Sterile Processing Technicians

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 26,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center is seeking a skilled Sterile Processing Technician to ensure proper cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of instruments and supplies used in the OR. You will prepare sterile case carts, verify packaging, and document results daily, while maintaining compliance with infection control standards.

The role requires 1–2 years of sterile processing experience, a high school diploma or GED, and certification (CSPDT or CSPM preferred).

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and sterile storage.
• Ability to follow instrumentation handling and packaging protocols.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Performs decontamination and sterilization processes for instruments and equipment.
• Assembles surgical case trays and ensures correct labeling and packaging.
• Operates sterilizers and related equipment; verifies and documents sterilization results.
• Performs biological and chemical testing; records results and recalls if needed.
• Maintains clean, organized work areas and reports supply or instrument needs.
• Delivers case carts to the OR in time for case setup; supports workload changes.
• Assists with general department cleaning and adherence to regulatory protocols.

Skills

English communication

Public relations

Stress management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

About the Job

General Summary of Position: The incumbent in this position is responsible for the decontamination cleaning processing and sterilization of supplies and equipment dispensed by the department following the established infection control practices. This incumbent is also responsible to preparing surgical case carts. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy policies procedures and standards.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrates an understanding of the specific principles of cleaning disinfection sterilization and sterile storage.
• Displays a thorough knowledge of the basic and special instrumentation.
• Exhibits proper care and handling of the instrumentation.
• Capable of performing all functions related to the decontamination process. Able to decontaminate all types of instrumentation correctly (general instrumentation special instrumentation power instrumentation endoscopic instrumentation etc.)
• Performs tray assemblage accurately by following the count sheets.
• Executes proper packaging and labeling of all applicable items for sterilization.
• Demonstrates knowledge of proper loading and operation of all sterilizers and other equipment.
• Performs accurate verification and proper documentation of the sterilizing processes.
• Knows how to run biological and chemical tests. Accurately interprets and records the results in the appropriate logs. Capable of carrying out the Recall Procedure in the event of a positive biological test.
• Demonstrates correct techniques in storing sterile supplies instruments and equipment in the proper locations after processing.
• Ensures proper operation of the sterilizer by inspecting and cleaning the sterilizers according to the manufacturers' recommendations. Reports any malfunctions immediately to the supervisor.
• Pulls case carts accurately and delivers them to OR within an adequate time for case setup.
• Ensures all items on the Needs List are processed in a timely manner.
• Responds promptly and positively to all customer requests. Follows through on all issues to resolution.
• Willingly accepts temporary reassignment to effectively respond to changes in the workload.
• Notifies supervisor immediately of instrument or supply or other purchase needs.
• Consistently maintains clean and organized work areas.
• Performs the general cleaning of the department surface areas racks shelves storage areas as needed.
• Reviews Communicator Book and Information Board making note of instruments or service charges requested by the customer.
• Completes annual education requirements and department in-services as scheduled.U.Performs in accordance with the protocols established by the regulatory agencies (state and local agencies AORN THE JOINT COMMISSION AAMI and OSHA). V.Assumes other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this position and is not considered as all inclusive.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required or
• equivalent (GED) required

Experience

• 1-2 years Experience as a sterile processing technician preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech within 1 Year required or
• CSPM - Certified in Sterile Processing Management

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Able to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.
• Good public relations and communication skills.
• Ability to deal with high stress associated with high volume critical care departments.

This position has a hiring range of USD $18.70 - USD $32.72 /Hr.