Central Sterilizing Technician, Ambulatory Surgery Center - OR

The Central Sterilizing Tech is responsible for efficiently and effectively performing the decontamination duties, assembly, inspecting, wrapping, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment for the department, including working in conjunction with OR staff or other clinical staff to provide timely sterile products and trays where applicable.

Job Relationships

Reports to the Nurse Manager-Operative Services or Operations Manager

Principal Responsibilities

• Decontaminate surgical and other medical equipment and instrumentation following surgery or other procedures. Inspect all instruments for cleanliness, proper function and breakage before assembly. Prepare/wrap items for sterilization or high-level disinfection (Steam, Gas, Cidex).
• Operate and troubleshoot washer, sonic and sterilizers.
• Monitor, read and document parameters for sterilizers, washer and sonic cleaner to insure proper function.
• Maintain instruments performance through PM and instrument repairs.
• Restock work area supplies.
• Additional Float Responsibilities: May assist in OR room turnover, stock OR room linen, blanket warmer, and fluid warmer, and assist with duties in central supply as directed.
• Determine appropriate storage location, restocks shelves, and rotate stock.
• Comply with the Springfield Clinic incident reporting policy and procedures.
• Adhere to all OSHA and Springfield Clinic training & accomplishments as required per policy.
• Provide excellent customer service and adhere to SC Way customer service philosophy.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• High School graduate or GED required.
• Previous central sterilization processing experience or Surgical Technician experience.

Licenses/Certificates

• Certification in Surgical Instrument Processing through the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management required within 18 months of hire date. If hired before 06/01/2021, certification required by 10/31/2022.
• CPR certification per American Heart Association guidelines required within 30 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good mind to hand coordination.
• Must be self-motivated and have ability to prioritize.
• Must possess manual dexterity to handle equipment and appliances.
• Must possess good physical health.
• Must maintain professional behavior.
• Must have ability to control emotions and maintain composure under stress, using tact and good judgment.
• Must be capable of pushing, walking, stooping, bending, and lifting.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to adjust to various personalities and situations.
• Must appear will groomed.
• Detail orientated.
• Good communication and organizational skills.

Working Environment

• Conditions include exposure to blood and body fluids, tissue and contagious diseases and/or potentially hazardous materials.
• Occasional heavy lifting required.
• Has hands in water.

PHI/Privacy Level

HIPAA1