HCSS Sterile Processing Technician

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, prepares, assembles, maintains, and transports surgical trays, instruments, and equipment following established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing.

Major Duties / Critical Tasks:

Instrumentation Decontamination:

• Decontaminates surgical instruments and other medical equipment as needed by keeping a continuous flow of equipment moving through the process.
• Records biological testing, immediate use sterilization load results, and all other data from all sterilizers daily.
• Utilizes appropriate cleaning detergents and agents by reading directions and MSDS sheets.
• Requests manufacturer`s guidelines for proper decontamination of loaner instruments.
• Follows industry and hospital standards associated with the transport of contaminated instruments and equipment.
• Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the decontamination area.

Instrumentation Assembly:

• Inspects all instruments for cleanliness, proper function, and breakage by viewing the instruments before assembly.
• Assembles surgical trays and equipment following established tray listings.
• Wraps or pouches items according to size and type of instrument or equipment.
• Interacts with customers to ensure prompt delivery of needed equipment.
• Maintains accurate instrument counts for all surgical sets to be assembled and informs supervisor of any discrepancies.
• Communicates any issues that arise with instrument preparation to the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager.

Sterilization:

• Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed policies and procedures.
• Challenges the sterilization process by using internal, external and biological monitoring systems appropriately.
• Monitors, reads, documents, and interprets all parameters for all types of sterilizers to insure proper function and patient safety.
• Picks surgical case carts by following established Surgeon Preference Cards or Procedural Pick list / requisition.

Case Carts & Supplies:

• Assembles and distributes case carts per department policy.
• Picks surgical case carts by following established Surgeon Preference Cards or Procedural Pick list / requisition.
• Prepares surgical emergency case carts for emergent procedures.
• Distributes all sterile and non-sterile supplies upon request or case cart requisition.
• Orders and puts away supplies and linens upon request.

In addition to the functions categorized above, the Sterile Processing Technician I:

• Sanitizes the workstation at the end of each shift.
• Utilizes the Abacus Instrument/Equipment Tracking system per department protocol.
• Effectively communicates, verbally and in writing, with customers, peers, and visitors.
• Troubleshoots and resolves issues associated with instruments or equipment.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Issues or dispenses sterile supplies to the appropriate locations throughout the facility.
• Rotates trays and inventory to assure proper sterility guidelines are followed.
• Assumes charge responsibility in the absence of the supervisor or manager.
• Maintains appropriate quality records such as logs, sterilization records and count sheets.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and/or in written form.
• Customer service orientation and values.
• Ability to negotiate solutions and outcomes.

• Team Player.

• Ability to maximize people and financial resources.
• Ability to work in partnership with management and staff.

Required Education / Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year hospital experience within the last 2 years

Equipment:

Steam autoclaves, plasma sterilizers, paracetic acid sterilizers, biological incubators, mechanical automated instrumentation washers and cart washers, instrumentation management software, materials requirements supply chain software, and electronic email.

Working Environment:

• Work environment is in a comfortable indoor area.
• Conditions such as noise, odors, cramped workspace and/or fumes could sometimes cause discomfort.
• Moderate to extreme physical effort such as walking, standing, and lifting materials, equipment, objects and/or patients may be required.
• Occasional lifting may be heavy and awkward, over 50 lbs.
• Vision, hearing, talking, and sense of touch must be adequate to enable one to perform tasks quickly and accurately such as reading small print, defining details, sending, and receiving clear and accurate oral communication.
• Frequent periods of concentrated or focused attention will be needed to interpret visual, auditory, and sensory inputs.
• Shift work may be required.
• Alertness and careful attention to detail will be required to avoid injury.
• May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood pathogens, radiation, chemotherapeutic agents, and disoriented or combative patients or other. Requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment.

Other:

Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification, may render this position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require the prior approval of the Executive Director of Human Resources.