Sterile Processing Technician I

Job Summary:

Under direct/indirect supervision follows approved infection control, quality assurance and departmental policies and procedures. Collects, cleans, decontaminates, disinfects and/or sterilizes surgical instruments, trays and packs, reusable medical devices and patient care equipment for inpatient Nursing and Medical Office departments. Inventories, restocks and distributes instruments, reusable medical equipment and medical supplies to Medical Center. Works a majority of time in a Sterile Processing Department cleaning, preparing, assembling, sterilizing, prepare packs, instruments, and trays for the medical center and/or medical office building. May also process inpatient operating room instruments. Does not meet the requirements of a Certified Sterile Processing Tech II. Performs other related duties as necessary.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Infection Control - Standard Precautions: Adherence to hand washing requirements, work flow patterns, standard precautions, sterility assurance, biological monitoring, dress code Quality Assurance Monitoring: Validates and maintains: event related protocols, disinfection and/or sterilization load parameters and records, inventory check sheet(s), and equipment monitoring. Documentation: Meets regulatory requirements for sterilization, high level disinfection, biological monitoring, and employee competencies. Accurately document daily records of all QA and sterilization functions according to regulatory agency and Infection Control standards. Policies and Procedures: Adheres to Organizational and Departmental policies and procedures. Staff Development: Participates in New Employee Orientation (NEO), department employee orientation (DEO), meetings, inservices and training, and employee evaluation and competency programs. Prepares for Sterile Processing Technician Certification. Decontamination Skills: Wears personal protective equipment. Inspects, disassembles, sorts, cleans, and processes reusable instrumentation and equipment. Selects and operates specialized cleaning equipment. Follows manufacturer recommendations for proper use of cleaning agents. Follows device manufactures cleaning guidelines. Maintains adequate cleaning supplies. As designated reprocesses endoscopes. Instrumentation Assembly: Identifies, inspects, assembles, all general and specialty instruments, various power equipment, laser and endoscopic instruments per specifications and manufacturer recommendations. Preparation and Packaging: According to manufacturer guidelines, selects and prepares packaging materials for the sterilization of reusable instrumentation. Principles of Sterilization Selects appropriate method of sterilization. Maintains accurate sterilization records. Properly loads and unloads sterilization cart items. Verifies that sterilization parameters have been met before distribution of load. Equipment and Supply Management Collect, clean, check, distribute, and track patient care equipment. As designated, order patient care equipment, inventory assigned supply areas for replenishment, rotates supplies, and stocks general and surgical carts. Report malfunctioning equipment to appropriate department. Workplace Safety Demonstrates awareness of personal and work area safety at all times. Complies with facility safety policies and procedures, including those for bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases. Takes prompt corrective actions when hazard identified (reporting or removing, as appropriate). Attends required safety training. Professionalism Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills. Actively supports and contributes teamwork in the workplace. Takes responsibility and is accountable for own professional work ethics. Demonstrate responsibility in adhering to posted work schedules. This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Grade: 310