Sterile Processing Assistant

Kootenai Health; Coeur d'Alene (ID); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sterile Processing Assistant at Kootenai Health supports the Sterile Processing team by performing routine tasks in case carts, decontamination and sterilization areas under direct supervision.

Responsibilities include assembling case carts, using FIFO inventory concepts, tracking instruments with the Instrument Tracking system, transporting carts between OR and SPD, and ensuring a safe, clean environment. High school diploma required; evenings full-time schedule.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work on your feet for long periods.
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assembles and prepares case carts based on surgical schedules and surgeon preference cards.
• Utilizes FIFO inventory management concepts when removing and returning supplies from stock shelves.
• Utilizes Instrument Tracking system to track case carts and instruments through stages of processing.
• Puts away supplies from cancelled case carts.
• Removes clean case carts from cart washer.
• Transports case carts to and from the Operating Room (OR), Sterile Processing Department (SPD), and other designated areas.
• Collaborates with OR and Sterile Processing to ensure add on cases are pulled and delivered in a timely manner.
• Follows process to track and deliver sterile instruments and scopes to end users.
• Follows department and organization policies when working in sterile departments/areas.
• Inspects sterile packaging to ensure integrity.
• Competent to meet age-specific needs of the unit assigned.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Instrument Tracking system

Job description

• Department Perioperative Services - Sterile Processing
• Schedule/Shift/Hours Full Time - Evenings

Position Summary

The Sterile Processing Assistant supports the Sterile Processing team by performing simple, routine tasks in the case cart, decontamination and sterilization areas. Under direct supervision, this role assists with pulling case carts and receiving and distributing instruments. The Sterile Processing Assistant does not perform complex sterilization procedures or instrument assembly but ensures the workflow runs smoothly while maintaining a safe and clean environment.

Responsibilities

• Assembles and prepares case carts based on surgical schedules and surgeon preference cards
• Utilizes First-In-First-Out (FIFO) inventory management concepts when removing and returning supplies from stock shelves
• Utilizes Instrument Tracking system to track case carts and instruments through stages of processing
• Puts away supplies from cancelled case carts
• Removes clean case carts from cart washer
• Transports case carts to and from the Operating Room (OR), Sterile Processing Department (SPD), and other designated areas, adhering to hospital protocols
• Collaborates with OR and Sterile Processing to ensure add on cases are pulled and delivered in a timely manner
• Follows process to track and deliver sterile instruments and scopes to end users
• Follows department and organization policies when working in sterile departments/areas
• Inspects sterile packaging to ensure integrity
• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Competent to meet age-specific needs of the unit assigned

Requirements and Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required

Working Conditions

• Bending, stooping, reaching and lifting up to 50 pounds
• On feet a minimum of 7 to 12 hours, depending on length of shift
• Reaching with hands and arms above head, shoulder height and below
• Use hand and fingers to handle, lift, and feel
• Can see and identify colors correctly
• Push and pull heavy carts
• Exposure to contagious diseases, body fluids, hazardous chemicals, needles and other infected material requiring personal protective equipment
• Read preference cards, pick lists, count sheets, equipment gauges, monitors, schedules and a variety of other written materials
• Work according to a schedule that allows some freedom to be carried out in a manner that allows work to be completed each day as needed
• Communicate with patients, physicians, families, and co-workers utilizing appropriate methods such as in person, on telephone, through email, etc
• Work with equipment and manipulate settings, computer, keyboard, phone system, etc

About Kootenai Health:

Kootenai Health is a highly esteemed healthcare organization serving patients throughout northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. We have been recognized with many accolades and distinctions, including being a Gallup Great Workplace, No. 1 Best Place to Work in Large Healthcare Organizations, and Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence. We pride ourselves on our outstanding reputation as an employer and a healthcare provider.

As your next employer, we are excited to offer you:

• Comprehensive medical coverage, including fully employer-paid options for eligible full-time employees, plus affordable plans for part-time staff. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Dental, vision, life, and pet insurance, with telemedicine and wellbeing resources available to all employees
• Tuition assistance after 90 days to support your professional growth
• Retirement plans with pre-tax and Roth options and employer matching from 3%-6%
• Competitive pay, plus night, weekend, and PRN shift differentials
• Award-winning wellness program with coaching, financial wellness resources, and free or discounted access to fitness centers and premium wellbeing apps
• PerkSpot discountsproviding access to thousands of exclusive deals in over 25 categories
• And an employee referral bonus program

Kootenai Health provides exceptional support for extraordinary careers. If you want to work on a high-quality, person-centered healthcare team, we can't wait to meet you!

Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.

Why I love my job in Hospitality Services at Kootenai Health

A variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans are available to both full and part-time employees, with some available at no cost to the employee. In addition, benefit-eligible employees also gain access to the following:

• Tuition assistance and career development programs
• Robust Retirement Plan
• Night, weekend and PRN shift differentials

What makes a successful employee at Kootenai Health?