Sterile Processing Technician
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Instrument Technician is responsible for all aspects of instrument care as well as the maintenance of the sterile processing area and proper functioning of sterile processing equipment.
The staffing of the Center is based on a teamwork concept. Employees may be cross-trained in other clinical areas and may be expected to perform duties other than their normal ones as staffing and patient needs change.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Cleans, decontaminates, sterilizes and maintains instruments in good working condition
2. Assures all instrument trays are assembled properly and content is correct
3. Flash sterilizes instrument sets as necessary
4. Documents and maintains sterilizer load information
5. Documents and maintains sterilizer Biologic testing records
6. Maintains all sterile processing equipment
7. Maintains supply inventory in the scrub sink area
8. Assist with preparation and cleaning of operating rooms between patients
9. Performs other duties as assigned
Maintains established Center/departmental policies and procedures
Maintains confidentiality of patient and Center related business
Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors and other Center employees
Documents concisely, precisely and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy.
PARTICIPATES IN QUALITY ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES AS DIRECTED FOR THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF PATIENT CARE AND CENTER BUSINESS
QUALIFICATIONS:
High School graduate or equivalent
Minimum 1 year experience
LICENSURE: Current BLS
Required Skills
SPECIAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Care and handling of surgical instruments
Use of sterilizers
Monitoring the sterilization process
Proper loading of the sterilizer
Proper handling of sterilized packages
Principles of Universal precautions
Required Experience
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Ability to function as a member of the surgical team
2. Compliance with the attendance policy
3. Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs
4. Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally when priorities change
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION:
2. Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively
3. Ability to understand and resolve simple problems
4. Ability to understand simple instructions
Ability to constantly walk, stand, and/or lift
Ability to frequently utilize full range of motion, including crouching, stooping, reaching, bending and twisting7.Ability to frequently lift, pull, push with assistance of one other person, the weight of the average patient
Ability to see and hear and distinguish color
8. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks
Ability to function independently without constant supervision
Must maintain a neat, clean, professional appearance.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN CLASSIFICATION:
Category 1-Occupational exposure
SPECIAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Care and handling of surgical instruments
Use of sterilizers
Monitoring the sterilization process
Proper loading of the sterilizer
Proper handling of sterilized packages
Principles of Universal precautions