard skills.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong work ethic, team player, supportive, able to work under pressure, flexible, focused.
• Must have positive attitude and outgoing personality.
• Self- motivated and can work independently with little or no supervision.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Moving carts, instruments, equipment, supplies, etc.
• Assembling instrumentation, supplies, etc.
• Standing for long periods of time, up to 4 hours or more at a stretch.
• Operation of instrumentation and equipment.
• Walking, filling case carts. Pushing and pulling carts and other equipment.
• Able to lift and carry instrument sets and other equipment of up to 60 pounds.
• Able to reach above head to put instrument sets on shelf.
• Able to safely remove instrument sets from shelves without damage.
• Able to reach, climb on stool, stoop, kneel down.
• Ability to take departmental calls with a 30-minute response time.

Essential Mental Abilities

• Manipulate numbers.
• Differentiate and count instruments.
• Ability to interpret data from various sources in the department.
• Able to comprehend surgical procedures, instrumentation, sequence of events.
• Short and long term memory.
• Concentration and alertness for extended periods of time.
• Follow rules and instructions.
• Able to go from situation to situation or area to area in department.
• Follow policies and procedures of department with minimal to no supervision.
• Organizational skills.

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Visual skills i.e. able to distinguish one instrument from another.
• Tactile, feel, distinguish colors.
• Hearing, i.e., another person wearing a mask

Exposure to Hazards

• Blood, body fluids, chemical compounds, and toxic chemicals for disinfecting.
• Sticks and cuts from sharp instruments and blades
• Wet floors.
• Pathogens from cleaning and disinfecting instrumentation and equipment

Other Skills and Abilities