DEPARTMENTAL SUMMARY:

Sterile Processing is responsible for cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments for all Operating Room procedures.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Certified Sterile Processing Technician at St. Charles Health System is responsible for assembling case carts for surgeries, as well as cleaning, decontaminating, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing equipment and instruments used within the hospital. The Certified Sterile Processing Technician ensures that instruments and equipment are properly decontaminated for safe handling. This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

• Coordinates, assembles, and disassembles, and distributes supplies for surgical cases.
• Cleans, decontaminates, and sterilizes instruments and supplies.
• Responsible for case cart and procedure preparation.
• Operates various sterilization equipment.
• Re-stocks department inventory and ensures instruments are stored in the proper location.
• Cleans and maintains department equipment.
• Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects.
• Supports Value Improvement Practice (VIP- Lean) principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.
• Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.
• Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.  Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.
• Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient, and accurate.
• May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION:

Required: High school diploma or GED             

Preferred: N/A

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

Required: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management or SPD Technician certification from CBSPD.

Preferred: Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) certification from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Six months experience in Sterile Processing or completion of Sterile Processing externship.

Preferred: Three years’ experience in Sterile Processing.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

• Continually (75% or more): Standing, walking, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 25-50 pounds, grasping/squeezing, Use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.
• Frequently (50%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 11-75 pounds.
• Occasionally (25%): Climbing ladder/step stool, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 1-10 pounds, Ability to hear whispered speech level.
• Rarely (10%): Sitting, climbing stairs, keyboard Operation, operation of motor vehicle.

Exposure to Elemental Factors

• Occasionally (25%): Heat, cold, wet/slippery area, noise, dust, vibration, chemical solution, uneven surface

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

• Risk for Exposure to BBP