Sterile Processing Technician II (PT)

Position Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician II is responsible for receiving, cleaning/disinfecting, processing, assembling, sterilizing, storing, and distributing instruments and equipment handled by sterile processing. The Sterile Processing Technician II is extremely conscientious with regard to safety/sterilization protocols and procedures, and is expected to apply knowledge and experience gained to demonstrate competencies as outlined in this job description.

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

Decontamination

• Adhere to infection control guidelines, i.e. hand washing, PPE, dress code, and standard precautions

• Maintain assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition to maintain a safe work environment

• Apply principles of medical asepsis to separating and segregating the items for cleaning and decontamination

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding in the selection and use of appropriate cleaning agents

• Demonstrate a basic competency in use and documentation of HLD (high level disinfection utilizing chemicals)

• Demonstrate a basic competency in cleaning and disinfection of fiber optic endoscopes

• Demonstrate competency in the operating of all equipment utihzed in the decontamination area (ultrasonic unit, washer/disinfectors, dryers, UV disinfector, and cart wash)

• Demonstrate competency in utilization of Censitrac automated documentation and tracking system: scanning trays/carts and equipment into decon, HLD, quality monitors, and Loaners Instruments

Preparation

• Select and inspect all instruments, assembling all necessary items

• Arrange items in accordance to their use and for effective sterilization

• Wrap, seal, and label trays appropriately

• Demonstrate competency in packaging techniques: use appropriate package according to size, utilize proper labeling of contents and expiration dates, and properly seal packages with tape or heat where appropriate to properly safeguard items·needed protection in packaging (i.e. sharp or delicate instruments)

• Report and document any missing or broken tray items and instruments

• Adhere to following all labeling and dating practices, ensuring the use of legible handwriting, accurate dating on packages, initialing of packs by the technician, department, load/Julian date, appropriate marking pens, and the accurate identification of packages

Processing / Sterilization

• Sterilize instruments, equipment, utensils, linen, and supplies utilizing all types of autoclaves; load autoclaves 1n the prescribed manner and set controls to the specified time and temperature according to manufactures instructions and requirements of items being sterilized

• Complete the appropriate documentation records prior to sterilization

• Read and initial sterilizer cycle print out to verify appropriate sterilization cycle parameters and provide required records for inspection, able to scan into documentation records

• Demonstrate by explanation the functional operation of the steam and Sterrad sterilizers in terms of time, temperature, pressure, contact, and humidity; describe and understand Leak testing, Bowie/Dick testing, and appropriate documentation; describe what happens during each phase of the complete sterilization cycle

• Demonstrate the operation of the sterilizers in terms of: selection of cycle, temperature selection, sterilizing time selection, drying time selection, and closing and opening the door at the beginning and end of cycle

• Demonstrate the knowledge to properly load and unload sterilization loads

• Demonstrate competency to document appropriate information on sterilization records to meet Quality Assurance standards

• Demonstrate an understanding of biological monitoring for all types of sterilization processes utilized in the SPD; document biological monitoring per departmental policies and procedures

Planning / Assignments

• Demonstrate competency in performing the duties of the team leader when assigned

• Oversee all areas of the SPD when .:icllng as team lead, make adjustments to assignments of co-workers as needed, give and receive the SPD and OR report

• Check and complete daily/weekly assignments, reporting pertinent information to the SPD team lead, Clinical Coordinator or the Manager

• Assist with performance improvement initiatives within the department

• Act as a preceptor when assigned; train and educate staff when needed; maintain documentation of all in-services

• Follow and enforce the policies and procedures of Sterile Processing

• Ensure proper receipt of supplies/instruments for the department

• Troubleshoot areas and report actions taken

• Demonstrate an understanding of basic computer functions utilized within the department (Demonstrates an understanding and competency using computer program utilized for sterilization /HLD documentation, instrument/container and equipment tracking)

Supply Area Responsibilities

• Demonstrates basic understanding of duties and responsibilities needed in the Supply Area

• Management of patient care equipment and specialty carts used in the Nursing Units

• Perform regularly scheduled rounds in a timely manner (i.e. soiled pick-up and deliveries)

• Monitor medications inventory supply (par levels and expiration dates) for floor trays and specialty carts

• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services

• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Manager, Sterile Processing

• Supervises: Not applicable

• Responsibilities: Not applicable

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent 

Experience

Prefer current sterile processing or operating room experience with knowledge of surgical instrumentation, principles of infection control and sterilization, and an ability to identify, prepare, and assemble instrument trays utilizing instruments needed in general surgery.

Certification Requirement

Must be enrolled in a CRCST program or have successfully completed a CRCST program

Applicant must be CRCST/CBSPD certified; applicants who are not CRCST/CBSPD certified must be certified within 2 years of start date.