Sterile Processing Technician II

Kaiser Permanente; Baldwin Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in California is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to decontaminate, clean, sterilize, assemble and distribute surgical instruments and OR sets. You will operate sterilizers and endoscope reprocessors, prepare carts, and ensure instruments meet quality standards.

This on-call position requires basic knowledge of processing techniques, the ability to multitask in a fast-paced hospital environment, and reliable attendance; weekend rotation and holiday shifts may apply.

Qualifications

• Two years of recent experience in a Sterile Processing Department in an acute hospital OR as a Surgical Technician with SPD experience.
• Completion of an accredited Sterile Processing Program with 400 clinical hours or a Surgical Technician program.
• Basic knowledge of instrument processing techniques including decontamination, assembly and sterilization.
• Knowledge of Sterile Processing Department policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Fill orders from requesting departments.
• Perform instrument decontamination, assembly and sterilization per manufacturers' recommendations.
• Disassemble, clean and test surgical instruments.
• Prepare OR case carts according to preference cards.
• Operate sterilization equipment (steam, plasma, endoscope washers) and track sterilizer records.
• Maintain sterile packages and inventory of supplies.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Multitasking

Color vision

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Accredited Sterile Processing Program (400 clinical hours) or Surgical Technician program

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 all OR sets including specialty 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

• Two (2) years recent experience as a Sterile Processing Technician working in Sterile Processing Department in an acute hospital OR a Surgical Technician with two (2) years recent experience working in a Sterile Processing Department in an acute hospital.

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

• Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution - Technician Certification OR Registered Central Service Technician Certificate OR Surgical Technologist Certificate

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:

• N/A.

Notes:

• This is an on call position, days and hours may vary
• Adhere to attendance policy.
• Rotate weekends;
• Holiday work requirement.
• Must be able to work variable shifts.
• Be a fully engaged team member.