Lead Sterile Processing Technician

The ideal candidate for the Lead Sterile Processing Tech position will be certified with a minimum of three years hospital-based sterile processing experience.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Performs duties independently, works proficiently without supervision and helps train new employees in all aspects of sterile processing to include the decontamination, preparation packaging sterilization and sterile storage while adhering to department policies and procedures. Operates and trouble shoots the equipment specific to Sterile Processing but not limited to steam, automatic endoscope reprocessor, cartwasher, washer/disinfector, ultrasonic cleaner, heat sealers, storage carousel as well as variety of testing devices. Serves as a liaison resource between the Operating Room and Sterile Processing. Facilities immediate use sterilization and turnovers. Monitors quality assurance and policy and procedure guidelines. Assumes responsibility of the Sterile Processing shift Supervisor in his/her absence under the direction the Manager.

Decontamination

• Identifies and follows manufactures instructions to sort, disassemble, decontaminate, rinse and disinfect instrumentation, flexible scopes, equipment. Adheres to the proper handling of garbage, linen, and biohazardous materials. Maintains safety standards.

Assemble and prepare instrumentation for sterilization

• Consistently uses counts sheets to correctly assemble, protect, wrap containerize and/or peel pack and label instrumentations. Identifies and inspects instruments for cleanliness, and functionality.

Sterilization Process

• Selects appropriate sterilization methods. Follows manufactures recommendations sterilization method. Properly documents and verifies sterilization loads and biological test to determine the efficacy of the sterilization process.

Storage and Distribution

• Properly handles sterile product and ensures stock is placed in the proper location. Preparing case carts from pick list. Deliver instrumentation as needed to the operating room. Inventory and stock operating room par levels for stored instrumentation and emergency carts.

Operating Room Liaison

• Consistently makes rounds through the operating rooms, confirms instrumentation needs are met, troubleshooting problems and repairs, reviews schedule with the Nurse Manager to analyze instrumentation needs, facilitates room turnovers, coordinates loaner instrumentation, works directly with the OR nursing team and surgeon on set changes and/or standardization. Attends faculty service meetings.

Other

• Participates in staff and self-development meeting/in services

• Proficiency in utilization of instrumentation tracking system

• Maintains a clean orderly work area

• Performs other job duties as assigned

• Keeps coordinators informed of needed items

• Achieves productivity requirements

• Assist with instrumentation inventory management (repairs, replacements, back up instrumentation)

• Must adhere to the institutions Core Values and Code of Conduct

• Works with specialty surgical instrumentation

• Must be customer service oriented and demonstrate customer service skills

• Participates in at least one process performance initiative

• Participates in at least two approved educational classes/seminar

• Maintains professional competences and certifications

• Demonstrates safety awareness

EXPERIENCE

Required: Three years hospital-based sterile processing experience.

CERTIFICATION

Required: One of the following: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM). Certified Sterile Processing Distribution Technician (CSPDT) by the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD). Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html