Certified Sterile Processing Technician

Performs and participates in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment. Performs other duties as assigned or required. Communicates with physicians, Director of Surgical Services, House Supervisors, and other department managers as well as co‑workers as appropriate for any needs for instrument processing. Must respond quickly and accurately to changes in the environment.

Sterile Processing Tech ensures that equipment functions properly, and that the sterilization practices are conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

• Monitor biological and chemical wash solution to ensure quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments and medical equipment.
• Document and maintain accurate sterilization records.
• Decontaminate and sterilize instruments, medical supplies and equipment, and assemble, wrap and sterilize trays of instruments.
• Follow proper Standard Precautions as appropriate for tasks.
• Know and operate sterile processing equipment and perform simple maintenance on equipment (e.g., clean filters and drains).
• Prepare trays for designated areas according to policies and procedures and instructions for use.
• Assist Director of Surgical Services with maintaining established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, and quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Be familiar with policies, procedures, and protocols; care and documentation meet current standards of practice and comply with all guidelines.
• Maintain required SPD logs and report data monthly to Director of Surgical Services or delegee (e.g., IUSS, Bowie Dick, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall effectiveness of the department and organizational performance.

• Service: We serve with compassion and understanding.
• Teamwork: We are one team – each one of us makes a difference.
• Curiosity: We promote learning.
• Integrity: We live by honesty, trust, and doing the right thing by our organizational values.

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• Current national Central/Sterile Processing Technician certification required.
• Current AHA BLS certification required.
• Minimum 1 year experience in Surgical Services setting required.

• Moderate computer skill including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Compassion and a desire to help patients.
• Attention to detail, observing and accurately reporting the patient's issues and findings to the responsible RN.
• Skill and ability to provide care to the extent defined by PCT competency.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work with people in close situations, using excellent communication and listening skills.
• Documentation skills to accurately and appropriately capture observations noted and treatment provided.

On‑the‑job time spent:

• None of the time:
  Taste or smell.
• Up to 1/3 of the time:
  Stand, sit, push, pull, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• 1/3 to 1/2 of the time:
  Walk, stand, talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle or feet, reach with hands and arms.
• Up 2/3 of the time or more:
  Not applicable.

Weight lifting/force exertion:

• None of the time:
  Up to or more than 100 pounds.
• Up to 1/3 of the time:
  Up to 100 pounds.
• 1/3 to 1/2 of the time:
  Up to 25 pounds.
• Up to 2/3 of the time or more:
  Up to 10 pounds.

Vision requirements:
Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Environmental conditions:

• None of the time:
  Humid conditions, work near moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outdoor weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, work with explosives, risk of radiation, vibration.
• Up to 1/3 of the time:
  No requirement.
• 1/3 to 1/2 of the time:
  No requirement.

Typical noise level: quiet to loud noise.

Hearing requirements: ability to hear instructions and alarms.

Repetitive motion actions:

• 0 hours:
  No requirement.
• 1–2 hours per day:
  Grasping firm/heavy.
• 3–4 hours per day:
  Repetitive use of foot control.
• 5–6 hours per day:
  Grasping simple/light.
• 7+ hours per day:
  Repetitive use of hands, fine dexterity.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Health Care Provider
• Hospitals and Health Care