Lead Sterile Processing Tech

Job Summary and Qualifications

The Lead Central Sterile Technician-Certified for the Surgical Ventures Group contributes to high quality, patient-centered care by maintaining a sanitary environment for the provision of patient care. As a valuable member of the care team, the Lead Central Sterile Tech cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes instruments and supplies in accordance with established methods and facility procedures. The Lead Central Sterile Tech also participates in surgical room turnover between cases, ensuring a sanitary environment.

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or other clinical manager, the Lead Central Sterile Tech may assist surgeons, nurses, or techs around the operative field, collect and record pertinent clinical data, or otherwise assist in direct patient care as instructed. The Lead Central Sterile Tech provides positive, goal-oriented technical leadership, thus promoting an atmosphere of support and quality.

• Prioritizes and organizes instrumentation, equipment, and supplies based on facility schedule and physician preference.
• Reviews schedule daily for case instrumentation needs; remains abreast of changes made in schedule.
• Anticipates special needs and selects required packs, instruments, supplies, sutures and equipment for specific cases.
• Receives all soiled instrumentation per policy and AAMI/OSHA requirements. Implements the appropriate decontamination process per manufacturer instructions. Reprocesses instrumentation for sterilization.
• Performs appropriate sterilization method required for different types of instruments in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Utilizes “short cycle” procedures when necessary and appropriate.
• Monitors and records all test loads and sterilization cycles; reports any deviation from normal functioning to OR Coordinator or Nurse Manager.
• Monitors all instrumentation for proper sterilization prior to releasing for use. Places sterilized instruments on appropriate shelving and rotates accordingly.
• Performs testing for efficacy of disinfecting solution with each cycle, performs biological tests and maintains daily log, as per facility policies.
• Receives and disposes of biohazardous materials/wastes according to policy and regulation.
• Recognizes emergency situations and responds effectively in a calm and controlled manner.
• Maintains the Decontamination and Clean room with supplies and equipment needed.
• Maintains a clean and orderly central processing area (e.g. shelves, counters, equipment).
• Tests operational efficiency of instrumentation prior to reprocessing and reports problems to Nurse Manager.
• Implements manual cleaning cycle for autoclaves and other sterilizing/disinfecting machines.
• Maintains periodic maintenance records for equipment. Maintains accurate log for equipment out for repair.

• CRCST is required.
• Graduate of Sterile Processing program is preferred.
• Graduate of accredited Surgical Technology program (required in some states) is preferred.
• 1+ years applicable clinical experience is required.
• Leadership experience-preferred.
• Ambulatory surgery experience-preferred.

• Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services.
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services.
• Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence.
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), employee stock purchase plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling.
• Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing.
• Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts.

Note:

Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.