Sterile Processing Technician

Boston Children's Hospital seeks an OR Sterile Processing Liaison to coordinate instrument and supply flow between the Operating Room and Sterile Processing. In this Healthcare & Medical Services role, you will ensure accurate case preparation, resolve instrumentation issues in real time, and support high standards for infection prevention, quality, and safety. Partner with multidisciplinary teams in state-of-the-art facilities to improve processes, support surgical efficiency, and promote optimal patient outcomes in our mission-driven pediatric environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison between the Operating Room and Sterile Processing Department to coordinate instrument and equipment needs.
• Monitor and manage instrument and tray flow from decontamination through sterilization and case cart assembly to support on-time surgical starts.
• Communicate real-time changes in surgical schedules, case requirements, and urgent needs between OR staff and sterile processing teams.
• Validate accuracy, completeness, and proper labeling of instrument trays and case carts, addressing defects or discrepancies promptly.
• Identify, report, and coordinate repair or replacement of damaged or missing instruments and equipment.
• Support adherence to AAMI, AORN, Joint Commission, and hospital standards for decontamination, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and storage.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, including tracking and trending defects, supporting root cause analyses, and recommending process enhancements.
• Collaborate with OR nursing, surgeons, anesthesia, and materials management to maintain appropriate inventory levels and support complex cases.
• Assist in orienting and educating staff on instrument handling, tray configurations, and OR/sterile processing workflows as needed.
• Maintain clear documentation, effective communication, and professional relationships to enhance patient safety and surgical efficiency in a fast-paced pediatric environment.

Required Skills

• Sterile processing and decontamination procedures
• Knowledge of surgical instruments and tray configurations
• Understanding of AAMI, AORN, and Joint Commission standards
• Instrument tracking and inventory management
• Operating Room and perioperative workflows
• Infection prevention and control practices
• Quality assurance and process improvement
• Root cause analysis and defect tracking
• Effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Time management and organization in a high-volume environment
• Basic computer and instrument tracking system proficiency
• Problem-solving and critical thinking in urgent clinical situations