Sterile Process Registered Nurse

Position Summary

The Sterile Processing Registered Nurse is assigned duties performing decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the surgical departments, utilizing infection control, critical thinking and safety practices during all phases of the process.

Qualifications/Experience

Education: 

Active RN license

Experience: 

Surgical experience preferred; not required.

Licenses/Certificate:

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Certification in Sterile Processing preferred.

Essential Job Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following Essential Duties satisfactorily.  Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties of the position, provided it does not create undue hardship on SARH.

Uphold and demonstrate “We Care” values in everyday activities and behavior.

Collecting used and contaminated equipment, instruments, and supplies for sorting and decontamination.

Manually cleaning supplies of contaminants, removing waste matter, and operating and maintaining decontamination equipment.

Preparing and packing decontaminated supplies for sterilization

Monitoring and operating sterilization equipment.

Examining supplies to ensure they are properly cleaned and sanitized.

Testing and reporting any issues or problems with the sterilization equipment.

Sterilizing, preparing, wrapping, and organizing equipment into instrument trays for use during medical procedures.

Preparing and delivering all necessary equipment and instruments for surgeries, examinations, medical procedures, and medical carts.

Maintaining records of sterilization procedures, sterilized items, equipment maintenance and supplies.

Controlling the inventory, reordering supplies, and checking expiration dates. 

Interacts in a professional manner with internal and external customers.

Participation in Regulatory surveys

Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Consistently maintains a clean, organized work/storage area.

Demonstrates the ability to set priorities and performs duties as assigned or requested.

Professionally answers telephone in a friendly and helpful manner.

Follows CDC guidelines for appropriate  hand washing

Handwriting that is legible and easily read by others

Proper lifting, pushing, and pulling.

Communicates appropriate information to charge nurse/director in a timely manner

Follows through on problems that may compromise patient care by using the appropriate chain of command.

Correctly identifies and uses appropriately personal protective equipment to protect from exposure to chemical, radiation, and/or biohazards. 

Maintains confidentiality of patient and employee information in verbal, written, and electronic information, limiting access on a job-related need to know basis.

Demonstrates ability to be on call for emergencies and is readily available to work.

 

This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all the possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties you may be asked to perform when they are assigned.