Job Description
Description Join our dedicated surgical team as a Certified Sterilization Processing Technician and play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and high-quality care. In this key position, you’ll be responsible for the meticulous cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of all surgical instruments and medical equipment used throughout our state-of-the-art surgery center. Your expertise and attention to detail will help maintain the highest standards of infection control and safety, supporting our clinical team in delivering exceptional outcomes every day. If you take pride in precision, teamwork, and excellence in patient care, we’d love to have you on our team! Requirements ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely. Prepares, assembles and sterilizing instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania DOH, AAAHC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI, and AORN standards. Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility. Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate utilizing protective barriers as appropriate (e.g., gloves, both unsterile and/or utility, gowns or aprons that are impervious to fluids, masks or face shields, safety glasses) when performing duties. Handles and disposes of infectious/biohazardous waste appropriately. Uses good hand hygiene practices. Cleans and reprocesses a variety of ophthalmology surgical instrumentation according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFUs) Cleans, disinfects, and reprocesses other critical instruments and equipment as needed (i.e., reusable laryngoscope blades) Lubricates and reassembles hinged instruments. Identifies and labels instruments for sterile processing. Identifies and labels instrument for repair, when applicable Monitors Steris systems (inclusive of washer disinfector and sterilizers) to ensure optimal level of performance. Performs routine tasks as specified on Steris systems equipment, interpreting and recording results in appropriate log. Maintains cleaning, disinfection and sterilization equipment following manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) procedures. Operates Steris system equipment utilizing proper operating procedures and methods in accordance with manufacturers recommended parameters for use as well as loading and unloading techniques. Follows all policies, procedures, and infection control guidelines specific to cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of critical instruments and equipment as provided by the facility Infection Control Plan as well as all applicable infection control policies and procedures. Maintains and stocks equipment, instruments, and supplies. Puts equipment, instruments and supplies away in neat and orderly fashion, using proper stocking and storage techniques. Oversee the care, handling, and maintenance of surgical instrumentation. Troubleshoots basic technical problems with Steris systems equipment; contacting Steris when issues arise that require outside expertise. Prepares surgical instrumentation for sterilization by appropriate cleaning and disinfection. Places surgical instrumentation in sterilization pouches and trays with appropriate monitoring strips. Inspects pouches and trays once run through sterilization cycle to ensure appropriate sterilization as per monitoring strip requirements. Stores sterilized instrumentation appropriately. Inspects stored sterilized instrumentation for integrity prior to use daily before pulled for use in the operating room. Maintains all logs, relevant disinfection, and sterilization. Maintains open communication with Clinical Director regarding maintenance of Steris systems equipment and supplies to meet facility needs. Documents and tracks repairs of any instrumentation and equipment in need of repair. Communicates receipt of repaired or new equipment and instrumentation to the Clinical Director. Complies with established policies and procedures established and approved by the governing body relevant to the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. Attends variety of meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed. Maintains continuing education as required, reporting information to Clinical Director and Administrative Director. Acts as a resource to nursing staff regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization techniques. Demonstrates use of facility-based quality improvement/infection control/patient safety i