Central Sterile Technologist, Full time

Van Diest Medical Center; Webster City (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City seeks a Central Sterile Technician to manage the decontamination and sterilization of surgical instruments. The role involves maintaining quality control and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Applicants should have knowledge of infection control techniques and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. This full-time position includes varied daytime hours from Monday to Friday, with a focus on adhering to all regulatory requirements and maintaining aseptic conditions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of applicable sanitary and safety standards.
• Ability to follow complex instructions and procedures.
• Experience in sterilization techniques and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination and sterilization of surgical instruments.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Coordinate with the Materials Dept to maintain instrument stock.

Skills

Knowledge of equipment function

Infection control standards

Problem-solving skills

Ability to lift 25 lbs

Education

Certification in Central Sterile Processing

Tools

Cleaning agents

Sterilization equipment

Job description

Central Sterile Technician

The Central Sterile Technician is assigned duties performing decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the Surgery and Specialty Clinic, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to determine operational adequacy and distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction.
• Knowledge of applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards sufficient to perform all assignments within the safety parameters.
• Use Instructions For Use (IFUs) to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals, and medical instruments sufficient to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies, and instruments.
• Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment, i.e., IV pumps, monitors, up to 25 lbs.
• Good telephone manners and problem‑solving skills.
• Perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, including instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts of various sizes with tactile differentiation (e.g., temperature, moisture).
• Skill in cleaning specialized equipment.
• Operate all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely, prepare, assemble, and sterilize instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with the Department of Health, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards. Maintain appropriate records, monitor quality control and infection control standards, and provide asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility.
• Accurately handle and care for instruments appropriately, including selecting cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification and assembly according to IFUs and preparation for sterilization; retrieve malfunctioning instruments and ensure repairs are completed.
• Correctly peel‑packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness, and cleanliness.
• Coordinate with Materials Dept to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels.
• Ensure safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adhere to all VDMC policies, procedures, and standards and quality of service.
• Promote individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; support department‑based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; communicate with operating room staff to provide required instruments.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Surgery Manager and follow process for replacement.
• Provide resources to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization techniques.
• Clean, set up, sterilize and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift.
• Maintain records for QA and sterilization.
• Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Be familiar with organization, department, and job‑specific Environment of Care areas, including Life Safety, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control and Medical Equipment Failure.
• Adhere to Standard Precautions as appropriate, including the use of protective barriers (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or safety glasses); handle and dispose of infectious waste appropriately; and perform hand washing as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Monday – Friday daytime hours varied by case schedules, 40 hours per week.