Sterile Processing Technician - Sterilization, University Hospital

USA Health; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Alabama Health System seeks a Sterile Processing professional to support decontamination, disinfection, inspection and assembly of medical instruments. You will follow standard procedures, operate sterilizers, and ensure packaging integrity and traceable documentation.

The role requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and the ability to stand for long periods. This position offers on-site work in Mobile, AL with opportunities for training and advancement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Required.
• Comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.
• Retrieves soiled supplies/equipment from soiled holding areas from various departments throughout the hospital per schedule and as needed; sort, disassemble, select and perform correct process to decontaminate items.
• Follow established procedures to select appropriate High Level Disinfection method (steam/low temp) for heat sensitive instruments, equipment or endoscopes.
• Document receipt and all work in tracking software in a timely manner.
• Inspect and assemble instrument sets following recipes; verify items are functional and complete.
• Identify missing items and escalate to Supervisor.
• Document sterilization results and perform routine sterilizer testing including biological monitoring and leak tests.
• Adhere to hospital policies and maintain a clean, safe work area.
• Stand for long periods and assist with heavy equipment as needed.
• Related duties as assigned.

Skills

Sterilization procedures

Equipment handling

Documentation tracking software

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Instrument tracking software

Job description

Overview

USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community. USA Health is changing how medical care, education, and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists, and researchers provides the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics, and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall well-being of our community.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.
• Retrieves soiled supplies/equipment from soiled holding areas from various departments throughout the hospital per schedule and as needed; sort, disassemble, select and perform correct process to decontaminate items. Clean, maintain, and operate a variety of decontamination equipment.
• Following established procedures select appropriate High Level Disinfection method, manual or automatic (AER), for heat sensitive instruments, equipment or flexible endoscopes.
• Document receipt and all work in a timely manner utilizing tracking software.
• Document all work performed utilizing instrument tracking software. Inspect and assemble all equipment, instruments, scopes, and instrument sets following product recipe, verifies items are functional, free of debris and required per instrument recipe.
• Document items missing from instrument set, escalating set to Supervisor or Designee for further guidance.
• Identifies and places appropriate internal indicator as required.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area al all times. Other duties as assigned.
• Interprets package labeling to select appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle, options include Steam, Low Temperature, or other as required. Inspects packages to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are securely affixed to items and correct deficiencies before sterilization.
• Load sterilizer as appropriate to ensure cycle completion; includes biological testing. Performs routine sterilizer testing including biological monitoring, leak test, and bowie dick test as appropriate.
• Following established policies interprets and appropriately document results of sterilizer testing using tracking software.
• Escalates positive results as appropriate for intervention. Removes and inspects items from sterilizer utilizing approved methods to preserve package integrity.
• Adheres to all hospital and departmental policies.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics when moving equipment/supplies weighing up to 50 lbs and autoclave carts weighing up to 200 lbs.;
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Completes all mandatory department, educational and hospital requirements
• Adheres to current Infection Control and Safety Standards
• Regular and prompt attendance
• Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required
• Related duties as assigned

Additional Information

Employees must be in a regular position, working 20 hours or more per week (.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Required
• Comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. EO Employer – minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.