JOB SUMMARY

The Sterile Instrument Technician provides care to patients undergoing procedural intervention in compliance with policies and procedures of Surgical Services, AORN, JCAHO, OSHA, and AAMI standards. The sterile instrument technician must have a working knowledge of decontamination, instrumentation, sterilization, and the building of case carts. The Technician is also responsible for the processing of any sterilized product across the hospital. The sterile instrument technician provides technical assistance with all procedures throughout various departments of the hospital under the supervision of the Sterile Processing staff leader.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

A. Education

• High school education or equivalent. Must be able to comprehend written and verbal instructions. Should have basic working knowledge of computers. Should have the ability to operate computerized equipment.

B.Licensure

• Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician preferred.

C.Training and Experience

• 2 years previous Central Processing or Operating Room experience preferred.

D.Job Knowledge

• Supervised by the SPD Manager. Has performed a multitude of tasks pertaining to patient care. Must be familiar with the location of various departments and general regulations of the hospital. Must have knowledge of surgical instrumentation. Must have good understanding of basic asepsis and sterile equipment and supplies. Must have knowledge of sterilization and decontamination procedures. Must have a working knowledge of SPD equipment and supplies. Must have knowledge of case carts. Patient Care knowledge and SPD Equipment knowledge. Computer knowledge necessary to effectively utilize hospital systems.

• Decontamination: Receives soiled case carts and soiled instruments into the decontamination area; Scans all instruments into the instrument tracking system. Prioritizes instruments needed for turnaround (i.e., instruments on the needs list. Hand-wash and pre-soak instrumentation in enzymatic solution. Has working knowledge of ultrasonic and automated washer functionalities. Selects rack and cycle for type of instruments to be cleaned. Wash case carts in cart-washer. Changes solutions for instrument and cart washer when indicated. Refills solution containers daily, ensuring proper solutions are used.
• Core: Acts as a liaison between OR suites and SPD to communicate the changes and needs for subsequent cases. Performs daily tests and biologicals on sterilizer and Steris and maintains records of flash sterilization. Transports sterile items to the OR suites. Checks case carts for needed items. Returns unused items to sterile processing.
• Instruments: Maintains effective communication with OR, Management, Physicians, peers and interdisciplinary team to provide the appropriate instrumentation to start and maintain the surgery. Assists in proper technique in handling instruments. Check and update needs list regularly. Assembles instruments in order of importance:
• Instruments and sets on needs list.
• One of a kind instruments and sets.
• All other instruments and sets.
• Inspects all instruments for damage after decontamination.
• Determine repair procedure when needed; place in appropriate “on-site” container, communicate and identify what repair is needed.
• Check case carts for accuracy before being sent to the core. Replaces damaged instruments. Wrap instruments/sets in appropriate wrapper/container.
• Sterilization: Has working knowledge of all sterilization techniques in SPD and OR. Is able to trouble shoot sterilization problems within SPD and OR. Initiates daily sterilization routine:
• Check and remove debris from drain baskets.
• Inspect sterilizer door gaskets for cracks/damage.
• Check steam pressure.
• Perform Bowie Dick air leak test and record results. Prepare the biological indicator test packs.
• Initiate routine biological monitoring.
• Record results of previous biological monitoring.
• Report problems to Coordinator/Coordinator Assistant/Charge Tech.
• Initiate recall procedure if necessary.
• Prepare label gun with correct date and identification number.
• Stamp each item to be sterilized with the load number.
• Load items into Impress System.
• Arrange items on the loading cart for proper penetration of steam and elimination of liquid.
• Initiate and monitor sterilization cycle.
• Check sterilization cycle record tape at the completion of the cycle and initial tape.
• Remove load from sterilizer and place load away from vents for cooling.
• Transfer sterilized items to “Home Location” using the Impress system. Place the sterilized items onto the appropriate shelf location.
• Case Carts: Demonstrates a working knowledge of EPIC as it relates to pulling pick lists and schedule. Is able to assemble case trays for every service and procedure performed within St. Mary Mercy Hospital. Maintains accurate preference cards-adjustments are to be made the same day as change is made. Builds case carts accurately and indicates missing items on the pick sheet. Prepares case carts by Physician/Surgeon preference card. Prepares needs list for sterile instruments and supplies for the next days cases. Replaces emergency carts ASAP.
• Other Duties: Distributes crash carts when distribution services are closed. Decontaminate PLUMs, PCA and epidural pumps. Decontaminate all specialty carts including crash carts for all units and services of the hospital. Demonstrate a positive, friendly, respectful demeanor to everyone who comes in contact with the Sterile Processing Department. Etc.