Sterile Processing Technologist

MedStar Health; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 26,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to join the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. You will decontaminate, clean, and sterilize instruments and prepare surgical case carts in accordance with infection control practices.

Qualifications include 1–2 years of sterile processing experience, a high school diploma or GED, and CSPDT within 1 year or CSPM certification. Strong English communication and ability to work under pressure are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years experience as a sterile processing technician preferred.
• CSPDT within 1 year required; CSPM acceptable.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and instrument handling.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates understanding of cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and sterile storage.
• Performs decontamination of instrumentation including power, endoscopic, and general types.
• Assembles trays accurately following count sheets and labels items for sterilization.
• Operates sterilizers correctly and documents sterilization processes.
• Runs biological and chemical tests and records results in logs.
• Stores sterile supplies and equipment properly after processing.
• Delivers case carts to OR within required timeframes and responds to customer requests.
• Performs general department cleaning and maintains organized work areas.

Skills

Sterile processing operations

Infection control principles

Instrument handling and storage

Documentation and record-keeping

Quality assurance testing

High-stress environment

English communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech

CSPM - Certified in Sterile Processing Management

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.

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.