Sterile Processing Technician, Per Diem Dental, Morristown, NJ
Job Summary
The Sterile Processing Technician performs cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of patient care equipment, supplies, reusable medical devices, and instruments according to prescribed procedures, regulations, and manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU), utilizing infection control and safety practices. Technicians keep accurate records of sterilization processes and quality assurance monitoring according to regulations, standards, and policies.
Job Responsibilities / Essential Functions
Sterile Processing Technicians comply with AAMI, OSHA, TJC, AORN, Manufacturer Instructions for Use (MIFU), Departmental Guidelines, and AHS policies. Job functions include, but are not limited to:
- 75% clinical tasks as assigned
- 15% education
- 10% answering emails/follow-up on education
Maintaining Equipment (15%)
Knowledge of all Sterile Processing Department (SPD) equipment, including items used on inpatient units. Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to determine operational adequacy and distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction. Operates all equipment and machinery accurately and safely. Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for properly cleaning, inspecting, and storing patient care equipment. Communicates any information pertaining to patient care equipment to facility and/or campus departments. Immediately alerts Lead Technician or Lead Clinician of any equipment malfunction.
Decontamination / Instrument Cleaning (15%)
Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for proper pre-cleaning and cleaning of instruments. Accurately handles equipment and instruments with appropriate selection of personal protective equipment, cleaning agents, lubricants, water, and supplies used for the cleaning and disinfection of reusable instruments and devices. Accurately handles and disposes of infectious waste appropriately. Assures absolute cleanliness of all items leaving decontamination. Identifies any missing item and adheres to proper notification processes and procedures. Adheres to AH High Level Disinfection policy, process, and procedure.
Prep and Pack (15%)
Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for preparing and packaging instruments, trays, and reusable medical devices. Utilizes MIFU. Appropriately uses available resources to identify surgical instruments. Demonstrates knowledge of assembly materials, chemical indicators, wraps, pouches, and container systems. Ensures priority and one-of-a-kind instruments are processed upon receipt. Demonstrates knowledge and skills in packaging and wrapping instrument sets according to standards. Correctly identifies and labels all assembled items in preparation for sterilization. Provides asset management and support for reusable medical devices belonging to or consigned to AH. Correctly replaces missing items to the appropriate location.
Sterilization (15%)
Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for sterilization. Knowledgeable in various methods of sterilization. Accurately records all items processed in each sterilizer (steam, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer, and/or low-temperature sterilization systems) for each load. Ensures biological test packs are run per established policy, promptly and correctly incubated, assessed, and documented. Completes daily quality assurance testing as the first load of the day and documents results. Documents quality assessment testing and results for each load, including biological indicator (BI), BI lot number, BI expiration date, sterilization date, cycle, time, temperature, sterilizer number, and control BI. Reviews sterilizer readout tape and verifies sterilization parameters. Places cooled sterilized items in proper storage locations.
Storage Clean/Sterile Distribution (15%)
Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for sterile storage. Visually inspects sterile packages for quality, integrity, and dates. Ensures supply and pan/instrument par levels. Replenishes specialty carts and supply bins after use (e.g., crash carts, orthopedic carts, GU carts, intubation bins). Records items requested for charging and credit.
Dispatch (15%)
Accurately sets up case carts according to EMR preference cards and seeks clarification as needed. Identifies daily needs and prioritizes reusable surgical devices. Ensures software applications (Microsystem SPM®, AtlanticHub (Oracle), and Epic® EMR) item numbers are correctly recorded. Demonstrates professional telephone etiquette and follows through on requests. Communicates instrument-related issues to the Lead Technician and/or Lead Clinician. Restocks returned supplies and instruments to proper locations. Manages crash carts and verifies lock integrity. Greets visitors and monitors identification. Ensures loaner processes are completed and trays are documented in loaner software systems or logs according to departmental guidelines.
Technical (5%)
Demonstrates competency in computer systems related to instrument and loaner tracking and MIFU review (OneSource®). Maintains working knowledge of AH Compass, Employee Self Service, API, Epic MyChart, Safety Events, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Word. Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work environment. Demonstrates ability to enter Engineering and Clinical Engineering requests.
Performance Improvement (5%)
Supports department-based goals that contribute to organizational success. Performs special projects as assigned by the SPD Leadership Team. Completes other tasks and assignments required to meet department needs. Maintains satisfactory attendance and punctuality. Promotes professional growth through completion of mandatory education, Occupational Medicine requirements, continuing education, and competency assessments. Participates in the annual performance review process, including documentation of accomplishments and development of future goals.
Education
- High School Diploma or Graduate Equivalent Diploma
- Graduate of an Accredited Sterile Processing Program
Experience
- Minimum 400 clinical hours completed in a Sterile Processing Department
- Prior dental experience preferred
Certificates
- CRCST or CSPDT required