Sterile Processing (SPD) Core Tech

OhioHealth; Grove City (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

OhioHealth is seeking a Sterile Processing technician to support surgeons and patients by ensuring timely availability and proper sterilization of instruments. You will collaborate with OR teams and vendors to optimize case readiness and maintain strict adherence to safety standards.

The role emphasizes critical thinking, accurate handling of instruments, and ongoing education to uphold high reliability in the operating room environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School diploma or GED and certification where applicable.
• Proven ability to apply critical thinking and effective communication in a clinical setting.
• Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and sterile processing principles.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with instrument vendors and OR staff to ensure instrument availability for cases.
• Communicate schedule changes and expedite decontamination, assembly and sterilization of priority trays.
• Monitor pick tickets and ensure all needs are met to avoid delays in cases.
• Perform decontamination, disinfection, and cleaning of reusable surgical instruments per safety standards.
• Understand sterilization processes (steam and chemical) and maintain related documentation and indicators.
• Enter and search data in the instrument tracking system and prepare instruments for scheduled cases.
• Follow infection control guidelines in handling sterile packages and equipment.
• Support education and training of fellow staff in Sterile Processing.
• Contribute to safety, quality and efficiency as part of a High Reliability Organization.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication skills

OSHA safety standards

Education

High School Diploma or GED

IAHCSMM Certification

Job description

We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities.

Job Description Summary

Shift: 5:30am-2:00pm

This is a skilled liaison position requiring more knowledge, critical thinking/judgment and communication skills to provide improved services to our surgeons and patients. Providing appropriate instrumentation by proactively collaborating with the OR staff, vendors, and SPD staff, thus improving the relationship between Sterile Processing and the OR, increasing customer satisfaction and reducing patient delays or cancellations.

Responsibilities And Duties

• Collaborate with instrument vendors to understand needs for upcoming cases and coordinate SPD processes to ensure instruments are available
• Coordinate and communicate schedule changes between the OR and sterile processing. Expedite the decontamination, assembly and sterilization of priority trays. Communicate with Team Leads and OR Leads the status of needed trays.
• Review pick tickets daily for next day’s cases to ensure all needs can be met without interruption of service.
• Responsible for the decontamination, disinfection and cleaning or various reusable surgical instruments. This can be done via mechanical or handwashing methods, while strictly adhering to OSHA safety standards.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of sterilization process and techniques involving both steam and chemical means. This includes appropriate documentation, storage and transportation. Must have a thorough understanding of the sterilizer mechanical and chemical indicators, as well as the proper use and interpretation of the biological monitoring system.
• Effectively enters, modifies and searches for relevant information in the instrument tracking system. Demonstrates knowledge of surgical case preparation. Correctly identifies and retrieves pertinent instruments and supplies for scheduled cases or upon request.
• Incorporates infection control guidelines while transferring, storing and transporting sterile packages.
• Follows and promotes industry standards and best practices, as supported by AAMI and AORN.
• Responsible for aiding in the education and training of fellow associates.

As a High Reliability Organization (HRO), responsibilities require focus on safety, quality and efficiency in performing job duties.

The job profile provides an overview of responsibilities and duties and is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is subject to change at any time

Minimum Qualifications

High School or GED (Required)IAHCSMM - International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material management - International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management

Additional Job Description

Certified through the HealthCare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or obtain Certification within 90 days. Instrumentation and procedural knowledge 3 -4 years of sped Experience

Work Shift

Day

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Department

Sterile Processing

Join us!

• if your passion is to work in a caring environment
• if you believe that learning is a life-long process
• if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry

Equal Employment Opportunity

OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all person in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment