Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Department: Sterile Processing

Position is located: Mercy Fore River

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Schedule: 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM

*Sign on Bonus for Eligible Candidates*

Summary:

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the transportation, cleaning, sterilization, and distribution of instruments and equipment for the operating room and other clinical areas. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job. The incumbent may have access to highly confidential patient, employee and/or proprietary information, and must handle and protect the information in accordance with hospital and system policies, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for reporting all security events, potential events, or other security risks to the organization. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position, and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Hospital.

Responsibilities:

1. Assembles surgical instruments, and equipment for departmental utilization and surgical procedures. • Transports/Receives soiled instruments from clinical areas to decontamination area of Sterile Processing Department. • Is knowledgeable about the functionality of the ultrasonic washer, washer/disinfectors, gas plasma sterilizers, steam sterilizers, and immediate-use steam sterilizers. • Is knowledgeable about the functionality of instrument tracking system to track individual instruments, and instrument sets through the decontamination, assembly, and storage processes. • Cleans and decontaminates surgical instrumentation according to manufacturer’s instructions for use. • Inspects surgical instruments for defects during cleaning, assembly, and wrapping processes. • Assembles instrument sets for specific surgical cases and sterilizes them according to manufacturer’s instructions for use. • Appropriately wraps and labels individual surgical instruments for sterilization. • Sterilizes instruments according to procedures: steam sterilization, or gas plasma sterilization. • Delivers processed instruments to clinical areas, or sterile storage area. • Operates equipment used in processing and sterilization in strict accordance with prescribed standards and procedures. • Tests mechanical washers, and sterilization equipment per protocols and documents findings appropriately. 2. Works cooperatively with other team members to facilitate departmental operations. • Contributes to maintenance of a clean/safe work area by cleaning all operational equipment as outlined in departmental procedure manual. • Follows procedures as outlined for maintenance of instruments and equipment. • Participates in keeping documentation and instrument tray count lists current. • Maintains par levels in the operating room to support patient care. • Routinely rounds on clinical units to retrieve instruments/trays that need to be processed. 3. Accepts responsibility for further developing professional learning needs. • Participates in continuing education programs for departmental employees. • Participates in facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). • Attends scheduled in-services, as offered, and other programs that are required or assigned. • Attends and participates in a minimum of six staff meetings per year. • Certification in IAHCSMM or CBSPD is encouraged after one (1) year of hire. (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiels Management; Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution) 4. Demonstrates behaviors consistent with organizational mission, goals, and policies. • Demonstrates practices which keep all medical record information protected and confidential. • Follows and adheres to Patient Rights policies at all times. • Takes accountability for information contained in the department and hospital procedure manual.

Other Information:

Competencies and Skills

Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan. Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved. Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Education

Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions

Potential exposure to diseases or infections. Potential exposure to hazardous materials. Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable. Potential exposure to noxious odors. Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures. Work with computers, typing, reading or writing. Lifting, moving and loading 30 to 50 pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting.