Sterile Processing Tech

Trinity Health; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Trinity Health Livonia seeks a Sterile Instrument Technician to support procedures across Surgical Services. The role involves decontamination, sterilization, case cart assembly, and collaboration with OR teams to ensure timely availability of sterile instruments.

The ideal candidate has high school education, basic computer skills, and preferably 2 years in Central Processing or OR settings. Certification within two years is preferred, with a commitment to asepsis and patient safety.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent with ability to understand written and verbal instructions.
• Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician is preferred and should be pursued within two years of employment.
• Two years of prior Central Processing or OR experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Decontamination: receive soiled carts/instruments, document, wash, and prepare items for sterilization.
• Core: liaison between OR and SPD; monitor sterilizer cycles and maintain records; transport sterile items to OR suites.
• Instruments: assemble trays by service, update needs lists, check for damage, wrap items for sterility.
• Sterilization: perform sterilization cycles, inspect equipment, perform biological indicators and maintain records.
• Case Carts: assemble instrument trays per physician/preference cards and prepare for next day cases; manage emergency carts.
• Other Duties: maintain asepsis, support SPD operations with a positive demeanor.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; basic computer literacy

2 years Central Processing or Operating Room experience preferred

Job description

Employment Type: Full timeShift: Evening ShiftDescription:

Full-Time/Evenings

JOB SUMMARY

The Sterile Instrument Technician provides care to patients undergoing procedural intervention in compliance with policies and procedures of Surgical Services, AORN, The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AAMI standards. The sterile instrument technician must have a working knowledge of decontamination, instrumentation, sterilization, and the building of case carts. The technician is also responsible for the processing of any sterilized product across the hospital. The sterile instrument technician provides technical assistance with all procedures throughout various departments of the hospital under the supervision of the Sterile Processing staff leader.

PERFORMANCE DUTIES

• Decontamination: Receives soiled case carts and soiled instruments into the decontamination area; Scans all instrument sets into the instrument tracking system. Prioritizes instruments needed for turnaround (i.e., instruments on the needs list. Hand-wash and pre-soak instrumentation in enzymatic solution. Has working knowledge of ultrasonic and automated washer functionalities. Selects rack and cycle for type of instruments to be cleaned. Wash case carts in cart-washer. Changes solutions for instrument and cart washer when indicated. Refills solution containers daily, ensuring proper solutions are used.
• Core: Acts as a liaison between OR suites and SPD to communicate the changes and needs for subsequent cases. Performs daily tests and biologicals on sterilizer and Steris and maintains records of flash sterilization. Transports sterile items to the OR suites. Checks case carts for needed items. Returns unused items to sterile processing.
• Instruments: Maintains effective communication with OR, Management, Physicians, peers and interdisciplinary team to provide the appropriate instrumentation to start and maintain the surgery. Assists in proper technique in handling instruments. Check and update needs list regularly. Assembles instruments in order of importance:
• Instruments and sets on needs list.
• One-of-a-kind instruments and sets.
• All other instruments and sets.
• Inspects all instruments for damage after decontamination.
• Determine repair procedure when needed; place in appropriate “on-site” container, communicate and identify what repair is needed.
• Check case carts for accuracy before being sent to the core. Replaces damaged instruments. Wrap instruments/sets in appropriate wrapper/container.

• Sterilization: Has working knowledge of all sterilization techniques in SPD and OR.Is able to trouble shoot sterilization problems within SPD and OR. Initiates daily sterilization routine:
• Check and remove debris from drain baskets.
• Inspect sterilizer door gaskets for cracks/damage.
• Check steam pressure.
• Perform Bowie Dick air leak test and record results. Prepare the biological indicator test packs.
• Initiate routine biological monitoring.
• Record results of previous biological monitoring.
• Report problems to Coordinator/Coordinator Assistant/Charge Tech.
• Initiate recall procedure if necessary.
• Prepare label gun with correct date and identification number.
• Stamp each item to be sterilized with the load number.
• Load items into Impress System.
• Arrange items on the loading cart for proper penetration of steam and elimination of liquid.
• Initiate and monitor sterilization cycle.
• Check sterilization cycle record tape at the completion of the cycle and initial tape.
• Remove load from sterilizer and place load away from vents for cooling.
• Transfer sterilized items to “Home Location” using the Impress system. Place the sterilized items onto the appropriate shelf location.

• Case Carts: Demonstrates a working knowledge of EPIC as it relates to pulling pick lists and schedule. Is able to assemble instrument trays for every service and procedure performed within Trinity Health Livonia Hospital and Schoolcraft Surgery Center. Maintains accurate preference cards--adjustments are to be made the same day as change is made. Builds case carts accurately and indicates missing items on the pick sheet. Prepares case carts by Physician/Surgeon preference card. Prepares needs list for sterile instruments and supplies for the next day's cases. Replaces emergency carts ASAP.

• Other Duties: Decontaminate equipment as needed. Demonstrate a positive, friendly, respectful demeanor to everyone who comes in contact with the Sterile Processing Department. Etc.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school education or equivalent. Must be able to comprehend written and verbal instructions. Should have basic working knowledge of computers. Should have the ability to operate computerized equipment.

Licensure

• Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician preferred. Certification preferred within two years of employment.

Training and Experience

• 2 years previous Central Processing or Operating Room experience preferred.

Job Knowledge

• Supervised by the SPD Manager. Has performed a multitude of tasks pertaining to patient care. Must be familiar with the location of various departments and general regulations of the hospital. Must have knowledge of surgical instrumentation. Must have good understanding of basic asepsis and sterile equipment and supplies. Must have knowledge of sterilization and decontamination procedures. Must have a working knowledge of SPD equipment and supplies. Must have knowledge of case carts. Patient Care knowledge and SPD Equipment knowledge. Computer knowledge necessary to effectively utilize hospital systems.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.