Sterile Processing Technician I

Kaiser Permanente International; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Lancaster, CA is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to decontaminate, assemble, and sterilize medical instruments and equipment. You will manage instrument tracking, inventory, and case cart preparation in a fast-paced hospital environment.

Candidates should have a Sterile Processing program completion (400 hours) and a GED/HS diploma, with strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask under pressure.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an accredited Sterile Processing program (400 hours).
• Surgical Technician background is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Fill orders from requesting departments.
• Clean, decontaminate, assemble and wrap sterile instruments.
• Operate steam/plasma sterilizers and related equipment.
• Return soiled equipment and validate PM status on issued equipment.
• Answer phones and support department workflow.
• Maintain inventory and restock supplies per policy.
• Ensure sterile packages remain intact and traceable.

Skills

Sterile processing

Instrument handling

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Sterile Processing Program (400 hours)

Surgical Technician program

Tools

Ultrasonic cleaner

Endoscope reprocessor

Job description

Job Summary

Decontaminates, cleans, packages, sterilizes, stores and distributes medical/surgical, equipment and supplies in accordance with CDC, OSHA, EPA, AAMI, Title 22, APIC, SGNA, JC guidelines as required.

Essential Responsibilities

• Responsible for filling orders from requesting departments.
• Make equipment rounds and return soiled equipment to SPD; clean equipment per manufacturers recommendations and validate functionality prior to storage; validate PM status on equipment issued from and returned to SPD per department policy.
• Answer phones.
• Inventory and restock supplies, and specialty carts i.e. isolation, latex, crash carts, etc. per department policy.
• Order specialty beds and other patient equipment per medical center practice.
• Disassembles, cleans or decontaminates surgical instruments per manufacturers recommendations including ultrasonic cleaning.
• Assembles, inspects, tests, wraps and dates simple sets per department protocol according manufacturers recommendations.
• Operate all equipment in Sterile Processing Department including, but not limited to, steam sterilizers, plasma sterilizers, automated endoscope reprocessors, biological incubators, heat sealers, instrument and cart washers.
• Use of instrument and equipment tracking system in all areas of Sterile Processing Department including documentation of tests and sterilizer records.
• Examines and maintains integrity of sterile packages.
• Prepare OR case carts according to preference cards on all surgical procedures.
• Promotes, ensures, and improves customer service to internal and external customers.
• Able to work in a collaborative environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned within the scope of training and service.

Basic Qualifications

Experience

• N/A.

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED).
• Completion of an accredited Sterile Processing Program including 400 clinical hours or a Surgical Technician program.

License, Certification, Registration

• N/A

Additional Requirements

• Basic knowledge of instrument processing techniques, including but not limited to decontamination, assembly, and sterilization.
• Knowledge of Sterile Processing Department Policies and Procedures; be able to articulate on soaps and detergents, methods of packaging, types of sterilization methods and parameters, infection control practices, high-level disinfection practices, and safe practices in Sterile Processing Department.
• Knowledge of medical, nursing, and surgical supplies and equipment.
• Ability to distinguish colors and hear audible alarms required.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a stressful environment.
• Basic computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year recent experience as a Sterile Processing Technician or Surgical Technician working in Sterile Processing Department in an acute hospital or ambulatory setting.
• Sterile Processing or Surgical Technician national certification preferred.

Notes

• This is an on call position, days and hours may vary.