Sterile Processing Technician

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Sterile Processing Manager or the Sterile Processing Supervisor, identifies, inspects, assembles and sterilizes equipment, supplies and procedure trays. Packages, cleans and decontaminates routine surgical instruments, patient care equipment and monitors sterilizers and associated equipment. Responsible for stocking supplies and instruments, orienting and training other technicians, and familiarizing with case cart process, instrument pick lists and instrument repair process.

Demonstrates willingness to learn all aspects of the Sterile Processing Department, including surgical services, outside clinics and various instrumentations.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role‑model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which give us a framework for working together:
Instill Trust and Value Differences;
Patient and Community Focus;
Collaborate; and RESPUNDERS.

• Ensures proper decontamination of surgical instruments, syringes, and equipment in order to clean, identify, and inspect.
• Processes procedure trays, instrument sets, orthopedic sets and equipment through the decontamination room according to established cleaning procedures.
• Performs leak test and decontamination for various endoscopes according to established procedures.
• Utilizes detergents, disinfectants, and washers in a prescribed manner for proper cleaning/decontamination and drying, following standard precautions with no more than two documented errors annually.
• Ensures proper assembly and packaging of instrument sets to allow proper sterilization.
• Inspects instrument sets for cleanliness and checks for sharpness, burrs, and function.
• Assembles and wraps instrument equipment trays following established procedure for each tray.
• Labels and initials all assembled procedure trays, ensuring that all quality control monitors are placed accurately.
• Operates steam (flash and prevac), EPS Scope Processor and other equipment relating to sterilization of supplies, according to written Q.A. procedures.
• Identifies and checks instruments for proper operation and overall condition according to established procedures, with no more than two documented errors annually.
• Conducts biological monitoring for all sterilizers.
• Performs Bowie Dick and biological testing of all sterilizers in the department and operating room daily in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Incubates, interprets and records results of all biological tests.
• Immediately implements recall procedures when positive biological testing is encountered, notifying all affected departments and Sterile Processing Supervisor.
• Prepares O.R. case carts and performs distribution rounds.
• Prints operating room schedule pick lists and accurately assembles case carts for surgery.
• Maintains prescribed inventory levels for each cart and ensures proper rotation of all supplies and carts within and out of the department.
• Performs distribution and pick‑up daily on nursing units for instrumentation.
• Monitors workflow and communication of designated shifts to ensure the completion of work assignments.
• Assumes the role of SPD Tech Charge person when assigned and assists in assignment of workload to SPD Techs, taking into consideration priority of work and skill of employee.
• Completes all required documentation (shift reports) when assigned charge responsibility.
• Answers telephone in a courteous manner according to department policy, maintaining complete and accurate records of all messages and requests.
• Coordinates the day‑to‑day needs of the operating room based on schedule and communicates effectively to SPD department.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment while contributing to the efficient operation of the department.
• Clears and maintains equipment according to written procedures.
• Adheres to all safety procedures with particular attention to the operation of sterilizers.
• Promotes professional image by adhering to the…