Sterile Processing Technician

FLSA Status

Job Role Summary

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Proficient in the decontamination of surgical and clinic instrumentation according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Proficient in the utilization of the ultrasonic to decontaminate instrumentation according to manufacturer's guidelines.
• Proficient in the utilization of the wall washers as a cleaning mechanism for surgical and clinic instrumentation.
• Proficient in the utilization of the cart washer as a cleaning mechanism for various containers (e.g. clinic bins, case carts, rigid containers).
• Proficient in the inspection of surgical and clinic instrumentation assuring that defective items are not included in the deliverables to end users.
• Proficient in the assembly of surgical instrumentation and clinic trays, assuring accuracy of set components in alignment with the surgical count set sheets.
• Proficient in the sterilization of surgical and clinic instruments utilizing steam sterilization, as well as plasma sterilization equipment.
• Proficient in the decontamination of flexible endoscopes according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Proficient in the high level disinfection of flexible endoscopes according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Proficient in the utilization of the automated scope reprocessing equipment.
• Proficient in the safe handling of detergents and disinfectant solutions to decontaminate surgical instruments, power equipment, scopes, cameras, light cords, and procedural instruments.
• Assembles and packages instrumentation in sets and/or single instrument peel-packs; ensures sets are complete for terminal sterilization.
• Responsible for efficient supply, storage, maintenance and working order of all surgical and clinical instrumentation.
• Actively participates in educational offerings regarding new or revised procedures, hospital safety and infection control policies and any other information pertinent to work performed in the Sterile Processing Department.
• Proficient in the utilization of the instrument tracking system.
• Assures accuracy of set count sheets.
• Responsible for the maintenance of assembly station materials, assuring standardization is preserved and par level of supplies is adequate to match demand.
• Serves as a primary preceptor in decontamination, set assembly, and sterilizer protocols.

Job Requirements

•    Completion of high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
•    2 years of hospital instrument technician experience
•    CRCST designation required (Certified, Registered, Central Service Technician) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution)
•    One of the following additional certifications: 
o    CST (Certified Surgical Technologist)
o    CIS (Certified Instrument Specialist)
o    CHL (Certified Hospital Leader)
o    CER (Certified Endoscope Reprocessor

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Organization and leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively with all levels of departmental/interdepartmental personnel.
• Ability to routinely lift and move with 25 pound instrumentation sets and other heavy supplies and equipment.
• Ability to use age appropriate communication skills.
• Knowledge of sterile technique principles, which are used in preparation, sterilizing, packaging, distribution, receiving, and storage of sterile supplies.