Sterile Processing Technician - Central Services - St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital

Sterile Processing Technician Certified

The Sterile Processing Technician Certified, under general supervision, will inspect, clean, assemble, test, and processes patient care equipment, supplies, and instruments according to established policies and procedures and according to manufacturer's instructions for use. They will act in accordance to sterility per the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), The Joint Commission (JCAHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and state standards of practice. Primary duties may vary depending on area assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs decontamination functions including manual cleaning and processing of surgical instrumentation and patient care equipment according to manufacturer's instructions for use.
• Applies proper knowledge of various detergents and chemical disinfectants for use in the decontamination and removal of blood, bone, and other body tissues from contaminated surgical equipment. Adheres to standard precautions while performing cleaning and sterilization duties.
• Inventories, stocks, and delivers supplies, carts, equipment to all facility areas as indicated per facility guidelines. Orders, restocks, labels, and maintains proper inventory levels. Rotates stock, inspecting for outdates per market requirements.
• Performs and documents quality control aspects of sterile processing using various information technology systems focusing on instrument tracking, surgery schedules, surgeon preference cards, supply ordering and management. Accurately maintains comprehensive quality assurance standards related to sterilization and infection control.
• Operates and understands various sterilizers and sterilizing techniques required to produce sterile packages for use in the surgical setting keeping package assembly aseptic protocols in mind. Monitors sterilization regularly ensuring quality assurance through chemical and biological indicators and integrators.
• Documents all activities as required within the outlined processes and reports variances that may affect the outcome of sterile products or patient care and safety.
• Identifies and resolves infection control issues in and around transport of biological hazardous materials, including the use of universal precautions and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as sterile product identification.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the operation and testing of washers and/or disinfectors, steam, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizers, and other facility specific equipment and instrumentation.
• Identifies surgical instrumentation by surgical specialty: General, Gynecological, Robotic, ENT, Orthopedics, Neurological, Vascular, Obstetrical, Urological, etcetera. Including functionality testing, assembly and disassembly as required according to manufacturer's instructions for use.
• Participates in ongoing educational and competency verification opportunities.
• Participates in the orientation of new staff and students as assigned.
• Participates in the continuing development of personnel in the Operating Room.
• Accessible for "on call" as scheduled and is available within the time frames as indicated by the department.

Licensing/Certification: One of the following is required: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) (required)

Education: High School Diploma or GED (required)

Work Experience: Recent experience in surgical setting (preferred)

Training: EPIC (preferred)

Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.

Working Conditions:

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.
• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.
• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
• May have periods of constant interruptions.
• Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Prolonged periods of working alone.
• Other: Push/Pull over 100 lbs.

Skills:

• Ability to Follow Instructions
• Able to Work Independently
• Able to work under pressure
• Anatomy
• Anticipate Needs
• Communication
• Communication with multi-levels
• Computer skills
• Critical Thinking
• HIPAA
• Infection Control
• Knowledge of AAMI Recommendations
• Move with a sense of urgency
• Possess Surgical Conscience
• Preceptor
• Professionalism
• Self-Directed
• Sterile processing workflow
• Takes Direction
• Teamwork

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a mission that matters. We support your well-being – personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer: Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible) Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HAS/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.