Job Details

SUMMARY

The Sterile Processing Technician Assists the OR staff in the organization and daily function of the operating room in accordance with established federal, state and accreditation standards and facility policies and procedures. Responsible for instrument decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterile processing, care and handling, documentation and record keeping related to those activities. Serves as support personnel assisting providers and other personnel as needed, and other collateral duties.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES I PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Clinical Performance

• Wears appropriate attire in restricted areas.
• Adheres to recommended traffic patterns.

Provides Technical Support Service

• Anticipates the need for equipment and supplies.
• Selects equipment and supplies in an organized, cost effective and timely manner.
• Assures all equipment is functioning before use and removes any malfunctioning equipment.
• Maintains inventory of trays, instrumentation, and supplies.
• Cleans and disinfects instruments and equipment according to manufacturer's instructions for use.
• Demonstrates skill in appropriate use of instruments and equipment.
• Operates mechanical, electrical and air-powered equipment according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Keeps sterile processing department clean, tidy, free of soiled equipment and supplies, and properly stocked.
• Assists with OR turnover and preparation of sterile supplies (e.g. opening, case pulling).
• With additional training, may assist the surgical team as a second scrub person.
• Collaborates with surgical and nursing staff to ensure timely availability of instrumentation needed for upcoming surgical cases.

Communication

• Listens respectfully, gives feedback directly, honestly and talks with others to clarify differences.
• Utilizes translation services when needed.
• Utilizes appropriate services when needed to communicate with employees and patients with speech and hearing disorders.
• Effectively communicates with external and internal clients (including fellow employees) from diverse backgrounds.

Quality

• Demonstrates a willingness to look at new ideas and work in a changing environment.
• Understands, verbalizes and participates in the quality improvement process.
• Supports initiatives designed to improve individual and organizational performance.
• Identifies and reports suspected child, spousal/partner, and elder abuse per protocol.

Skills/Knowledge/Ability:

• Interpersonal: Above average communication skills. Demonstrates a positive, friendly and courteous manner. Demonstrates the ability to work well with other employees.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to organize equipment, instruments and supplies. Ability to adhere to the work schedule and manage time appropriately. Ability to handle stress associated with prioritizing multiple tasks. Above average organization skills.
• Knowledge: Working knowledge and experience in a hospital central sterile department, operating room or ambulatory surgery center. Knowledge of instrument names and their care and handling procedures. Sterilization and disinfection.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2-4 year of central sterile or operating room experience required.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.

Complexity:

Ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and ware while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.