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. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

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

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 

Use the proper cleaning and rinsing agents relative to type and amount 

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

Demonstrate a basic competency in cleaning and decontaminating fiber optic endoscopes 

Demonstrate competency in the utilization and documentation of high level disinfection (liquid and pasteurization) 

Demonstrate competency in the operating of all equipment utilized in the decontamination area (ultrasonic unit, washer/disinfectors, dryer, and cart wash) 

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, correct codes, department, load/Julian date, appropriate marking pens, and the accurate identification of packages 

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 

Processing/Sterilization: 

Sterilize instruments, equipment, utensils, linen, and supplies utilizing all types of autoclaves and aerators; load autoclaves in the prescribed manner and set controls to the specified time and temperature according to material 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 

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 tools 

Planning/Assignments: 

Demonstrate competency in performing the duties of the team leader/contact person when assigned 

Oversee all areas of the SPD when acting as team lead/contact person; 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/contact 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 (i.e. patient ordering, credentialing, maintenance requests, printing requisitions, and hospital census) 

Demonstrates an understanding and competency using computer program utilized for sterilization /HLD documentation, instrument/container and equipment tracking 

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 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities  

Reports to: Manager, Sterile Processing  

Supervises: SPD Tech and SPD Clinical Supply Tech 

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 and Experience  

Minimum Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent 

Preferred Education: Successful completion of a CRCST program 

Experience: 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 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations  

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