Sterile Process Tech I

MERIT HEALTH RIVER REGION; Vicksburg (MS); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

MERIT HEALTH RIVER REGION is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician I to ensure clean, sterilized instruments and equipment are available for operating rooms and procedures. You will support surgical volume by selecting, stocking, and organizing instruments per established protocols.

Ideal candidates have 0–2 years in sterile processing, with knowledge of instrumentation, sterilization, infection control, and strong teamwork to maintain safety and quality standards in a fast-paced hospital

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of experience in sterile processing or operating room support.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation and sterilization processes.
• Ability to follow strict protocols with strong attention to detail.
• Understanding of infection control policies and standard precautions.
• Strong organizational skills for inventory management.
• Effective communication and teamwork with healthcare staff.

Responsibilities

• Select and supply surgical instruments and equipment per protocols.
• Stock and assemble case carts for procedures.
• Organize and label sterilized instruments for easy access.
• Monitor and restock supply shelves and carts daily.
• Follow infection control policies and standard precautions.
• Dispense supplies within requested time frames with accuracy.
• Perform inventory checks and replace expired items.
• Communicate with nursing units to track equipment.
• Maintain regular attendance and compliance with policies.

Skills

Surgical instrumentation knowledge

Attention to detail

Infection control policies

Inventory management

Effective communication

Teamwork

Tools

Sterilization equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician I ensures the availability of clean, sterilized, and properly functioning surgical instruments and equipment for operating rooms and procedural areas. This role is responsible for picking surgical instruments and supplies to support surgical volume in compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and infection control standards. The Sterile Processing Technician I supports patient safety by maintaining a sterile environment and adhering to established protocols.

Essential Functions

• Selects and supplies surgical instruments and equipment according to established protocols.
• Stocks and assembles case carts, ensuring proper inventory and availability of instruments and supplies for procedures.
• Organizes and stores sterilized instruments and supplies on appropriately labeled shelves to ensure easy accessibility.
• Monitors and restocks supply shelves and carts daily, ensuring adequate inventory for hospital needs.
• Adheres to infection control policies and procedures, including the use of standard precautions, to prevent hospital‑acquired infections.
• Obtains, returns, and dispenses supplies and equipment within requested time frames, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
• Conducts inventory checks and replenishes expired or used items on emergency and supply carts.
• Communicates with nursing units to track and locate missing equipment and documents loss of supplies or equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in sterile processing, instrument reprocessing, or an operating room required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of surgical instrumentation and sterilization processes.
• Ability to follow strict protocols and maintain attention to detail.
• Knowledge of infection control policies and standard precautions.
• Strong organizational skills to manage inventory.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with healthcare personnel.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining high safety and quality standards.