Sterile Processing Technician at Houston Methodist Houston, TX

Ellenco Estágios e Treinamentos; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

On-call compensation

Job summary

Itlearn360 in Houston, TX seeks a Sterile Processing Technician responsible for decontaminating, assembling, and sterilizing surgical instruments. The role involves working closely with Operating Room personnel to ensure the timely delivery of sterile tools.

Applicants must have a high school diploma and certification as CRCST or CSPDT. Strong communication skills and a customer service focus are essential. The position may require being on-call and adhering to strict safety guidelines while promoting an efficient workflow.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Formal education in Sterile Processing is preferred.
• Certification as CRCST or CSPDT is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate and assemble surgical trays.
• Provide timely sterile products to surgical teams.
• Follow safety protocols to maintain patient privacy.

Skills

Communication

Customer Service

Basic Computer Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Sterile Processing certification: CRCST or CSPDT

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic instrument tracking system

Job description

Sterile Processing Technician job at Houston Methodist. Houston, TX. At Houston Methodist, the Sterile Processing Technician position is responsible for decontamination, assembly, inspecting, wrapping, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment for Surgical Services and all ancillary departments which includes working in conjunction with the Operation Room (OR) staff to provide timely sterile products, trays, and case carts where applicable. The position maintains consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Central Service Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post‑secondary education, etc.)
• Formal education through a Sterile Processing program preferred

EXPERIENCE

• None

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• Sterile Processing certification: CRCST or CSPDT

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on‑going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co‑workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Independently demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on‑going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the Decontamination area
• Exhibits interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co‑workers
• Ability to utilize basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office and electronic instrument tracking system, if applicable
• Demonstrates proper phone etiquette when responding to inquiries made to the department
• Maintains patient and family privacy

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates with staff from the interprofessional health care team concerning patient safety to improve outcomes and the safe transition of care through effective assignment and shift handoffs, using a structured format. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional.
• Responds positively to requests for assistance. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment. Makes contributions to the work effort as a whole and uses problem resolution effectively.
• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer‑to‑peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs decontamination and assembling of basic surgical trays, individual instrumentation and equipment utilizing established count sheets. Wraps or contains items appropriately according to size and type of instrument or equipment.
• Provides timely sterile products, trays and case carts, by location, by following guidance of experienced surgical techs, in conjunction with the OR staff.
• Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed manufacturer instructions for use and according to institutional policies and procedures.
• Organizes workload utilizing available work time by assisting others and performing additional task as needed. Provides consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes appropriate cleaning detergents and agents by reading directions and SDS sheets.
• Utilizes all department equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions for use and department policies and protocols.
• Ensures through visual inspection that trays have completed the quality process according to AAMI standards for patient use.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Self‑motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, cleaning the workstation at the end of each shift, and minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
• Uses department resources efficiently to ensure completeness of trays, instruments and equipment according to count sheets; does not waste supplies.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Understands, applies, and demonstrates industry Sterile Processing standards i.e., Steam, ETO and Low Temperature Hydrogen Peroxide.
• Participates in department projects and Shared Governance committee for department. Follow up on action items as necessary to ensure completion of assignments.
• Identifies own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts, and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on‑going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• WORK ATTIRE
  • Uniform: Yes
  • Scrubs: Yes
  • Business professional: No
  • Other (department approved): No
• On Call* Yes
• TRAVEL**
  • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
  • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

Travel specifications may vary by department.