Sterile processing technician job description

MercyOne Newton Medical Center is a fully owned hospital of MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and a member of MercyOne Network.

It is located in the city of Newton, Iowa, county seat of Jasper County. Positioned on Interstate 80, the nation's only east/west transcontinental interstate highway, Newton is about 30 miles east of the Des Moines metropolitan area, which has a population in excess of 400,000.

MercyOne Newton has a well-deserved reputation for bucking the trend of diminished health care in rural America by enhancing the quantity and quality of its services during the last two decades. This has been accomplished by expanding, remodeling and providing technological improvements to its physical facilities and by adding new physicians.

MercyOne Newton employees and local doctors are known for their highly productive "Iowa work ethic," emphasis on compassion and quality patient service, and loyalty to the hospital and the community.

Our campus in Newton has 48 beds and about 200,000 square feet of space. Attached to the hospital is a 50,000-square-foot medical office building containing local physician practices and the hospital's physical medicine and rehabilitation center.

MercyOne Newton is one of the largest employers in Jasper County, along with the local school system and the county government.
Responsibilities


JOB SUMMARY: Demonstrates expertise in all aspects of sterile processing. Responsible for coordinating sterile and non-sterile supply needs for Operating Room and other hospital departments.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Demonstrates knowledge of and documented competence in the operation of specific sterilization systems. Demonstrates the ability to plan, lead, organize and develop the staff and service of the Central Supply Department Demonstrates ability to establish priorities and organize effectively. Demonstrates a positive attitude and interest while coordinating with other hospital departments. Demonstrates knowledge of national guidelines for sterile processing. Assumes responsibility for own growth and education. Demonstrates written and verbal skills. Demonstrates commitment to Customer Service. If licensed as RN or LPN, able to fill in as staff nurse in OR as needed.


Qualifications


EDUCATION: Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, or Central Supply Technician with certification.
EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years' experience in the Central Supply area or Operating Room.
QUALIFICATIONS: If RN or LPN, currently licensed in State of Iowa; If Central Supply Technician, certification from CSSPD or IAHCSMM.

**$2,500 Sign-on bonus offered to eligible experienced sterile processing tech! $$$**

**This is a Part-Time position working variable shifts/weekends required in the Central Sterile department.**

Sterilizes, cleans, wraps, stores and distributes supplies, instruments, and equipment used in patient care. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor. High school diploma or equivalent and 0-2 years of related experience. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.

_Northwest Medical Center is comprised of a 300-bed hospital, four urgent care facilities, a freestanding emergency center and a large physician group, offering you a variety of settings in which to work. Every location is dedicated to providing safe, quality patient care, but more than that is the commitment to employees. It strives to provide a culture of teamwork, respect and appreciation for all staff, whether they care for patients directly or work in a support role. With employee appreciation celebrations throughout the year, opportunities for growth and the satisfaction that you are part of a hospital leading the way with accessible, convenient healthcare in Tucson, Northwest is a great place to work. NMC is accredited by The Joint Commission and is an equal opportunity employer: race, gender, disability and Veteran status, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested._

**Qualifications**

**Education**

**Required**

+ High School or better

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

This job assures availability of cleaned, prepared, sterilized equipment and supplies for surgical procedures, functions as a resource for clinical knowledge, and performs other duties as assigned by the SPD Supervisor or Manager of Sterile Processing. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, receiving, cleaning, distributing, and storing medical instruments and equipment; all job duties are expected to be performed without supervision. This job supports direct patient care in clinical and satellite operations as well as operative suites.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
Required - High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred - Additional degrees, business training experience and/or certifications may be combined to meet minimum qualifications. Additional Courses in Sterile Processing or Surgical Technology

Work Experience
Preferred - 2 years in Sterile processing experience

Certifications
Required - Certification through one of the following:
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) International Association Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician (CSPDT), Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution(CBSPD), Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER), CBSPD OR Certification in Surgical Technology with successful certification of internal sterile processing training course within first six months from hire
Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard. Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process. Good analytical skills. Good organizational skills. Good time management skills and self-directed. Good conflict resolution skills. Ability to adapt to change in a positive, constructive manner. Ability to exercise good judgment and initiative when performing duties. Utilizes effective judgment and decision making when performing duties. Communicates pertinent information to appropriate staff in a timely manner. Maintains required clinical knowledge, technical skills, training and credentials. Adapts to change in a positive, constructive manner.

Job Duties
Performs general and specialized instrument care duties. Provides supplies as needed for surgical procedures. Disassembles and cleans critical reusable medical equipment in accordance with Manufacturer's Instructions For Use (MIFU). Inspects, packages, and reassembles surgical instruments and trays according to established priority. Practices High Level Disinfection, Pre-Vaccuum Sterilization, Gravity Displacement Sterilization, and Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma Sterilization techniques in accordance with MIFUs. Practices record keeping and document control as defined in Standard Operating Procedures, policies, and recommendations from regulatory bodies. Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style. Other related duties as required.

Other related duties as required. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Mechanical lifting devices (carts, dollies, etc.) or team lifts should be utilized.
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).
Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.
Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.
Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.