CS Tech I

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center; Clinton (MD); On-site; USD 52,724,000 - 85,217,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to decontaminate, assemble, and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment for patient care.

Responsibilities include maintaining sterility, documenting biological monitoring, inventory management, and adhering to Joint Commission and AAMI standards. On-site role with a focus on safety, accuracy, and teamwork within Central Sterile.

Flexibility with shifts and commitment to patient safety are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1-2 years preferred in a healthcare environment.
• Sterile Processing certification preferred; within first year of employment required or pursued.

Responsibilities

• Maintains proficiency in decontamination, racking, wrapping and sterilization of instruments.
• Conducts biological monitoring and records results.
• Assembles case carts and instrument trays; inventories and restocks par levels.
• Operates washer/sterilizers, steam sterilizers, heat sealers and related equipment.
• Demonstrates commitment to safety, patient care, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Sterile processing

English communication

Patient safety

Quality control

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Washer/sterilizers

Sterilizers

Job description

About the Job

General Summary of Position

Under supervision incumbent process assemble and operationally check reusable instrumentation and equipment. Retrieve used trays instruments and equipment from various hospital and clinic locations returning items for processing. Disassembles and decontaminates instruments and equipment in preparation for further processing. Operate and maintain washer/sterilizers sterilizers heat sealers and other processing equipment and machinery. Assembles case carts intubation boxes as well as inventorying and restocking par level and exchange carts.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains proficiency in the decontamination racking wrapping and sterilization of instruments
• Maintains instruments and equipment through use of proper cleaning and sterilization techniques
• Handles instruments and equipment correctly to ensure safety and usability
• Conducts biological monitoring of sterilizer and records results
• Wears appropriate scrub attire cover coat hair coverings and masks in designated areas
• Remains alert to instrument and equipment safety hazards to prevent malfunction during use. Inspects instruments prior to tray assembly. Removes dull or malfunctioning instrument(s) from service and replaces them as necessary
• Accurately and promptly documents unusual occurrences noted during biological monitoring or sterilizer runs
• Demonstrates compliance with patient safety and risk management protocols
• Maintains authorized traffic patterns in Central Supply.
• Demonstrates self-directed learning initiatives and seeks ways to maintain current competency and respond to new clinical opportunities
• Assists in inventory care and distribution of supplies. Maintains par levels in quantities sufficient to ensure availability
• Assists in storing and stocking supplies. Is aware of where supplies are housed and is able to retrieve them quickly and efficiently upon request
• Develops and promotes a commitment to service excellence within the work area by communicating with team members in a courteous and respectful manner and by demonstrating the ability to work in an environment of cooperation and collaboration
• Reports problems and potential solutions regarding patients visitors and team members to the Supervisor of Central Sterile
• Responds appropriately in urgent and emergent situations
• Ensures that the environment of care is maintained according to regulatory guidelines
• Prioritizes and completes assignments within scheduled hours of work to meet departmental needs.
• Serves on committees task forces process action teams public relations activities or work groups on a voluntary and appointment basis at the division and/or hospital level
• Acts as a preceptor for new team members. Transports and decontaminates reusable instruments and equipment used for patient care. Accurately assembles basic instrument sets and procedure trays. Operate and maintain washer/sterilizes steam spray gun ultrasonic machine steam and low temp sterilization sterilizers heat sealers and any additional required equipment and machinery. Differentiate between steam and low temperature sterilized supplies. Package supplies according to specifications and appropriate method of sterilization.
• Practice preventative maintenance on all instruments and patient care equipment. This includes understanding the principles of electrical and mechanical safety and working with the bio-medical engineer to ensure safe and properly function equipment. Perform under supervision quality control as required by the standards set by Joint Commission ACHO AORN and AAMI on all sterilizers including biological chemical and mechanical monitoring. Dispense sterile supplies to the appropriate locations in the OR ER LR etc. Dust cover and rotate trays and sets to assure proper sterility guidelines are followed. Maintain accurate instrument count sheet of all surgical sets to be assembled. Inform supervisor of any discrepancies. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

Experience

• 1-2 years Preferably in a healthcare environment preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Sterile Processing certification Certification for Central Sterile Technician preferred and
• within first year of employment within 1 Year required

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to comprehend and follow the policies and procedures for MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center.
• Ability to read write and speak or communicate in English to successfully accomplish the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical behavior that supports the hospital's mission values and commitment to compliance with all federal state and regulatory laws. Inspires trust and exhibits honesty and integrity within the scope of daily activities.
• Exhibits professionalism courtesy and excellent customer service while interacting with patients guests and co-workers.
• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality. Ability to effectively convey verbal and written information
• Ability to follow directions
• Ability to respond to emergency situations appropriately
• Ability to adapt hours of availability to variable and changing needs of the hospital including all shifts
• Ability to effectively function as a member of a collaborative team
• Ability to organize and manage time effectively setting appropriate priorities
• Ability to comply with Joint Commission OSHA and AAMI standards

This position has a hiring range of

USD $18.40 - USD $29.74 /Hr.