Job Description

Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.

Job Summary

The Sterile Processing Tech Extern provides support to the Sterile Processing Department while completing an approved Sterile Processing Technician, Surgical Technology, or related healthcare training program. Under the direct supervision of Sterile Processing leadership and designated preceptors, the extern gains hands-on experience in decontamination, instrument preparation and assembly, sterilization, and distribution activities. The extern participates in department operations while developing knowledge of sterile processing standards, infection prevention practices, and patient safety principles.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with Prisma Health's purpose: Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.
• Observes and assists with receiving, sorting, disassembling, and processing contaminated instruments and equipment under supervision and in accordance with Infection Prevention and Sterile Processing policies.
• Learns and assists with cleaning techniques including manual cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, and mechanical washing processes.
• Assists with inspection, assembly, and packaging of instrument trays and surgical instruments following established count sheets and department procedures.
• Participates in sterilization and high-level disinfection processes under direct supervision and according to established guidelines.
• Documents assigned activities within instrument tracking systems and department records as directed.
• Observes biological, chemical, and mechanical monitoring processes and develops an understanding of quality assurance requirements.
• Assists with stocking, distributing, and issuing sterile supplies and equipment to customer departments.
• Identifies and reports damaged instruments, equipment concerns, process variances, and safety issues to department leadership or preceptors.
• Participates in orientation, educational activities, competency validation, and department training experiences.
• Maintains confidentiality and complies with all organizational policies, infection prevention standards, and safety requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned that are appropriate for a student extern role.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director, or executive.

Minimum Requirements

• Education - Current enrollment in an accredited Sterile Processing Technician, Surgical Technology, Dental Assisting, or related allied health program.
• Experience - No experience required.

In Lieu Of

• In lieu of the education requirement only, will accept 6 months related experience in a hospital or clinical setting.

Required Certifications, Registrations, Licenses

• NA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• NA

Work Shift

Variable (United States of America)

Location

Blount Memorial Hospital

Facility

Blount Memorial Hospital, Inc.

Department

Central Sterile - Maryville

Share your talent with us! Our vision is simple: to transform healthcare for the benefits of the communities we serve. The transformation of healthcare requires talented individuals in every role here at Prisma Health.