Sterile Processing Tech

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or equivalent. Preferred six (6) months related experience.

JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, prepares, assembles, maintains, and transports surgical trays, instruments, and equipment following established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Instrumentation Decontamination:

• Decontaminates surgical instruments and other medical equipment as needed by keeping a continuous flow of equipment moving through the process. 
• Records biological testing, immediate use sterilization load results, and all other data from all sterilizers on a daily basis. 
• Utilizes appropriate cleaning detergents and agents by reading directions and MSDS sheets.
• Requests manufacturer`s guidelines for proper decontamination of loaner instruments.
• Follows industry and hospital standards associated with the transport of contaminated instruments and equipment.
• Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the decontamination area. 
  Instrumentation Assembly:
•  Inspects all instruments for cleanliness, proper function, and breakage by viewing the instruments before assembly.
• Assembles surgical trays and equipment following established tray listings.
• Wraps or pouches items according to size and type of instrument or equipment.
• Interacts with customers to ensure prompt delivery of needed equipment.
• Maintains accurate instrument counts for all surgical sets to be assembled and informs supervisor of any discrepancies.

• Communicates any issues that arise with instrument preparation to the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager.

  Sterilization:

• Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed policies and procedures.
• Challenges the sterilization process by using internal, external and biological monitoring systems appropriately. 
• Monitors, reads, documents, and interprets all parameters for all types of sterilizers to insure proper function and patient safety. 
• Picks surgical case carts by following established Surgeon Preference Cards or Procedural Pick list / requisition.

Case Carts & Supplies:

• Assembles and distributes case carts per department policy.

• Picks surgical case carts by following established Surgeon Preference Cards or Procedural Pick list / requisition.

• Prepares surgical emergency case carts for emergent procedures.
• Distributes all sterile and non-sterile supplies upon request or case cart requisition.

• Orders and puts away supplies and linens upon request. 

  In addition to the functions categorized above, the Sterile Processing Technician I:

• Sanitizes the workstation at the end of each shift.
• Utilizes the Abacus Instrument/Equipment Tracking system per department protocol.
• Effectively communicates, verbally and in writing, with customers, peers, and visitors.
• Troubleshoots and resolves issues associated with instruments or equipment.

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

  MARGINAL OR PERIODIC FUNCTIONS:

• Issues or dispenses sterile supplies to the appropriate locations throughout the facility. 
• Rotates trays and inventory to assure proper sterility guidelines are followed. 
• Assumes charge responsibility in the absence of the supervisor or manager.
• Maintains appropriate quality records such as logs, sterilization records and count sheets. 
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

SALARY RANGE:

Salary commensurate with experience.

SCHEDULE:

2:45pm-11:15pm Tuesday-Saturday

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.