Sterile Process Tech II

Overview

The Sterile Processing Technician II is responsible for receiving, cleaning/disinfecting, processing, assembling, sterilizing, storing, and distributing instruments and equipment handled by sterile processing. The Sterile Processing Technician II is extremely conscientious with regard to safety/sterilization protocols and procedures, and is expected to apply knowledge and experience gained to demonstrate competencies as outlined in this job description.

• Decontamination
  • Adhere to infection control guidelines, i.e. hand washing, PPE, dress code, and standard precautions
  • Maintain assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition to maintain a safe work environment
  • Apply principles of medical asepsis to separating and segregating items for cleaning and decontamination
  • Use the proper cleaning and rinsing agents relative to type and amount
  • Demonstrate a basic competency in use and documentation of high level disinfection (HLD) utilizing chemicals and pasteurization
  • Demonstrate a basic competency in cleaning and decontaminating fiber optic endoscopes
  • Demonstrate competency in the utilization and documentation of high level disinfection (liquid and pasteurization)
  • Demonstrate competency in operating all equipment utilized in the decontamination area (ultrasonic unit, washer/disinfectors, dryer, and cart wash)
• Preparation
  • Select and inspect all instruments, assembling all necessary items
  • Arrange items in accordance to their use and for effective sterilization
  • Wrap, seal, and label trays appropriately
  • Demonstrate competency in packaging techniques: use appropriate package according to size, utilize proper labeling of contents and expiration dates, and properly seal packages with tape or heat where appropriate to safeguard items (e.g., sharp or delicate instruments)
  • Report and document any missing or broken tray items and instruments
  • Adhere to labeling and dating practices with legible handwriting, accurate dating on packages, initialing of packs by the technician, correct codes, department, load/Julian date, appropriate marking pens, and accurate identification of packages
  • Demonstrate competency to document appropriate information on sterilization records to meet Quality Assurance standards
  • Demonstrate an understanding of biological monitoring for all sterilization processes; document biological monitoring per departmental policies and procedures
• Processing/Sterilization
  • Sterilize instruments, equipment, utensils, linen, and supplies utilizing all types of autoclaves and aerators; load autoclaves in the prescribed manner and set controls to the specified time and temperature according to item requirements
  • Complete the appropriate documentation records prior to sterilization
  • Read and initial sterilizer cycle printout to verify cycle parameters and provide required records for inspection
  • Explain the functional operation of steam and Sterrad sterilizers in terms of time, temperature, pressure, contact, and humidity; document and understand leak testing, Bowie-Dick testing, and phase of the complete sterilization cycle
  • Operate sterilizers including selection of cycle, temperature, sterilizing time, drying time, and door operation
  • Properly load and unload sterilization tools
• Planning/Assignments
  • Demonstrate competency in performing the duties of the team leader/contact person when assigned
  • Oversee SPD areas when acting as team lead/contact; adjust co-worker assignments as needed; share SPD and OR reports
  • Check and complete daily/weekly assignments, reporting information to the SPD team lead/contact or Manager
  • Assist with performance improvement initiatives within the department
  • Act as a preceptor when assigned; train and educate staff; maintain documentation of all in-services
  • Follow and enforce Sterile Processing policies and procedures
  • Ensure proper receipt of supplies/instruments for the department
  • Troubleshoot areas and report actions taken
  • Demonstrate understanding of basic computer functions used within the department (e.g., patient ordering, credentialing, maintenance requests, requisitions, hospital census)
  • Demonstrate understanding and competency using computer programs utilized for…