Sterile Processing Technician

Position Overview:

The Sterile Processing Technician provides sterile instruments and decontaminated, safe equipment for patients of all ages under the supervision of a Patient Care Manager/Coordinator or Chief Technician. He/She cleans, disinfects, assembles, packages and sterilizes surgical instruments; tests, operates and monitors sterilization equipment; documents and maintains sterilization records; assembles surgical supplies; and decontaminates, disinfects and distributes patient care equipment. The Sterile Processing Technician verifies and assures accurate patient charges; orders patient equipment and supplies; and operates computer equipment to meet patient supply needs, for patient charge inquiry, and to post and credit charges. The Sterile Processing Technician must demonstrate knowledge of: sterilization supplies and requirements, equipment and instruments; organizing, containing, and transporting items of varying compounds, textures or quantities; transporting and disposing of hazardous materials and sharp objects according to hospital procedures. He/She must demonstrate knowledge of sterilization procedures of various equipment and instruments and knowledge of wrapping and repackaging sterilized instruments. The Tech must demonstrate the following skills: using sterilization equipment and instruments; arranging instruments on surgical trays; following written instructions and performing multiple tasks; and in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with others. Expectation is for all performed duties to be in accordance with Singing River Health System procedures and policies, accreditation organization, and governing guidance and publications for healthcare employees.

Education: High School diploma required or GED equivalent. Knowledge of medical terminology essential.

Certification: Certification recommended within two (2) years of employment.

Experience: Central Service, OR Instrument/Supply and computer entry experience preferred.

Reports to: Patient Care Manager, Patient Care Coordinator, and/or Chief Technician.

Physical Demands: Stands, turns, bends, stoops, lifts, climbs, and uses many physical motions in performing day-to-day activities. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and do a great deal of walking without experiencing undue fatigue. Must have a high energy level and be capable of handling high pressure situations. Must possess sufficient strength in arm and back muscles to tighten and open sterilizer doors, to push carts, to frequently lift instrument trays weighing up to 25 lbs., and occasionally lift items weighing 30 lbs. May be exposed to communicable diseases and toxic fumes. Must be able to wear gloves and protective clothing for prolonged periods of time.

Mental Demands: Keen mental faculties, sound judgment and decision making skills for the preparation and sterilization of surgical instruments and the monitoring of computerized sterilization equipment. Must be able to consistently perform with a high degree of accuracy. Emotional stability conducive to dealing with high stress level associated with correctly and efficiently preparing patient instrumentation on a daily basis while maintaining effective working relationships with peers, managers, physicians, and other healthcare workers.

Special Demands: Must be able to function unsupervised in a highly conscientious manner. Must be able to set priorities and give close attention to details. Must be adaptable to change.