Sterile Supply Technician

Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for sterilizing supplies and decontaminating instruments needed for patient care.

• (35%)
  * Assesses instrument/supply needs daily in the OR and ER, restocks daily as needed. Prepares instruments/supplies in other areas as needed.
• (35%)
  * Issues required supplies/instruments daily or as needed to nursing units, operating room, and any other areas as needed.
• (30%)
  * Evaluates instrument/supplies prior to sterilization for impairments or other sterilization related issues.

• Begins preparing sterilizer for use promptly at the beginning of each shift.
• Correctly utilizes biological and chemical monitors.
• Correctly utilizes dart tests.
• Performs correct procedure for flushing sterilizers daily or when used and documents in the designated areas.
• Maintains accurate logs. Spore checks and other sterilization parameters are performed and documented daily.
• Correctly participates/performs cleaning procedures on designated equipment weekly or as scheduled. Documents on logs accordingly.
• Assesses the need for personal protective equipment, places approved orders, and replenishes supply cabinets on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and as needed.
• Puts all supplies and carts away in their designated areas at the end of each shift.
• Correctly prepares and monitors indicators for the Steris and documents in the log at designated times.
• Assists anesthesia with care and cleaning of instrumentation in a timely manner.
• Monitors and prepares milk baths in Sterile Processing according to schedule and need.
• Documents in appropriate log timely.
• Performs pertinent procedures on instruments as needed (ie. acid wash).
• Reports to the OR and ER Managers need for replacing instruments.
• Provides pertinent ordering manufacturer numbers.
• Assists in cleaning flexible endoscopes as needed.
• Assists OR staff by filling glove holders, masks, scrubs, and changing sharp containers weekly or as needed.
• Correctly prepares linen and distributes neatly to designated area timely.
• Assists in putting medical supplies away in OR/Sterile Processing by the end of each shift.
• Assists in monitoring medical supplies for expiration dates.
• Provides manager with supply orders that are legible and with correct ordering numbers.
• Orders supplies at appropriate par levels to reduce overhead cost. Prepares physician office/health department instruments correctly and timely according to parameters.
• Assures all instruments are counted and documented prior to and after sterilization.
• Assists in terminal cleaning of rooms during periods of high patient census or as scheduled.
• Reviews and observes policies and procedures designated for Sterile Processing.
• Obtains and maintains knowledge of sterilization standards (through class or private study).
• Participates in OR/Sterile Processing performance improvement activities.
• Obtains and maintains knowledge of surgical instrumentation and equipment.
• Attends in services on new equipment as assigned. Recognizes and responds to priority needs in patient care areas.
• Independently performs assigned duties and recognizes and performs duties which need to be done although not directly assigned.
• Actively participates in orientation of new employees.
• Keeps self busy doing department productive activities in periods of low patient census.
• Follows chain of command with concerns or questions.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards physicians, co-workers, and all customers.
• Strives to exceed the customer satisfaction.
• Communicates issues or concerns to the person(s) involved.
• Assists in other areas of the hospital willingly if needed.
• Attends 75% of department meetings and/or in services.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Credential: BLS:
  Basic Life Support (Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Within 1 month of hire or transfer)
• Credential: SPD CERT:
  Cert Sterile Process Tech. Certified in Sterile Processing (SPD Cert) preferred. If not, must complete certification within twenty-four months and maintain.

High School Diploma or GED

• Medical terminology course or equivalent experience acquired through a clinical setting required.
• Ability to pass medical terminology test.
• Organization skills, manual dexterity, customer service skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and computer skills are required.
• My Michigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by My Michigan Health.

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the…