Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
The Sterile Processing Technician Certified, under general supervision, will inspect, clean, assemble, test, and processes patient care equipment, supplies, and instruments according to established policies and procedures and according to manufacturer's instructions for use. They will act in accordance to sterility per the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), The Joint Commission (JCAHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and state standards of practice. Primary duties may vary depending on area assigned.
Essential Job Functions
Performs decontamination functions including manual cleaning and processing of surgical instrumentation and patient care equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions for use.Applies proper knowledge of various detergents and chemical disinfectants for use in the decontamination and removal of blood, bone, and other body tissues from contaminated surgical equipment. Adheres to standard precautions while performing cleaning and sterilization duties.Inventories, stocks, and delivers supplies, carts, equipment to all facility areas as indicated per facility guidelines. Orders, restocks, labels, and maintains proper inventory levels. Rotates stock, inspecting for outdates per market requirements.Performs and documents quality control aspects of sterile processing using various information technology systems focusing on instrument tracking, surgery schedules, surgeon preference cards, supply ordering and management. Accurately maintains comprehensive quality assurance standards related to sterilization and infection control. Operates and understands various sterilizers and sterilizing techniques required to produce sterile packages for use in the surgical setting keeping package assembly aseptic protocols in mind. Monitors sterilization regularly ensuring quality assurance through chemical and biological indicators and integrators.Documents all activities as required within the outlined processes and reports variances that may affect the outcome of sterile products or patient care and safety.Identifies and resolves infection control issues in and around transport of biological hazardous materials, including the use of universal precautions and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as sterile product identification.Demonstrates knowledge of the operation and testing of washers and/or disinfectors, steam, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizers, and other facility specific equipment and instrumentation.Identifies surgical instrumentation by surgical specialty: General, Gynecological, Robotic, ENT, Orthopedics, Neurological, Vascular, Obstetrical, Urological, etcetera. Including functionality testing, assembly and disassembly as required according to manufacturer's instructions for use.Participates in ongoing educational and competency verification opportunities.Participates in the orientation of new staff and students as assigned.Participates in the continuing development of personnel in the Operating Room.Accessible for "on call" as scheduled and is available within the time frames as indicated by the department.This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Licensing/Certification
One of the following is required: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) (required)
Education
High School Diploma or GED (required)
Work Experience
Recent experience in surgical setting (preferred)
Training
EPIC (preferred)
Language
None
Patient Population
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.
Not applicable to this position
Working Conditions
Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*
May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*
May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
May have periods of constant interruptions.
Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Prolonged periods of working alone.
Other: Push/Pull over 100 lbs.
* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%
Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.) x
Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) x
Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) x
Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) x
Stoop, Kneel x
Crawling x
Climbing x
Balance x
Bending x
Work Position
Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%
Sitting x
Walking x
Standing
Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards
Physical Requirements
Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)
Perform shift work
Hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings
Reach above shoulder
Repetitive arm/hand movements
Finger Dexterity
Color Vision
Acuity – far
Acuity – near
Hazards - Select if a potential hazard for this job.
Depth perception
Use of Latex products
Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents
Exposure to moving mechanical parts
Exposure to dust/fumes
Exposure to potential electrical shock
Exposure to high pitched noises
Gaseous risk exposure
Skills
Ability to Follow Instructions
Able to Work Independently
Able to work under pressure
Anatomy
Anticipate Needs
Communication
Communication with multi-levels
Computer skills
Critical Thinking
HIPAA
Infection Control
Knowledge of AAMI Recommendations
Move with a sense of urgency
Possess Surgical Conscience
Preceptor
Professionalism
Self-Directed
Sterile processing workflow
Takes Direction
Teamwork
Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com