Sterile Processing Tech Advanced

The Advanced Sterile Processing Technician is assigned full performance level duties responsible for decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments, hospital instruments and medical equipment throughout the institution, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process. Guides, mentors, and serves as a resource for Sterile Processing Technicians. JOB QUALIFICATIONS Education or Formal Training High School diploma or equivalent preferred Special Qualifications (Licensure, Registration, etc.) Certification (CBSPD or IAHCSMM) is required--Options are Sterile Processing and Distribution Certification (CRCST), Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS), or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Must currently hold one of these certifications. A current certification must be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Knowledge, Skill and Ability Knowledge: Complete understanding of sterilization techniques.

Record keeping regarding ordering, expenditures, and maintenance of surgical instruments and SP supplies. A preceptor and resource person for new employees and staff. Identifies and meets educational needs.

Specialty surgical services with identification and understanding of surgical instruments and their care and use in surgical procedures. Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to be able to determine operational adequacy and to distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction. Knowledge of applicable sanitary infection control and safety standards sufficient to be able to perform all assignments within the safety parameters.

Knowledge of unit and floor needs sufficient to be able to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment. Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals and medical instruments sufficient to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies and instruments. Skill in cleaning specialized equipment.

Is able to perform technical functions. Have manual dexterity and fine motor coordination. Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment, e.g., IV pumps, monitors, up to 30 pounds.

Is able to perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, which will include instrument pans, bins, trays and carts of various sizes. Have no physical limitations as to lifting trays of instruments (above the head), pushing, pulling carts from sterilizer, walking, and standing for duration of shift. Tactile differentiation, e.g., temperature, moisture.

Must have good people skills and be able to operate well under pressure. Must have good telephone manners and negotiation skills. Computer skills and knowledge of inventory processes.

Service Excellence skills Team Building/Concept Skills Interpersonal Skills Ability: Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills. Able to proficiently use the Electronic Health Record, Word and Excel and SPM computer programs. Able to provide information and follow-up regarding sterilizer load data.

Experience 1-2 years of experience working in a sterile processing department preferred. Extensive experience with sterilization techniques, processing instrumentation as well as all other aspects involved with or pertaining to SPD. Leadership experience preferred.

OR Tech experience preferred Computer experience preferred Inventory experience preferred MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED Standard equipment including: computer, printers, scanners, telephone, washer/decontaminator, sonic cleaner, sterilizer (steam, plasma and ethylene oxide), instrument trays, and peel pouch machine, biological incubator. Purchasing forms, e.g., purchase orders, requisitions, packing slips, bills of lading, etc.

Utilization of purchasing contracts. WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES Physical working environment may include, but not limited to, any of the following hazards: high pressure steam, chemical, electrical, mechanical, biowaste, stress, back strain, body fluids, etc. Environmental conditions may include, but not be limited to, variations in temperature, noise, odors, multi-stimuli, etc.

Pressure from high volume census to meet deadlines to obtain supplies from vendors. Extensive people contact and interruptions.