Job Description

St. Croix Health is looking for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Sterilization and Reprocessing Technician to join our team! CNA and CMAs welcome to apply for this opportunity! This position is primarily scheduled Monday through Friday, with shifts from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm and 10:30 am – 7:00 pm. Weekend on-call availability may be required as needed.

The Sterilization and Reprocessing Technician assists the Operating Room staff in the organization and daily function of the operating room in accordance with established accreditation standards and facility policies and procedures. Responsible for instrument decontamination, sterile processing, instrument care, safe handling procedures and documentation related to those activities.

Requirements

1. Responsibilities

• Assist in prioritizing processing of instruments and equipment for surgical procedures to facilitate turnover of cases.
• Follow instructions for Use for instrument decontamination through sterilization process for all equipment and instrumentation.
• Anticipate instrument needs for following day and assure sterile processing completion.
• Assist with continuing education and training for staff based on standard procedures and policies.
• Assist with repairs and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation through Vendor partnerships.
• Assist with cleaning of the CSR, decontamination, and OR/endo areas as needed.
• Follow safety precautions consistent with sterilization modalities.
• Load, unload and safely operate all sterilizers according to policies and procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining sterilization and reprocessing related policies and procedures.
• Maintain all sterilization records and required documentation.
• Transport, handle and store sterile instruments and supplies appropriately.
• Functional capabilities to process, incubate, and interpret biological testing with subsequent action as needed.
• Functional knowledge and application of sterilization parameters for steam and hydrogen peroxide with interpretation and analysis
• Reassemble sets according to appropriate instrument set recipes.
• Inspect all instruments for pitting, rust, fractures, cracks, and compromised insulation before placing an appropriate container, wrap or package.
• Ensure instruments and equipment are in good working order and recommend the repair or replacement appropriately.
• Respond to requests from materials management, outlying clinics and specialty areas.
• Follow all department and hospital policies.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Maintain basic knowledge in infection control and prevention.
• Able to recognize potential and/or errors and take appropriate action.
• Implement best practice and utilize continuing education to promote process improvement.
• Monitor & re-order instrumentation, stock and reprocessing supplies.

* While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

Education & Licensure:

· High school diploma or equivalent required

· Completion of a Sterile Processing or Certified Technologist program preferred, or must be completed within six months of employment

· CSR or CST certification preferred

· Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) preferred

Experience:

· Prior CSR, Surgical Technologist, CNA or CMA experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

· Ability to work independently and prioritize needs of multiple departments

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a team

· Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

· Consistently demonstrates professional, courteous, customer service-based attitude

· Strong attention to detail

· Knowledge of medical terminology, infection control, and sterilization equipment

Physical Requirements:

· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

· Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching

· Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times