Sterile Processing Associate: 40 hrs/week Days

Albany Medical Center; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Albany Medical Center is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to join the Sterile Processing department in Albany. The role involves decontamination, assembly, sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments in a hospital setting.

Applicants must hold CBSPD or HSPA certification and obtain CRCST within one year of eligibility; HIPAA and information-protection policies apply. This position is on-site and typically full-time with shift variations as needed.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician (CBSPD or HSPA) is required.
• CRCST certification must be obtained within one year of eligibility.
• Experience in hospital sterile processing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Receive, sort, disassemble and process contaminated instruments per Infection Control procedures.
• Assemble instrument sets and document missing items; label sets correctly.
• Sterilize instruments and equipment using autoclaves and aerators; reprocess via high-level disinfection as needed.
• Document all activities in the Instrument Tracking System (TDOC, SPM, Censitrac) or manual systems.
• Observe and record biological, mechanical and chemical monitor results; initiate recalls when required.
• Distribute items to customers/departments according to established procedures.
• Identify unfamiliar items or issues and report repairs; intervene to correct variances.

Job description

Department/Unit

Sterile Processing

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Salary Range

$41,923.00 - $54,500.00

Functions

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

Responsibilities

• Receives, sorts, disassembles and processes contaminated instruments and equipment using the procedures and guidelines as established by Infection Control. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments and body fluids by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and using ultrasonic or other mechanical methods, as applicable.
• Assembles all instrument sets following prescribed manner and as outlined on the Instrument Count Sheets. Properly documents missing items from the set and labels sets correctly. Takes action to correct problems with instrument sets and reports any unresolved issues.
• Sterilizes instruments, equipment, linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves and aerators. Reprocesses equipment via high level disinfection as appropriate. Loads and operates machinery in prescribed manner and sets controls to correct specifications for the items being sterilized.
• Properly documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the Instrument Tracking System (TDOC, SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems.
• Observe and interpret biological, mechanical and chemical monitors relevant to processing/sterilizing. Record results and maintains required records. Initiates recalls as required.
• Issues items to customers and departments according to established procedures.
• Observes and reports to supervisor any unfamiliar items with or without appropriate processing literature. Reports equipment requiring repair as needed. Is self-directed and intervenes with corrections to variances in the processing practice.
• Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician from either CBSPD or HSPA

Applicants without Sterile Processing (CRCST) are required to obtain CRCST certification via HSPA within ONE (1) year of meeting the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam. Eligibility is defined by HSPA as "10 weeks (400 hours) experience" in a Sterile Processing hospital setting.

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.