Sterile Processing Specialist

East Tennessee Children's Hospital; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to ensure cleaning, decontamination and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment. You will maintain documentation, inventory, and equipment readiness for procedures, while adhering to aseptic standards and hospital policies.

The role requires certification within 2 years, strong communication skills, and the ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, team-focused setting.

Qualifications

• Effective communication skills verbal and written.
• Computer skills required.
• Staff will work respectfully, cooperatively and professionally with team members.

Responsibilities

• Assist with checking sterile surgical supply, OR stocking, inventory and routine supply orders; competent in decontamination, assembly and sterilization practices.
• Demonstrates aseptic technique and standard precautions; follows manufacturers’ recommendations; performs biological monitoring and documents all loads sterilized.
• Assembles and wraps instrument trays/pouches with correct documentation; inspects instruments for repair, replaces broken items, reports to Assistant Nurse Manager.
• Keeps records of room temperature and humidity; tracks downtime of sterilizers and repairs; cleans sterilizers per schedule; performs weekly washer testing.
• Serves as expert in instrument sterilization; stays current on SPD practices; networks with Purchasing and Central Supply; participates in educational offerings.
• Acts as resource person for instrument care; educates staff on SPD concepts; participates in patient care conferences and staff meetings.
• Performs Endoscopy duties per physician orders; assists RN during procedures from team perspective.
• Meets hospital quality goals; maintains unit competencies; interacts professionally with other care providers.
• Demonstrates respect for patients, families, visitors and staff; fosters courteous workplace.
• Willingly accepts other assignments; uses hospital resources responsibly.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Computer skills

Teamwork and professionalism

Education

High School/GED

Certified Sterile Processing Technician / Certified Surgical Technician / CRCST within 2 years

Job description

East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to ensure cleaning, decontamination and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment. You will maintain documentation, inventory, and equipment readiness for procedures, while adhering to aseptic standards and hospital policies.

The role requires certification within 2 years, strong communication skills, and the ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, team-focused setting.