Sterile Processing Tech

SPD Techs have a critical role in preventing infection with tasks such as sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. This role will also handle soiled and contaminated items, so you need to be comfortable with handling. This is a very tactical position that requires strong attention to detail and will work behind the scenes. This position does not interact with patients.

Responsibilities

Receives soiled and contaminated items in decontamination area. Sorts equipment, rinses as needed, places equipment through sonic tanks and washers, reassembles trays, performs safety checks, hangs and sorts instruments, wraps sets according to set policy, and wraps towels and basins appropriately; Sterilizes instruments and equipment using the aerator, gas sterilizer or steam sterilizer and operates glass dryer. Packages items in steri/peel as required. Performs quality assurance testing for all methods of sterilization to ensure sterility of supplies. Hand cleans miscellaneous instruments (Baxter pump, hypothermo units, etc.) and operates the cart cleaner; Ensures proper care and handling of high cost instrumentation and equipment to include items requiring special handling, laser instrumentation, orthopedic implants, cardiac assist devices, endoscopic and microscopic instrumentation; May build case carts according to procedure and physician preference as specified. File case cart sheets and requisitions, responds to Code 4s with defibrillator and back up supplies, maintains CPR annies, tests autoclaves with the tests according to procedure, and changes graphs as necessary; Checks incoming trays and follows up with departments as to missing instruments or parts; Takes immediate and appropriate action if a question of sterilizer failure occurs; Receives and records orders for supplies as requested by departments. Records accurate product number and assures all forms are correctly completed for proper billing. Marks, dates and stocks equipment, which may include returning to appropriate department on a timely basis; Opens and unpacks supply boxes, checking for damaged goods and number of items received. Reports any discrepancies to the supervisor. Performs credits for unused products returned, checks stock levels, copies supply sheets, checks carts for outdated supplies, and performs general cleaning of shelves; May performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique

Requirements

High School Graduate; Ability to function in fast paced stressful environment; Knowledge of sterilization principles and applications; Familiarity with medical terminology; Comfortable handling soiled and contaminated items; Strong attention to detail; Ability to stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist and reach above shoulders various times throughout the workday; Ability to lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist; Ability to lift up to 20 lbs over the head; Ability to carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance; Ability to push/pull with 30 lbs of force; Ability to perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with a second person present

Nice to have

Previous SPD or healthcare experience

Benefits

Paid Time Off programs; Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability; Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses; Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave; Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs; Educational Assistance Program; Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job; Incentive pay for select positions; Opportunity for annual increases based on performance