Sterile Processing Tech, FT Days

Prisma Health; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Prisma Health is seeking a Sterile Processing professional responsible for decontamination, instrument preparation and sterilization. Responsibilities include assembling instrument trays, ensuring proper labeling, and documenting all steps in tracking systems.

The role requires adherence to infection control guidelines and continuous monitoring of sterilization processes. Day shift at Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC, within Central Sterile department.

Qualifications

• Education: Surgical Tech, Sterile Processing Tech, or Dental Assistant training program.
• In lieu: High School diploma or equivalent with 6 months hospital/clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Performs decontamination, instrument preparation, assembly, and sterilization/disinfection per guidelines.
• Disassembles and inspects instruments and equipment, documents missing items, and reports issues.
• Operates sterilization equipment and maintains records of processing and testing results.
• Documents all activities in the Instrument Tracking System or manual systems and observes monitors.

Education

Surgical Tech coursework or Sterile Processing Tech training or Dental Assistant training program

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.

Job Summary

Performs duties in Decontamination, Instrument Preparation and Assembly, and Sterilization/Disinfection relating to cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment to be used in patient care. Disassembles complex instruments, supplies and equipment; sorts and inspects for damage and reports needed repairs. Selects the mode of decontamination best suited for items on hand. Assembles, prepares and packages instrument trays, surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty items. Determines the appropriate sterilization or disinfection method and follows appropriate steps for reprocessing. Follows strict documentation guidelines for tray management, biological/chemical test results, equipment functionality, and reprocessing steps.

Essential Functions

• All team members are expected to be knowledgeable and compliant with Prisma Health’s purpose: Inspire health.Serve with compassion.Be the difference
• 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.
• Documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the Instrument Tracking System (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.
• Models Prisma Health behavior expectations. Assists with coaching, mentoring and training coworkers as assigned. Trains and assists with integration of new team members. Shares knowledge, ideas and expertise to support the team and the department.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director, or executive.

Minimum Requirements

• Education - Completion of job-related coursework: Surgical Tech, Sterile Processing Tech, or Dental Assistant training program.
• Experience - No experience required.

In Lieu Of

• In lieu of the education requirement only, will accept High School diploma or equivalent and 6 months experience in a hospital or clinical setting.

Required Certifications, Registrations, Licenses

• Certification as either: CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) from HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association); OR CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician) from CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution) preferred
• Applicants without sterile processing certification 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• NA

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Location

Baptist

Facility

Baptist Hospital

Department

Central Sterile

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