Job Description

Ther Sterile Processing Technician manages decontamination and sterilization of equipment, instruments and supplies. This position performs tests and maintains records for biological monitoring, courier assistance, and minor maintenance. This position efficiently provides surgical services that exceed customer expectations and improve clinical and financial operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow established protocols for cleaning, decontaminating, preparing and packaging, disinfecting or sterilizing, and storing medical and surgical supplies and equipment.
• Distribute medical and surgical supplies from sterile processing areas to other areas within the surgical department as needed.
• Adheres to standard precautions including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Follow safety procedures and manufacturer’s instructions when handling cleaning solutions, supplies and equipment.
• Operate equipment used in the sterile processing areas safely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
• Monitor, interpret, and document results of physical, chemical and biological indicators for all types of SPD equipment used in the sterile processing areas.
• Help in preparing surgical case carts according to physician’s preference lists and anticipated needs of the perioperative team.
• Inventory, receive, and restock materials used for supporting sterile processing services.
• Comply with organizational policies, regulatory and accreditation standards, and professional guidelines.
• Assist with improving the quality of sterile processing services.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information.
• Checks counters and equipment surfaces in the nursing and instrument areas surrounding the O.R. for absence of dust.
• May assist in cleaning instrument and nursing areas surrounding surgery suite. Assist as needed in cleaning of the O.R. under supervision of O.R. nursing staff.
• Ensures routine maintenance of autoclave and automated washers. Informs the SPD Supervisor of any malfunction or possible need for repair.
• Uses good body mechanics.
• Actively protects patients and self by following OSHA and other standards reviewed in annual training.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Adhere to established hospital safety requirements and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Demonstrates the importance of continuing education to the performance of responsibilities and growth in profession.
• If requested, participate on committees. Will assist in contributing to the quality improvement process.
• Interacts and demonstrates the ability to maintain interpersonal relationships with all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees in a mature, responsible manner to ensure a positive and professional environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Actively supports and upholds the mission and core values of the Hospital.
• Keeps SPD Supervisor apprised of day-to-day situations if appropriate.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent. One-year previous experience in sterile processing preferred.

Certification:

• Certification as SPD Technician preferred, BLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) training preferred.

Environmental and Physical Requirements

Standing and Walking:

• The role requires frequent and prolonged periods of standing and walking. There could be occasional sitting required for shorter duration procedures.

Lifting and Moving:

• SPD Techs must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or assist in moving items (such as heavy instrument trays or equipment) or patients weighing up to 100 pounds or more.

Dexterity and Coordination:

• Excellent manual dexterity, control, and eye-hand coordination are essential for handling delicate instruments and supplies quickly and accurately.

Physical Movements:

• The job involves frequent bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, and reaching with hands and arms above head and below waist. Vision for near, mid-range, far and accommodation. Hearing for low, medium, and high pitch.

Stamina:

• High physical stamina is required to maintain focus and physical performance throughout long, demanding shifts.

Patient Handling:

• SPD Technologists may need to assist with positioning, lifting, and transferring conscious or unconscious patients to and from the operating table or stretchers.

Environmental Exposure

• The work environment in the SPD department is temperature controlled. However, the environment can involve exposure to unpleasant sights and odors, communicable diseases, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes, and the need to always wear protective attire.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement:

Our hospital is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Additionally, we provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and employment process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resources so that we may engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodation.