Sterile Processing Tech II, PRN - 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 Corporation is seeking a Central Sterile Processing Technician to store, sterilize, and distribute instrument trays and supplies for the OR. You will manage FIFO stock, verify sterility, and record data in hospital systems as part of daily duties.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and completion of a Central Service Technician program within one year. Prior CST experience or surgical technician training is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a Registered Central Service (Sterile Supply) Technician program within one year.
• Minimum of one year Central Sterile Processing experience or completion of a recognized surgical technician program.
• Ability to read, write, and follow detailed instructions in English.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use a computerized database.

Responsibilities

• Stores instrument trays and equipment in designated storage areas.
• Distributes supplies and instruments to Operating Rooms case carts.
• Operates steam and plasma sterilizers and monitors sterilization indicators.
• Maintains accurate records of supplies, including computer data entry.
• Notifies supervisor of supply shortages and equipment issues.
• Performs routine safety and cleanliness tasks in the storage and sterilization areas.
• Attends mandatory hospital and department trainings.

Skills

English literacy

Verbal communication

Written communication

Inventory control

Data entry

Education

High school diploma

Certified Central Service Technician program

Surgical technician program

Tools

Computerized database

Data entry software

Job description

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

II. Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

1. 1. Stores instrument trays and equipment in designated storage areas ready for distribution.
   • A. Stores items based on first in, first-out (FIFO) in order to provide for appropriate stock rotation.
   • B. Cleans storage shelves as required to maintain clean work environment.
2. 2. Dispenses and delivers supplies, equipment and instruments to Operating Rooms' case carts.
   • A. Maintains an accurate record of supplies/instruments and equipment for use and availability. This includes computer data entry.
   • B. 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.
   • C. Collects, verifies and forwards patient charge tickets and supply requisitions to Data Processing or other requester, as appropriate.
   • D. Notifies the supervisor or designee of supply shortages.
3. 3. Performs terminal sterilization activities in accordance with established procedures utilizing steam and plasma and related sterilization equipment.
   • A. Loads and unloads instruments and equipment from sterilizers properly, in accordance with established procedures.
   • B. Operates steam and plasma sterilizers and related equipment; recognizes equipment malfunctions and reports to Team Leader and Supervisor immediately. May perform routine maintenance and minor repair of equipment as needed.
   • C. Monitors the sterilization process using mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators.
   • D. Records data on items sterilized, identifying item, date, sterilizer, and load. This includes computer data entry.
   • E. Complies with safety requirements regarding thermal and chemical exposure.
4. 4. Communicates effectively with clinical, nursing and staff from other departments to renders service and to resolve problems. Refers difficult issues to the supervisor for resolution.
5. 5. Observes appropriate handling and safety standards throughout the entire sterilization process in accordance with governing regulations and UMMS standards.
6. 6. Attends all mandatory hospital and department in-service training programs and safety training annually.
7. 7. Attends relevant hospital and community training programs to promote professional growth and development.
8. 8. Performs related duties as assigned.

Work Experience

1. 1. Completion of a high school level of course work with attainment of a high school diploma or state High School Equivalency Certificate (GED).
   • A. Completion of a Registered Central Service (Sterile Supply) Technician program by a recognized registering agency, such as, the International Association of Healthcare Central Services and Materials is required within one year.
2. 2. A minimum of one-year Central Sterile Processing experience or successful completion of a recognized surgical technician program is required.
3. 3. Basic knowledge of the use of a PC and computerized database system or demonstrated ability to learn within one year.
4. 4. 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.
5. 5. Ability to operate potentially hazardous sterilizing equipment and related equipment.
6. 6. Ability to learn new concepts and techniques and to transfer knowledge into performance regarding such items as, basic principles of microbiology, infection control, safety and computerized record keeping to assist supervisor with tracking inventory levels.
7. 7. Ability to stand and walk, each approximately 50% of the time in the process of operating equipment arranging instrument trays and equipment carts, conducting inventory of and dispensing supplies. Ability to lift equipment up to no more than 50 lbs. To load cart. Ability to push/pull carts of instruments, supplies and/or equipment.
8. 8. Ability to handle potentially hazardous materials, such as, high temperatures of steam, decontamination chemicals and sharp instruments in the decontamination and sterilization process.
9. 9. Effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary I order to work with various clinical personnel, resolve problems and to properly identify and label supplies for inventory.