Job Description

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for maintaining instruments and equipment in an optimal fashion. Also responsible for preparing instrumentation, sterile supplies and OR and RR equipment for the surgical patient and the facility’s physicians.

Working Relations:

Position reports to Nurse Manager

Position supervises None

Internal and External relationships

As a representative of ASC the actions and behaviors have a direct affect on the Facility’s image and perceptions of quality service. Interaction with patients, families, physicians, referral services, visitors, volunteers, coworkers, supervisors, venders, etc. must be in a manner that is friendly, supportive, courteous, respectful, cooperative and professional. This behavior should promote an atmosphere of teamwork in line with facility standards and guidelines to promote positive relationships and excellent patient care.

Position Requirements

Licenses or Certificates: CPR certification

Total education, vocational training and experience High school diploma or equivalent. Prefer two years satisfactory previous employment in central sterile processing.

Skills and abilities

1. Knowledge of microbiology, sterilization procedures, aseptic technique, and maintenance and care of equipment.
2. Demonstrates cooperative work attitude toward and with co-employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians.
3. Maintains certification in CPR.
4. Maintains regular attendance.
5. Ability to set priorities and work independently.
6. Ability to interact in a positive manner and to communicate well with patients, families, co-workers, supervisor and other facility employees.
7. Participates in facility quality improvement activities.

Job Knowledge

1. Assists with turnover time in Operating Suite.
2. Maintains central supply/sterile in an orderly/organized fashion.
3. Cleans, wraps, and sterilizes instruments.
4. Wraps, identifies and autoclaves all instruments, supplies and equipment as necessary to maintain central supply in an orderly fashion on a daily basis.
5. Keeps supplies orderly on central supply shelving.
6. Maintains adequate supply of prepared or “made up” supplies.
7. Continues assigned monthly duties.
8. Assists co-workers with daily preparation for next day’s schedule (pulling cases).
9. Is available to assist all areas of OR/central supply as needed.
10. Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
11. Responsible for crossover duties in other areas such as purchasing supplies and putting away stock in proper areas 6” from floor and 18” from ceiling.
12. Participates in the quality improvement process and activities including the areas of safety, infection control, patient education/teaching, documentation, adherence to guidelines for sterilization of instruments and supplies, patient satisfaction, physician satisfaction, compliance with OSHA standards and risk management.
13. Demonstrates competency in performing job task and in operating equipment on an annual basis.
14. Attends and participates in all applicable surgery center training and development workshops scheduled by the facility.
15. Maintains dress and appearance according to policy and procedure as observed by management.
16. Strives to be professional, courteous, helpful and cooperative.

Compliance

1. Understands and adheres to Facility Standards of Conduct.
2. Demonstrates the safe operation of equipment and machinery and follows procedures for reporting and correcting an unsafe situation.

Service Satisfaction

1. Communicates effectively regarding all aspects of job responsibilities.

1.1 All daily tasks not completed within the work shift are to be reported to appropriate personnel.

1.2 Respects the rights of other employees, patients and visitors including the maintenance of a pleasant, quiet environment.

1. Interacts with all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees in a mature, responsible manner to ensure a positive and professional facility environment.

• Displays a caring and responsive attitude and conducts all activities

patient, family and employee rights and expectations.

• Maintains confidentiality of all facility and patient information as required

by facility policy.

• Fosters a positive and professional facility environment by interacting

with all persons in a considerate, helpful and courteous manner and by

participating as a team member.

• Diffuses/resolves conflict by appropriately communicating with those

involved.

• Accepts constructive criticism and gives suggestions in a professional

manner.

Skill Review

1. Completes appropriate financial management responsibilities.

1.1 Maximum care and caution required when handling surgical equipment

and instruments.

1.2 Responsible for conservation and control of supplies utilized and

maintenance of equipment.

Attendance

1. Follows established facility policies and procedures with regard to attendance.

• Maintains attendance according to guidelines and policy established by

facility.

1.2 Adheres to tardiness policy.

1.3 Provides notification for unscheduled absences or tardiness in accordance with established departmental procedures as noted by supervisor.

1.4 Requests scheduled time off according to procedure as noted by supervisor.

Machines/equipment used: Autoclaves, ultrasonic washer, Sterrad, telephone, facsimile, and others as applicable.

Environmental conditions Indoors in climate controlled environment. Well lighted and ventilated.

Physical requirements

Physical requirements for the position include the ability to frequently hear and communicate orally, see up close and at a distance, read and comprehend, stand, sit, walk, reach, handle, and feel objects. Ability to climb, pull, push, and kneel. Ability to push a stretcher/wheelchair with a patient. Ability to lift/transfer patients in excess of 100lbs. Ability to wear lead apron and push heavy equipment.

Degree of supervision provided to position: Minimal, must be self directed and able to work independently.