Sterile Processing Technician (Certified) - Full Time - Endoscope Reprocessing

Building Location:

32nd Avenue Building

Department:

3013490 STERILE PROCESSING - 32ND HOSP

Job Description:

Seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to serve at Essentia Health's hospital on 32nd Avenue in Fargo, North Dakota. This employee works 40 hours weekly, 11:00 am to 7:30 pm. There are no weekend or on-call obligations, but a holiday rotation is required. A $3000 sign-on bonus is available, minus applicable taxes, paying $1500 after 30 days of employment with a 2-year commitment, and a second $1500 payment after 2 years of employment without additional service requirements. This position concentrates on the reprocessing of endoscopes.

Education Qualifications:

• No educational requirements.

About Essentia Health:

We are a top-rated employer offering work-life balance, long term career stability, opportunities for growth, and work you can be passionate about!  Our mission guides us every day: We are called to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. This calling resonates deeply for our caregivers and our colleagues working behind the scenes, who all bring high-quality, compassionate care to the patients we are privileged to serve.  We are like nowhere else:  https://vimeo.com/284233541

What You'll Do:

Responsible for the reprocessing of reusable surgical instruments and patient care equipment for use in surgery and throughout various nursing units. Plays a vital role in ensuring clean, safe, sterile instruments and equipment are available to hospital staff for use in patient care.

The Endoscope Reprocessing Technician is responsible for the proper cleaning, disinfection, testing, and storage of flexible and rigid endoscopes used in diagnostic and surgical procedures. This role ensures all equipment is processed according to hospital policies, infection control standards, and manufacturer guidelines to ensure patient and staff safety. Key responsibilities & requirements include:

• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize flexible and rigid endoscopes in accordance with manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) and infection prevention standards.
• Conduct leak testing, visual inspection, and functionality checks on scopes before and after reprocessing.
• Maintain accurate logs for all reprocessing activities, quality checks, and equipment maintenance.
• Handle endoscopes with care to prevent damage and ensure longevity of equipment.
• Adhere to hospital protocols and safety standards (e.g., OSHA, AAMI, AORN, CDC).
• Transport soiled and clean scopes safely between procedure areas and the reprocessing unit.
• Perform routine checks and maintenance of automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs).
• Stay current with training and certifications in endoscope reprocessing and infection prevention.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to ensure availability of scopes for scheduled procedures.
• Report any malfunctioning or damaged equipment to appropriate personnel immediately.
• Participate in audits, quality control measures, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Use of PPE and adherence to safety procedures.
• Physical requirements: ability to stand for extended periods & ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

The following skills & competencies are required to succeed in this role:

• Strong knowledge of infection control standards and sterilization techniques.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Technically adept at using reprocessing equipment and software tracking systems 

Employees scheduled 24+ hours weekly enjoy these benefits:

• Health Insurance and HSA or FSA accounts

• Dental and Vision insurances

• Supplemental insurances- critical illness, accident, & hospital indemnity

• Paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance

• Supplemental Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement

• PTO accrual and 7 paid holidays per year

• Paid parental leave after one year

• Adoption assistance after one year

• Bereavement & Jury Duty (all regularly scheduled employees)

All employees, including casual, enjoy these benefits:

• Take Charge (employee wellness program)

• Guidance Resources (free confidential counseling)

• Employee discount program