Sterile Processing Tech II

Sterile Processing Tech II

Position Summary:

The Sterile Processing Tech II has successfully completed all requirements of a Sterile Processing Tech. Responsible for receiving, disassembling, and using chemical and mechanical processes to disinfect instruments, endoscopes, and equipment that are mildly to grossly contaminated with infectious bioburden. Utilizes electrical conductivity, demagnetizers, and leak test equipment to identify and correct leaks, failures, and defects in surgical and procedural equipment. Utilizes count sheets to assemble, wrap, containerize, and peel pack instruments. Operates high pressure, high temperature, and low temperature sterilizers, including hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, to destroy microorganisms on critical items, reaching a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10-6th. Utilizes liquid chemical peracetic acid and glutaraldehyde to high level disinfect semi-critical devices to prevent disease transmission to patients and staff. Utilizes dynamic air removal (dart) tests, chamber leak tests, and biological spore tests, incubates and checks for spore growth, to ensure sterilization equipment is functioning properly. Documents and records sterilizer results. Works in a restricted access area.

Responsibilities:

• Assists with department audits as assigned

• Precepts new hires in accordance with preceptor and new hire training programs

• Makes changes and updates within the instrument tracking system as needed

• Enters new and loaner scopes in AER system

• Adds new and loaner scopes to AER system

• Utilizes aseptic technique, standard precautions, and personal protective equipment (P.P.E)

• Distributes single use supplies and checks to ensure they are not outdated

• Pulls single use supplies for case carts based on physician preference for all scheduled surgeries

• Proper use and handling of caustic agents and chemicals

• Utilize quality assurance documents and software programs for instrument tracking, sterilization record keeping, and supply distribution/materials management functions

• Safely utilizes department specific testing equipment to diagnose and treat equipment failures to include replacing parts, demagnetizing, polishing, sending out for repair, or removing from service and documenting need for non-repairable replacement.

• Operates sterilizers and high-level disinfectors, and identifies specific instrumentation and equipment that is appropriate for each process

• Operates drying cabinets and heat sealers and can troubleshoot operational failures

• Utilizes count sheet and preference cards to assemble instrument sets and case carts based on Physician preference

• Maintains record of inventory and equipment processed, to include sterilization method, results, and patient information, as required by governing standards

• Demonstrates knowledge of and can use current instrument tracking system to update set lists, upload pictures, and create/add new sets as needed

• Performs other related duties as assigned

• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field

• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function

• Competent to meet age specific needs of the unit assigned

Requirements and Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Registered and Certified (C.R.C.S.T.) through the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management (I.A.H.C.S.M.M.) or equivalent certification

• One-year experience in an acute or ambulatory Sterile Processing department/setting required

• Preceptor training completed within 6 months and current on annual preceptor modules required

• Familiar with AAMI & AORN recommended Practices and Standards and other industry standards and best practices required

• Has knowledge of and can use current instrument tracking system to update set lists, upload pictures, and create/add new sets as needed

• Has knowledge and utilization of department standards and processes to include AAMI/ANSI, AORN, and IAHCSMM standards and best practices

• Deciphers and understands medical terminology as it relates to Sterile Processing functions

• Has understanding of cause and spread of infectious diseases as they relate to Sterile Processing functions

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

• Must be able to push, pull, or transport heavy equipment

• Must be able to move or traverse with/without accommodation

• Must be able to reach arms above or below shoulder height

• Must be able to maintain a standing position

• Exposure to needles, blood and body fluids, etc.

• Typical equipment used in a facilities job

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals, acids, cleaning solution, disinfectants, soaps, etc.

Continue your career with Kootenai Health!

At Kootenai Health, you can continue learning, growing, and advancing. With 397 beds licensed on the main campus, two critical access hospitals, and more than 50 clinics, we offer an almost endless array of meaningful opportunities. Our Internal Recruiters are dedicated to providing personalized service to our team members. They are available to answer internal mobility questions and assist you in navigating options to transition and expand your career and skills.

If you're interested in learning more about other roles, inquiring about the internal hiring process, or better understanding career pathways opportunities, please contact the Internal Recruitment team. We look forward to assisting you in finding a position that meets your lifestyle, goals, talents, and current and future skills.

What to Expect after you transfer:

• If you change your title or department, you will receive a new badge. Badges are printed and available in Security on the Wednesday of the week following your transfer.

• Your benefits may change if your position status (FT, PT, or PRN) has been updated. Please talk with your Recruiter if you have any questions about your status and benefits.

• Those with a primary position as a PRN will receive per diem pay. Per Diem rates are tiered depending on number of years of employment.

• If you are moving into a new role, HR will provide you with a new job description to review and sign. HR will also request documentation for any new requirements for your position, including experience, education, licensure, certification, etc.

• If EPIC training is required for your role and you have not completed the required module for your position, please complete an EPIC Fast Track Attestation at https://kh.org/epicfasttrack

• If an advanced background check with Health and Welfare is required for your role and you have not completed one previously, you will need to complete the process before your transfer date.

Kootenai Health provides exceptional support for extraordinary careers. We value investing in our employees and look forward to supporting you to find a position that best meets your needs, passions, and goals!

Apply today! Please contact Amber or Rebekah by calling us at 208-625-4587 or emailing internalrecruitment@kh.org. You can also contact the HR Front Desk at 208-625-4620 or email careers@kh.org with any questions.

Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.