JOB SUMMARY

Performs and participates in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, sterilization, scanning, storage, and distribution of reusable instrumentation and equipment. Adheres to organizational policies and procedures; regulatory/ accrediting body requirements; and professional practice standards (i.e.: OSHA, CDC, AAMI, AORW, IAHCSMM and The Joint Commission).       

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstration of self-motivation, efficient and effective work habits.
• Knowledge of safety standards and performance requirements on instruments and equipment.
• Successful completion of mandatory requirements including unit proficiencies/ competencies.
• Demonstration of effective problem solving, decision-making, interpersonal, and team work skills.
• Demonstration of effective verbal and written communication.
• Demonstration of positive customer service.
• Must be attentive to details, reliable, and able to effectively prioritize work.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/SOFTWARE

• Basic computer literacy (keyboarding; order entry; word processing).
• Knowledge of and skill in identification of all instrumentation/equipment in the Central Sterile Department.
• Capability of operating sterilizers and other equipment used in the reprocessing of surgical instruments and equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains self-control under stressful situations and workload pressures without exhibiting negative behaviors.
• Demonstrates competency to identify all specialty instruments, supplies and equipment unique to surgical services.
• Monitors the usage of all supplies in the Central Sterile area and adjusts par levels as needed.
• Performs decontamination, cleaning, reprocessing and sterilizing duties according to standards and manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Maintains a clean work area.
• Identifies, inspects, orders, receives, processes, stores, disassembles, cleans, decontaminates, assembles, sterilizes and distributes sterile instruments.
• Properly loads and unloads sterilized items.
• Maintains accurate sterilization records.
• Reprocesses endoscopes according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Performs routine biological testing of sterilization equipment.
• Verifies functionality of instruments; requisitions for repairs or replacement with Department Director approval, and removes defective instruments from service.
• Tracks instrumentation out for repair and collaborates with Perioperative Supply and Equipment Specialist to arrange loaner equipment as necessary.
• In-services and acts a resource to staff regarding new instruments. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of disaster/ emergency procedures and responds appropriately.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual knowledge, skills, performance and behavior in accordance with hospital, division, and unit standards of care and policies and procedures.
• Utilizes measures to promote and maintain patient, visitor and personnel safety.
• Maintains patient, employee, physician, and organization confidentiality; respects the rights, privacy, and property of others.
• Demonstrates the appropriate use of infection control principles and personal protection equipment.
• Selects appropriate method of sterilization.
• Supports the mission, values, and vision of the organization.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Takes responsibility and is accountable for own professional work ethic.
• Floats to assigned role within the perioperative setting as needed.
• Perform tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances.
• Participates in staff meetings, educational programs, committees, PI activities and mandatory in-services.
• Assists with surgery room preparation and/or cleanup activities to assure timely turnover of surgery rooms.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of medical terminology
• Ability to identify surgical instrumentation by name and usage.
• Ability to function independently and effectively in decontamination and assembly areas
• Assist in the orientation of new staff
• Demonstrates the ability to handle high stress and high volume situations.
• Maintains proper body mechanics
• Assists with collecting procedure supplies, instruments and equipment for surgical procedures.
• Assists Perioperative Supply and Equipment Specialist
• Retrieval of soiled instruments and equipment; ensure they are properly cleaned and decontaminated to expedite Operating Room turn over times.
• Ensures instruments from outside departments and offices are re-processed and ready for courier pick-up and next day delivery.
• Demonstrates adaptability to change in the work environment and related assignments.
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills.
• Participates in maintaining unit functions.
• Demonstrates initiative in personal/ professional development.
• Presents a professional image.
• Assists with control of costs through the judicious use of human and material resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements Include

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Certification as a Central Service Technician from a nationally recognized organization required or obtained within one year of hire
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider CPR (BLS) certification required