Senior Sterile Processing Technician

Senior Sterile Processing Tech

Primary Purpose

Serves as a certified Sterile Processing Technician in our Sterile Processing Department.

 

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

• Education

Must have a High School Diploma or GED

 

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

• A minimum of 1 year of experience performing in the capacity of a Sterile Processing Tech is required.
• Experience may be non-certified Sterile Processing Tech experience.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
• Cert. Instrument Specialist (CIS)
• Certified Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technician (CASSPT)
• Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS)
• Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocess or (CFER)

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be able to read written directions and to write legibly.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors, and hospital staff.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and push heavy objects.
• Must have the ability to learn basic PC skills as needed to complete daily tasks.
• Must have knowledge of principles and policies concerning sterilization techniques and practices.
• Must be able to operate all sterilization equipment and recognize equipment malfunctions.
• Must be able to demonstrate basic record-keeping and inventory control skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintains inventory par levels in assigned areas by acquiring cataloged stocked supplies and informs superiors of needed non-stock and special-order supplies.
• Prepares needed case carts according to pull sheets and specialty carts according to inventory sheets and reports all discrepancies.
• Decontaminates all used instruments and equipment according to departmental policy and the manufacturer's recommendations while adhering to OSHA guidelines for employee safety.
• Maintains competencies on equipment in the area and validates and documents that all equipment functions properly.
• Process all turnover instruments and equipment for the operating room, ensuring AAMI standards are followed.
• Assembles instrument sets according to count sheets and departmental guidelines, ensuring cleanliness, functionality, and proper setup for sterilization.
• Ensures equipment requiring validation testing is completed.
• Prepares instruments for sterilization by utilizing proper packaging and wrapping techniques or following the manufacturer's guidelines for rigid containers.
• Prioritizes operating room instruments and equipment based on the surgery schedule and emergency needs.
• Collects, reads, and documents autoclave indicator and biological results to ensure functionality of all sterilization equipment.
• Sterilizes instruments and equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations while adhering to departmental and AAMI standards for loading, validating, and documenting each item processed.
• Maintains competencies on all equipment and processes in the area.
• Properly handles transport and stores sterile instruments and equipment in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Serves as lead worker to sterile processing technicians and oversees workload to ensure the hospital's immediate needs are met while coordinating operational flow to ensure future needs of the facility.
• Trains and completes all core competencies for staff in the department.
• Troubleshot departmental equipment and coordinated needed repairs to ensure the operational flow of the department.
• Identifies ways to improve the work processes of the Sterile Processing area, and to improve customer satisfaction/internal contacts.
• Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the department goals and the mission of Parkland.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with patients and other hospital personnel to ensure that the needs of the prospective groups are met.
•  Takes responsibility for own professional growth and development by attending seminars and workshops (both in-house and off campus), and remains current on industry changes, validating this knowledge as appropriate into job responsibilities.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Sterile Processing area.
• Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans.
• Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction.
• Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the area.
• Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.