Instrument Tech I

Yale New Haven Health; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Yale New Haven Health is seeking a Central Service Technician to support the SPD team in preparation, cleaning, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments. You will maintain records, operate tracking systems, and participate in ongoing quality and infection control activities.

The role emphasizes teamwork, adherence to procedures, and timely completion of responsibilities in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required; prior SPD/CSS credentials encouraged or required by policy.
• Requires six months of central service tech experience or appropriate credentialing.
• Must obtain and maintain CST/CSPD credentials within specified timelines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare trays and equipment and process surgical instruments for cleaning and sterilization.
• Operate, monitor, and record data for sterilization equipment; maintain records.
• Perform related duties such as cleaning, stocking, transporting, and dispensing supplies as needed.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs and infection control policies; collaborate with team.

Skills

Teamwork

Basic computer skills

Instrument Tracking System familiarity

Education

HS diploma or GED

CR CST credential (IAHCSMM)

CSPD credential (CBSPD)

Tools

ABACUS

EPIC

Lawson

SPM

Job description

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Responsible and accountable for duties related to the preparation of trays and equipment, processing of general and specialty surgical instruments including cleaning, decontamination, inspection, assembly, wrapping and sterilization, quality control testing, monitoring of sterilization equipment and maintaining records. May perform assigned duties such as cleaning, stocking, transporting, and dispensing supplies and equipment.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

• 1. Fosters an environment conducive to building teamwork and effective communication.
  • 1.1 1. Adopts SPD principals and values in daily behavior and departmental operations. 2. Takes an active role in departmental and cross functional team activities when asked. 3. Brings Team projects to conclusion on time and communicates results to all associates. 4. Participates in hospital-based and outside professional development and self improvement opportunities. 5. Exhibits competency/compliance using Instrument Tracking System (SPM), other Inventory Control Systems (Lawson), and O.R. Scheduling Systems (EPIC utilized by SPD and the OR.
• 2. Utilizes Daily Management Tools and nurtures a basic understanding of process and quality improvement philosophy.
  • 2.1 1. Achieves an understanding of process improvement as it is applied in SPD, processes management tools, i.e., flow charts, affinity diagram, fishbone diagram. 2. Understands the customer/supplier relationship and its importance in improving quality and processes. 3. Takes a pro-active empowered approach to department problem solving activities.
• 3. Records and monitors critical indicators according to recommended policy.
  • 3.1 1. Reads all indicators: chemical, biological, mechanical, and responds accordingly based on policy and processes to ensure sterility to customers. 2. Accurately records and completes all necessary information on department logs to ensure sterility to customers. 3. Reports and responds according to department and YNH.
• 4. Performs all SPD functions as required.
  • 4.1 1. Decontaminates according to SPD Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). 2. Adheres to accepted practices in the cleaning, assembly, sterilization and distribution of surgical and patient care. 3. Adheres to accepted SPD and YNHH Infection Control Policy. 4. Completes orientation and training in prescribed fashion and time. 5. Performs other duties as necessary and required.
    

Qualifications

EDUCATION

HS diploma or GED **Employees employed by YNHH effective 9/12/2012 as a result of the acquisition of the Hospital of St Raphael may meet educational requirements with the applicable combination of education and experience and demonstration of current competences.

Experience

Requires six (6) months of experience employed as a central service technician in a health care facility prior to January 1, 2016, or a certified registered central service technician credential administered by IAHCSMM or a certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential administered by CBSPD. Must be competent and physically able to perform all duties in CSS independently (Decontam, Assembly, Sterilization and Distribution). No current written disciplinary actions. Meet or exceed production standards. Applicants with no experience or certification must obtain a certified registered central service technician credential administered by IAHCSMM or a certified sterile processing and distribution technician credentialed administered by CBSPD within 24 months of hire.

Licensure

Required to earn a certified registered central service technician credential administered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management, or a certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential administered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution within 24 months of hire. Must maintain certification and/or employment status as a central service technician by annually completing a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education in areas related to infection control and decontamination and sterilization of reusable medical equipment, instruments and devices.

Special Skills

Requires basic computer skills and the ability to learn and utilize Instrument Tracking System (ABACUS). Must be able to clean instruments, utilizing department aseptic techniques. Demonstrates ability to work well with others as part of a team.

Physical Demand

Must meet physical demand inventory of SPD Tech position. Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds. May be required to lift to 30 pounds on occasion. Requires mental alertness and ability to perform multiple tasks. Physically and emotionally able to work under stress, stand, walk, lift and carry. Requires standing for periods of time. Requires stamina to work in a fast paced environment. Must be physically able to push/pull objects more than 30lbs., lift trays or equipment weighing up to 30 lbs. Requires ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Working environment: Exposed regularly to some unpleasant working conditions. May be exposed to blood borne pathogens and other infectious material

YNHHS Requisition ID

183299