Sterile Processing Tech II, PRN - One UMMS Staffing Center

University of Maryland Medical System; Linthicum (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Medical System is seeking a Central Sterile Processing Technician to support the operating rooms by sterilizing, packaging and delivering instruments and supplies. You will manage storage, inventory accuracy and data entry while adhering to safety and sterilization procedures.

Under supervision, you will handle sterile processing steps, maintain FIFO inventory, and collaborate with clinical teams to ensure equipment readiness for surgical cases.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Registered Central Service (Sterile Supply) Technician program must be completed within one year.
• At least one year of Central Sterile Processing experience or completed surgical technician program.
• Basic PC and database knowledge or ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to read, write and speak English; basic math for inventory.
• Ability to operate hazardous sterilizing equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Store instrument trays/equipment in designated storage areas for distribution.
• Maintain FIFO stock rotation and clean storage shelves.
• Dispense and deliver supplies, equipment, and instruments to OR case carts.
• Keep accurate inventory records and perform data entry.
• Verify items are usable and sterile before placing on carts.
• Process patient charge tickets and requisitions as needed.
• Notify supervisor of supply shortages.
• Perform terminal sterilization using steam and plasma methods.
• Communicate with clinical staff to resolve issues.
• Attend mandatory training and safety programs.

Skills

Computer literacy

Inventory management

English proficiency

Communication skills

Sterilization equipment operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certified Central Service Technician program

Job description

General Summary

Under general supervision, stores, maintains, and provides sterile instrumentation to the OR in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Assists in distribution of medical/surgical supplies and hospital instruments and equipment.

Principal Responsibilities And Tasks

• Stores instrument trays and equipment in designated storage areas ready for distribution.
• Stores items based on first in, first-out (FIFO) in order to provide for appropriate stock rotation.
• Cleans storage shelves as required to maintain a clean work environment.
• Dispenses and delivers supplies, equipment and instruments to Operating Rooms’ case carts.
• Maintains an accurate record of supplies/instruments and equipment for use and availability, including computer data entry.
• Selects correct items and ensures that all items are usable and in proper condition prior to placing on cart or providing to OR (i.e., clean, dry wrap, wrap not torn, sterile parameters met). Delivers as appropriate.
• Collects, verifies and forwards patient charge tickets and supply requisitions to Data Processing or other requester, as appropriate.
• Notifies the supervisor or designee of supply shortages.
• Performs terminal sterilization activities in accordance with established procedures utilizing steam, plasma and related sterilization equipment.
• Communicates effectively with clinical, nursing and staff from other departments to render service and resolve problems. Refers difficult issues to the supervisor for resolution.
• Observes appropriate handling and safety standards throughout the entire sterilization process in accordance with governing regulations and UMMS standards.
• Attends all mandatory hospital and department in‑service training programs and safety training annually.
• Attends relevant hospital and community training programs to promote professional growth and development.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Work Experience

• Completion of a high school level of coursework with attainment of a high school diploma or state High School Equivalency Certificate (GED). Completion of a Registered Central Service (Sterile Supply) Technician program by a recognized registering agency (e.g., International Association of Healthcare Central Services and Materials) is required within one year.
• A minimum of one year Central Sterile Processing experience or successful completion of a recognized surgical technician program is required.
• Basic knowledge of the use of a PC and computerized database system or demonstrated ability to learn within one year.
• Ability to read, write, speak English and perform simple mathematical operations for inventory purposes, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Ability to follow detailed written or verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to operate potentially hazardous sterilizing equipment and related equipment.
• Ability to learn new concepts and techniques and to transfer knowledge into performance regarding basic principles of microbiology, infection control, safety and computerized record keeping to assist supervisor with tracking inventory levels.
• Ability to stand and walk, each approximately 50% of the time during equipment operation, instrument tray arrangement, and cart handling, and to lift equipment up to no more than 50 lbs. Ability to load, push and pull carts of instruments, supplies and/or equipment.
• Ability to handle potentially hazardous materials, such as high temperatures of steam, decontamination chemicals and sharp instruments in the decontamination and sterilization process.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary in order to work with various clinical personnel, resolve problems and properly identify and label supplies for inventory.