Sterile Processing Tech - Mercyhealth

The Sterile Processing Tech Cares for and reprocesses surgical instrumentation, including disassembly, decontamination, disinfection, inspection, testing, assembly, packaging, labeling, high level disinfection, and sterilization. Cares for and operates ultrasonic cleaners, washers, sterilizers, and other equipment. Completes quality monitoring and documentation. Picks supplies and instruments to prepare case carts for surgery. Assists with supply inventory management and clinic instrument rounds. Performs all duties with a commitment to excellence in quality and customer service. May include day, evening, night, weekend, holiday, and/or on-call hours. Report-back time for on-call per department guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Follows department procedures and manufacturers' written instructions for use (IFU) to perform the following duties with exceptional accuracy:
•    Disassembles, inspects, and prepares instruments for manual or mechanical decontamination following Universal Precautions and proper use of PPE at all times.
•    Loads and operates mechanical washers and ultrasonic cleaners. Manually decontaminates and disinfects instruments as appropriate.
•    Inspects clean instruments for damage and tests for proper function and sharpness.
•    Assembles all instrument procedure sets according to the prescribed manner using tray lists as a guide.  Replaces missing instruments as required to complete instrument sets.
•    Prepares instruments for sterilization using aseptic technique, including wrapping or packaging for sterilization, using chemical indicators, and properly marking packages with identifying data.
•    Loads and operates steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers.  
•    Uses biological, chemical, and process indictors appropriately, and reviews and documents results in appropriate logs.  Reviews physical monitoring printouts to confirm cycle parameters.
•    Picks supplies and instruments to prepare case carts according to procedural preference lists.  Inspects packaging for damage to ensure integrity of sterility for all items and inspects all items for outdates before distributing to customers.
•    Performs high-level disinfection of endoscopes.  Loads and operates automatic endoscope reprocessors.
•    Answers telephone and responds to customer routine and urgent requests for supplies, instruments, and case carts in a professional and expedient manner at all times.
•    Notifies department leadership of facility and equipment problems and submits work requests as needed.  
•    Maintains assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition to meet standards for handling clean and sterile items, and to maintain a safe work environment.
•    Maintains a working knowledge of all surgical instrumentation.  Maintains a working knowledge of instrument assembly and tracking software.
•    Performs rounds to nearby clinical departments to deliver sterile instrumentation and retrieve used instrumentation. 
•    Cleans non-critical patient care equipment between uses.
•    Assists with counting and stocking of surgical supply inventory.
Learns, understands and is aware of all regulatory, standards and bodies that make recommendations (FDA, AAMI, Joint Commission to name a few).
•    Must learn about the different chemistries they use and the effect they have on instrumentation and what they are used for.
•    Learn the proper use of the SPM Instrument tracking system.
•    Learn how to prep and prepare instruments for use using the One Tray System for sterilization.
•    Learn how to prep and reprocess N95 mask as recommended by the FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) standards.
•     Learns how to read and interpret instrument and equipment IFUs to ensure the proper reprocessing steps

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Special Physical Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, stoop and crouch; use hands to feel, handle, and manipulate; lift up to 50 pounds; push and pull up to 200 pounds. Specific sensory abilities that the employee must rely on include color vision, near vision, depth perception, and sense of hot and cold.

Level of Supervision

Work is performed according to specific procedures and methods, but the employee must make minor decisions in order to adapt to changing conditions.