Sterile Processing Technician

Brown Medicine; Cranston (RI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician at Rhode Island Hospital to perform decontamination, assembly and sterilization of instruments, trays, and equipment in a fast-paced SPD. The role supports training of new staff and upholds strict QA and safety procedures.

Responsibilities include biological monitoring, proper labeling, inventory control, and adherence to hospital policies while maintaining a clean work environment.

Qualifications

• High School Graduate with ability to read, write and speak fluent English.
• Preferred Sterile Processing Certification (HSPA) or equivalent.
• Experience with instrumentation decontamination and sterilization processes.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate and inspect surgical instruments, syringes and equipment.
• Assemble and wrap instrument trays; label with quality controls.
• Operate steam (prevac) and Sterrad systems per QA procedures.
• Perform biological monitoring and recall procedures when needed.
• Assist in training new SPD personnel and maintain safety standards.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and manage inventory.

Skills

Surgical instrumentation

Sterilization techniques

Stock room operations

Safety procedures

Staff training

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Sterile Processing Certification (HSPA) preferred

Tools

EPS Scope Processor

Steam sterilizers

Sterile packaging equipment

Job description

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Sterile Processing Manager and or direction of the Sterile Processing Supervisor, identifies, inspects, assembles and sterilizes equipment, supplies and procedure trays.

Packages, cleans and decontaminates routine surgical instruments, patient care equipment and monitors sterilizers and associated equipment.

Responsible for stocking of supplies & instruments and orients and trains other Technicians. Displays familiarity with case cart process, instrument pick lists and instrument repair process.

Demonstrates willingness to learn all aspects of the Sterile Processing Department including, but not limited to, surgical services, outside clinics Orthopedics, Cardiac, Neuro, Vascular, Transplant and Gynecological Instrumentation, Implant trays, Power equipment, Flexible endoscopes and the Instrument Management System.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensures proper decontamination of surgical instruments, syringes, and equipment in order to clean, identify and inspect.

• Processes procedure trays, instruments sets, orthopedic sets and equipment through the decontamination room according to established cleaning procedures.
• Performs leak test and decontamination for various endoscopes according to established procedures.
• Utilizes detergents, disinfectants, and washers in a prescribed manner for proper cleaning/ decontamination and drying, following standard precautions with no more than two documented errors annually.

Ensures proper assembly and packaging of instrument sets to allow proper sterilization.

• Inspects instrument sets for cleanliness. Checks or tests instrumentation for sharpness, burrs and function. Assembles and wraps instrument equipment trays following the established procedure for each tray.
• Labels and initials all assembled procedure trays making sure that all quality control monitors have been placed accurately.
• Operates steam (flash and prevac), EPS Scope Processor and other equipment relating to sterilization of supplies, according to written Q.A. procedures.
• Identifies and checks instruments for proper operation and overall condition according to established procedures with no more than two documented errors annually.

Conducts biological monitoring for all sterilizers.

• Performs BowieDick and biological testing of all sterilizers in the department and operating room daily in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Incubates, interprets and records results of all biological tests.
• Immediately implements recall procedures when positive biological testing is encountered, notifying all affected departments, Sterile Processing Supervisor. Prepares O.R. case carts and performs Distribution rounds.

Maintains a clean and safe work environment. Contributes to the efficient operation of the department.

• Cleans, inspects and maintains equipment according to written procedures, as observed by supervisors.
• Performs routine cleaning of all areas and carts as scheduled and/or when needed.
• Adheres to all safety procedures with particular attention to the operation of sterilizers.
• Promotes professional image by adhering to the established dress code of the hospital and wearing the name badge as evidenced by supervisor’s observation.
• Maintains confidentiality of information obtained in the performance of duties.
• Maintains inventory control systems for procedure trays and equipment.
• Monitors supply availability during performance of duties and reports low levels to group leaders or supervisor.

Supports training and orientation of new personnel to department.

• Assists and works with orientating new staff to various department assignments.
• Demonstrates to new staff required applications/techniques within assignments.
• a. Decontamination
• b. Instrument Inspection
• c. Tray Assembly
• d. Packaging
• e. Sterilizers- Steam-Sterrad-System
• f. Sterile Storageg. Distribution
• h. Case Carts
• Participates in the completion of SPD Tech competencies with new staff member and management team.
• Contributes in team meeting when precepting new employees.

STANDARD STAFFING LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES

Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives. Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements. Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients, and visitors. Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE

High School Graduate or equivalent with the ability to read, write and speak fluent English.

Having a Sterile Processing Certification through the Health Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or its equivalent is preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Required three to six months previous related work experience demonstrating familiarity with surgical instrumentation, decontamination and sterilization techniques, and stock room functions. Such experience may have been obtained by performing related duties in central services, surgical reprocessing, or a surgical stock room.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Visual and manual dexterity to operate automatic washers and sterilization equipment according to equipment operating instructions. Physical ability to stand for long periods of time, to lift and carry moderately heavy surgical trays, to push carts into sterilization unit and to receive and store supplies, materials and equipment. General hospital environment with normal conditions associated with patient care.

INDEPENDENT ACTION

Follow policies and procedures referring complex situations to supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Pay Range

$27.09-$28.27

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type

M-F 10:00pm - 6:30am, Weekend and Holiday Rotation

Work Shift

Night

Driving Required

No

Union

International Brotherhood Teamsters