Sterile Processing Associate: 40 hrs/week

Albany Medical College; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Employee benefits

Long-term career growth

Job summary

Albany Medical College is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician for the Day shift in Albany, NY. You will retrieve, decontaminate, assemble, and package surgical instruments, operate sterilization equipment, and prepare case carts for the operating room.

Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma with certification in sterile processing and distribution, and meet NYS CEU requirements. This entry-level role prefers 1–3 years of related experience and requires commitment to certification within

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification in sterile processing and distribution required or pursued.
• Must maintain minimum of 10 CEUs per year by NYS Law.
• Entry-level position; 1–3 years experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs all Sterile Processing functions: retrieval, decontamination, inspection, assembly and packaging of delicate instrumentation.
• Operates sterilization equipment and prepares instruments for sterilization.
• Builds case carts for the operating room and replenishes stocks.
• Maintains records and documentation for QA and infection control; adheres to DoH, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards.
• Coordinates with Materials Dept to ensure PAR levels and instrument sets are stocked.

Skills

Attention to detail

Sterile processing

Manual dexterity

Teamwork

Critical thinking

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Certification in sterile processing and distribution

Job description

Department/Unit: Sterile Processing Work Shift: Day (United States of America) Salary Range: $41,923.00 - $54,500.00 Sterile Processing: Performs all Sterile Processing functions: retrieval and decontamination of soiled/ used surgical instrumentation; inspects, assembles and packages delicate instrumentation; operates sterilization equipment; transports supplies, builds case carts for the operating room, processes instrumentation, operates cleaning equipment and replenishes stocks. Expected to rotate through all area functions. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely. Prepares, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards. Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility. Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification, and assembly according to OneSource and preparation for sterilization. Retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed. Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness, and cleanliness. Coordinates with Materials Dept to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels. Ensures safe care to patients, staff, and visitors; adheres to all FSC policies, procedures and standards and quality of service. Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Communicate with operating room staff to provide required instruments. Responsible for reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Clinical Director and Material Manger and follow process for replacement. Acts as a resource to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization techniques. Clean, set up, sterilize, and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift. Maintains records for QA and sterilization. Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission Standards. Is 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. Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include: the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate. Minimum Requirements: A High School diploma or equivalent and certification in sterile processing and distribution. Must maintain minimum of 10 CEU'S per year by NYS Law. Entry Level. Prefer 1-3 years' experience. Prefer prior Sterile Processing Department, Operating Room support and/or prior details-oriented assembly experience. Must commit to achievement of certification by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) within 18 months of hire. Strong attention to detail, vigilance, and meticulous care on the job. Passion for keeping people safe. Good judgment and critical-thinking skills. Manual dexterity and the ability to handle fragile equipment. Technical skills and familiarity with sterilization techniques. The ability to work well in a team or independently. Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System! Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer. This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that: Access to information is based on a "need to know" and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification. Albany Medical Center is the centerpiece of medicine, research, and medical education in New York's Capital Region and is the area's largest private employer with more than 10,000 employees. Albany Medical Center offers excellent career opportunities in a wide range of roles in both patient care and administration. We value all our staff members and offer outstanding employee benefits including:

• Excellent health care coverage with no copay at Albany Medical Center providers
• A wide array of services and programs to support emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing

Anchored in the state’s historic capital city, Albany Medical Center offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient care and is home to the region’s largest hospital, only Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma centers, and only children’s hospital. The downtown campus also offers opportunities at Albany Medical College. Albany Medical Center, along with Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, and the Visiting Nurses, form the Albany Med Health System, serving more than three million people over 25 counties.