Sterile Processing Tech

Tennova Healthcare- North Knoxville Medical Center; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennova Healthcare- North Knoxville Medical Center is seeking a Sterile Process Technician II responsible for preparing and assembling medical and surgical supplies. This position requires adherence to sterilization protocols and participation in maintaining sterile processing areas.

The ideal candidate will have 2-4 years of experience in sterile processing, strong attention to detail, and proficiency in operating sterilization equipment. The role includes quality assurance tasks and the training of junior staff, along with ongoing education in practices and technologies.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in sterile processing or a related role required.
• Commitment to continuing education with a minimum of 10 hours annually.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and assemble medical and surgical supplies and instruments.
• Ensure compliance with sterilization and decontamination protocols.
• Assist in maintaining sterile processing areas and improve service quality.
• Conduct quality control checks on sterilized instruments.

Skills

Proficiency in cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing medical instruments and equipment

Ability to operate and maintain sterilization and decontamination equipment effectively

Strong attention to detail for quality control and documentation tasks

Effective communication and interpersonal skills for training and collaboration

Knowledge of regulatory standards and infection control protocols

Ability to identify and resolve issues with sterilization processes or equipment

Education

CRCST - Certified and Registered Central Service Technician

Job description

Job Summary

The Sterile Process Technician II is responsible for preparing and assembling medical and surgical supplies, instruments, and equipment with an advanced level of skill and expertise. This role ensures compliance with sterilization and decontamination protocols and assists in maintaining the sterile processing areas. The Sterile Process Technician II supports department operations by performing quality assurance tasks, serving as a resource to junior staff, and contributing to process improvements in sterile processing services.

Essential Functions

• Follows established protocols for cleaning, decontaminating, preparing, packaging, disinfecting or sterilizing, and storing medical and surgical supplies and equipment, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
• Assembles complex or specialized instrument trays and sets, ensuring accuracy and readiness for surgical procedures.
• Distributes medical and surgical supplies to appropriate areas within the facility, ensuring timeliness and proper documentation.
• Monitors, interprets, and documents results of physical, chemical, and biological indicators for sterilization processes, identifying and addressing potential issues.
• Operates all equipment used in sterile processing, including sterilizers and decontamination units, and performs routine maintenance as needed.
• Assists in improving the quality of sterile processing services by identifying process gaps and contributing to corrective actions or workflow enhancements.
• Provides guidance and support to Sterile Process Technician I staff, ensuring adherence to protocols and offering on-the-job training when needed.
• Conducts quality control checks on sterilized instruments and equipment, addressing deficiencies or escalating issues to leadership.
• Ensures proper inventory management by restocking and replenishing supplies and maintaining accurate logs for usage, expiration dates, and testing results.
• Adheres to standard precautions, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to maintain a safe work environment and prevent the spread of infection.
• Maintains privacy and confidentiality of health information in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
• Obtains a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education annually to remain current on sterile processing practices and technologies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in sterile processing or a related role required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing medical instruments and equipment.
• Ability to operate and maintain sterilization and decontamination equipment effectively.
• Strong attention to detail for quality control and documentation tasks.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for training and collaboration.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and infection control protocols.
• Ability to identify and resolve issues with sterilization processes or equipment.

Licenses and Certifications

• CRCST - Certified and Registered Central Service Technician required.