Sterile Processing Technician

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Sterile Processing Manager and or direction of the Sterile Processing Supervisor, identifies, inspects, assembles and sterilizes equipment, supplies and procedure trays.

Packages, cleans and decontaminates routine surgical instruments, patient care equipment and monitors sterilizers and associated equipment.

Responsible for stocking of supplies &instruments and orients and trains other Technicians. Displays familiarity with case cart process, instrument pick lists and instrument repair process.

Demonstrates willingness to learn all aspects of the Sterile Processing Department including, but not limited to, surgical services, outside clinics Orthopedics, Cardiac, Neuro, Vascular, Transplant and Gynecological Instrumentation, Implant trays, Power equipment, Flexible endoscopes and the Instrument Management System.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensures proper decontamination of surgical instruments, syringes, and equipment in order to clean, identify and inspect.

· Processes procedure trays, instruments sets, orthopedic sets and equipment through the decontamination room according to established cleaning procedures.

· Performs leak test and decontamination for various endoscopes according to established procedures.

· Utilizes detergents, disinfectants, and washers in a prescribed manner for proper cleaning/ decontamination and drying, following standard precautions with no more than two documented errors annually.

Ensures proper assembly and packaging of instrument sets to allow proper sterilization.

· Inspects instrument sets for cleanliness. Checks or tests instrumentation for sharpness, burrs and function. Assembles and wraps instrument equipment trays following the established procedure for each tray.

· Labels and initials all assembled procedure trays making sure that all quality control monitors have been placed accurately.

· Operates steam (flash and prevac), EPS Scope Processor and other equipment relating to sterilization of supplies, according to written Q.A. procedures.

· Identifies and checks instruments for proper operation and overall condition according to established procedures with no more than two documented errors annually.

Conducts biological monitoring for all sterilizers.

· Performs BowieDick and biological testing of all sterilizers in the department and operating room daily in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

· Incubates, interprets and records results of all biological tests.

· Immediately implements recall procedures when positive biological testing is encountered, notifying all affected departments, Sterile Processing Supervisor. Prepares O.R. case carts and performs Distribution rounds.

· Maintains prescribed inventory levels for each cart.

· Ensures proper rotation of all supplies and carts within and out of the department, as observed by supervisors.

· Prints operating room schedule pick listsdd on lists according to procedure and accurately assembles case carts for surgery.

· Performs distribution and pick-up daily on nursing units for instrumentation. Monitors the workflow and communication of designated shifts to ensure the completion of work assignments.

· Assumes the role of SPD Tech Charge person when assigned and to assist in the assignment of workload to SPD Techs when in charge, taking in consideration priority of work and skill of employee as demonstrated by assignments being completed on time.

· Completes all required documentation (shift reports) when assigned charge responsibility.

· Answers telephone in a courteous manner according to department policy, maintaining complete and accurate records of all messages and requests.

· Coordinates the day-to-day needs of the operating room based on schedule and communicates effectively to SPD department. Incorporates these needs into owns daily assignments.

· Submits suggestions to facilitate the workflow of the department.

Maintains a clean and safe work environment. Contributes to the efficient operation of the department.

· Cleans, inspects and maintains equipment according to written procedures, as observed by supervisors.

· Performs routine cleaning of all areas and carts as scheduled and/or when needed.

· Adheres to all safety procedures with particular attention to the operation of sterilizers.

· Promotes professional image by adhering to the established dress code of the hospital and wearing the name badge as evidenced by supervisor's observation.