Title:  Sterile Processing Tech | FT Morning | South Job

Summary

Performs daily activities for cleaning, decontamination, packaging, sterilization, distributionand storage of surgical instruments and smedical equipment throughout the hospital, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process. Maintains inventory levels and ensures proper care and operation of equipment. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Education/Experience/Licensure

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• ​​​​​​​Knowledge of aseptic technique, sterilization techniques, infection control requirements, and surgical procedures and instruments is preferred. 
• Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to determine operational adequacy and to distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction is preferred. 
• Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals and medical instruments sufficient to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies and instruments is preferred. 
• Must have good telephone manners and problem-solving skills. 
• Skilled in cleaning specialized equipment. 
• Exhibit manual dexterity and speed in performing assembly line tasks. 
• Ability to use an electronic platform for OneSource as a knowledge resource to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment. Ability to use cloud-based surgical instrument and asset management system that electronically tracks the instrument, procedure and patient. 
• Ability to perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, which will include instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts of various sizes (Tactile differentiation, e.g. temperature, moisture). 
• Ability to work without close supervision and exercise initiative and independent judgment once technical training has been completed. 
• Ability to communicate promptly, clearly and accurately in both written and oral form. 
• Ability to organize tasks and maintain control of work flow. 
• Ability to read and understand complex instructions and perform basic arithmetic calculations. 
• May be required to float to other locations as needed. 

Key Job Responsibilities

• Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely, prepares, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of Health, DNV, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN. standards. Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility. 
• Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification and assembly according to OneSource and preparation for sterilization; retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed. 
• Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness and cleanliness. 
• Coordinates with central supply to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels. 
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all procedures and standards and quality of service. 
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Communicate with operating room staff to provide required instruments. 
• Reports damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Sterile Processing Manager and follow process for replacement. 
• Serves as a resource to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization and high level disinfection techniques. 
• Cleans, sets up, sterilizes and distributes instruments as scheduled on each shift. 
• Maintains records for quality assurance and sterilization. 
• Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include: the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, shoe cover, head covers, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate. 
• Performs other job functions as assigned or requested. 

Physical Requirements

• Physical working environment may include, but not limited to, any of the following hazards: high pressure steam, chemical, electrical, mechanical, bio-waste, stress, back strain, body fluids, etc. 
• Environmental conditions may include, but not be limited to, variations in temperature, noise, odors, multi-stimuli, etc. 
• Extensive people contact and interruptions. 
• The Associate is required to constantly stand and walk and frequently stoop, crouch and twist. The associate is occasionally required to kneel, squat and sit. 
• Functional physical demands include manual dexterity and fine motor skills and reaching. The following senses will be needed for essential duties of the job: speech, vision, hearing, smell and touch (i.e., tactile differentiation of temperature and moisture). 
• Have no physical limitations as to lifting trays of instruments (above the head), pushing, pulling carts from sterilizer, walking, and standing for duration of shift. 
• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion. 
• Must have good balance and coordination. 
• The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently. 
• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials. 
• Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.