Sterile Processing Technician

. **Sterile Processing Tech** _7pm-7am; Weekend NIGHTS (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)_ **Primary Purpose** Monitors equipment and supply levels within assigned area to ensure that clean, sterile, and packaged supplies and equipment are readily available to the departments that the function supports. **MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS** **Education**   * High school graduate or GED required. **Experience** * Experience in a hospital environment preferred. **Skills or Special Abilities** * Must be able to read written directions and to write legibly. * Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors, and hospital staff. * Must be able to lift, carry, and push heavy objects. * Must have the ability to learn basic PC skills as needed to complete daily tasks. * Must have knowledge of principles and policies concerning sterilization techniques and practices. * Must be able to operate all sterilization equipment and recognize equipment malfunctions. * Must be able to demonstrate basic record-keeping and inventory control skills.   **Responsibilities** * Maintains inventory par levels in assigned areas by acquiring cataloged stocked supplies and informs superiors of needed non-stock and special-order supplies. * Prepares needed case carts according to pull sheets and specialty carts according to inventory sheets and reports all discrepancies. * Decontaminates all used instruments and equipment according to departmental policy and the manufacturer's recommendations while adhering to OSHA guidelines for employee safety. * Maintains competencies on equipment in the area and validates and documents that all equipment functions properly. * Assembles instrument sets according to the count sheets and departmental guidelines while ensuring cleanliness, functionality, and proper setup for sterilization. * Ensures equipment requiring validation testing is completed. * Prepares instruments for sterilization by utilizing proper packaging and wrapping techniques or following the manufacturer's guidelines for rigid containers. * Collects, reads, and documents autoclave indicator and biological results to ensure functionality of all sterilization equipment. * Sterilizes instruments and equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations while adhering to departmental standards for loading, validating, and documenting each item processed. * Maintains competencies on all equipment and processes in the area. * Properly handles transport and stores sterile instruments and equipment in accordance with departmental guidelines. * Identifies ways to improve the work processes of the Sterile Processing area, and to improve customer satisfaction/internal contacts. * Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the department goals and the mission of Parkland. * Maintains a positive working relationship with patients and other hospital personnel to ensure that the needs of the prospective groups are met. * Takes responsibility for own professional growth and development by attending seminars and workshops (both in-house and off campus), and remains current on industry changes, validating this knowledge as appropriate into job responsibilities. * Trains new employees as required. * Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Sterile Processing area. * Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. * Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding. * Other duties as assigned.