Sterile Processing Technician - Main OR - 40hr

Under the supervision and guidance of the Sterile Processing Manager and the Sterile Processing Lead Technician the Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for decontamination, preparation, sterilization, distribution, and control of medical-surgical instruments, supplies and equipment for the Perioperative departments, and other patient care areas as well as surgical case cart preparation.

Responsibilities

• Performs decontamination and high level disinfection of medical- surgical instrumentation and equipment according to department policies, infection prevention guidelines, and manufacturers’ written instructions.
• Inspects, assembles and sterilizes surgical instruments insuring instruments are clean, functioning properly and sets are complete. 
• Performs Steam and Sterrad sterilization, and high level disinfection according to established policies and procedures.
• Performs required monitoring and record keeping of sterilization and disinfection processes including knowledge of procedures for monitoring failures and the recall procedure.
• Prepares and fills case carts with supplies and instruments according to preference card pick lists. 
• Retrieves surgeon preference cards from Care Navigator for add-on procedures.   
• Retrieves case carts from Operating Rooms and delivers to the decontamination area throughout the shift.
• Retrieves contaminated instruments from patient care areas.
• Issues and/or delivers medical-surgical instruments and supplies to patient care areas.
• Prepares, replenishes and exchanges emergency code carts.
• Transports medication trays for code cart replenishment.
• Orders and stocks medical-surgical supplies.
• Required to be on call when scheduled for weekends, 3^rd shift, holidays and other times deemed necessary by the Sterile Processing Manager and/or Sterile Processing Lead Technician. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific 
• populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice.  Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
• Maintains professional self-development by participating in education opportunities both internally and externally
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with co-workers, patients and families.
• Assists in other patient care as needed.
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the Connecticut Children’s core values and behaviors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES  REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE:

• Policies and procedures related to sterilization, decontamination and surgical instruments.
• Medical terminology as it relates to surgical procedures.

SKILLS:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with the Sterile Processing team, 
• Perioperative staff and other healthcare personnel.
• Telephone use. 
• Basic proficiency in utilization of personal computers in networked Windows-based applications; email, internet, files, information and applications utilized by the department and hospital.

ABILITY TO:

• Speak, read, write and understand English
• Learn and implement state and federal requirements and recommended practices related to department operations.
• Work individually or within teams within the Perioperative area.
• Take appropriate action when the situation demands.
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Communicate effectively with individuals both orally and in writing
• Work collaboratively with other disciplines.
• Demonstrate cultural competence.
• Wear personal protective attire for long periods of time
• Follow detailed instructions and work under pressure.
• Be on call when assigned and/or needed

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or a higher level of education that would require the completion of high school, is required.
• One year of recent full time CSR experience preferred.
• Central Sterile Technician certification through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service and Materials Management (IAHCSMM). If not currently certified, certification must be obtained within 18 months of hire. In lieu of Technician certification, Surgical Instrument Specialist certification from either of these organizations will be accepted only for those who were working in Sterile Processing prior to January 1, 2016.
• Certification must be maintained.