Sterile Supply Technician I

MyMichigan Health; West Branch (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

MyMichigan Health is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician in West Branch, Michigan. This role is crucial for sterilizing supplies and decontaminating instruments for patient care. Key responsibilities include assessing supply needs, maintaining logs, and assisting in cleaning procedures.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and relevant certifications, including BLS and Sterile Processing Technician certification. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential to succeed in this position.

Qualifications

• Credential: BLS: Basic Life Support required within 1 month of hire.
• Credential: SPD CERT: Cert Sterile Process Tech preferred, must complete within 24 months.
• Medical terminology course or equivalent experience required.

Responsibilities

• Sterilizes supplies and decontaminates instruments needed for patient care.
• Assesses instrument/supply needs daily in the OR and ER.
• Maintains accurate logs and performs cleaning procedures.
• Orders supplies at appropriate levels to reduce overhead cost.

Skills

Medical terminology

Organization skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for sterilizing supplies and decontaminating instruments needed for patient care.

Responsibilities

• (35%) Assesses instrument/supply needs daily in the OR and ER, restocks daily as needed. Prepares instruments/supplies in other areas as needed.
• (35%) Issues required supplies/instruments daily or as needed to nursing units, operating room, and any other areas as needed.
• (30%) Evaluates instrument/supplies prior to sterilization for impairments or other sterilization related issues.
• Begins preparing sterilizer for use promptly at the beginning of each shift.
• Correctly utilizes biological and chemical monitors.
• Correctly utilizes dart tests.
• Performs correct procedure for flushing sterilizers daily or when used and documents in the designated areas.
• Maintains accurate logs; spore checks and other sterilization parameters are performed and documented daily.
• Correctly participates/performs cleaning procedures on designated equipment weekly or as scheduled; documents on logs accordingly.
• Assesses the need for personal protective equipment, places approved orders, and replenishes supply cabinets on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and as needed.
• Puts all supplies and carts away in their designated areas at the end of each shift.
• Correctly prepares and monitors indicators for the Steris and documents in the log at designated times.
• Assists anesthesia with care and cleaning of instrumentation in a timely manner.
• Monitors and prepares milk baths in Sterile Processing according to schedule and need.
• Documents in appropriate log promptly.
• Performs pertinent procedures on instruments as needed (e.g., acid wash).
• Reports to the OR and ER Managers need for replacing instruments.
• Provides pertinent ordering manufacturer numbers.
• Assists in cleaning flexible endoscopes as needed.
• Assists OR staff by filling glove holders, masks, scrubs, and changing sharp containers weekly or as needed.
• Correctly prepares linen and distributes neatly to designated area timely.
• Assists in putting medical supplies away in OR/Sterile Processing by the end of each shift.
• Assists in monitoring medical supplies for expiration dates.
• Provides manager with supply orders that are legible and with correct ordering numbers.
• Orders supplies at appropriate par levels to reduce overhead cost; prepares physician office/health department instruments correctly and timely according to parameters.
• Assures all instruments are counted and documented prior to and after sterilization.
• Assists in terminal cleaning of rooms during periods of high patient census or as scheduled.
• Reviews and observes policies and procedures designated for Sterile Processing.
• Obtains and maintains knowledge of sterilization standards (through class or private study).
• Participates in OR/Sterile Processing performance improvement activities.
• Obtains and maintains knowledge of surgical instrumentation and equipment.
• Attends inservices on new equipment as assigned; recognizes and responds to priority needs in patient care areas.
• Independently performs assigned duties and recognizes and performs duties which need to be done although not directly assigned.
• Actively participates in orientation of new employees.
• Keeps self busy doing department productive activities in periods of low patient census.
• Follows chain of command with concerns or questions.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards physicians, co-workers, and all customers.
• Strives to exceed the customer satisfaction.
• Communicates issues or concerns to the person(s) involved.
• Assists in other areas of the hospital willingly if needed.
• Attends 75% of department meetings and/or inservices.
• All other duties as assigned.

Certifications and Licensures

Credential: BLS: Basic Life Support

Equivalent Experience: Within 1 month of hire or transfer

Qualification Source: AHA

Essential: true

Credential: SPD CERT: Cert Sterile Process Tech

Equivalent Experience: Certified in Sterile Processing (SPD Cert) preferred. If not certified, must complete certification within twenty-four months and maintain.

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Required Education

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Equivalent Experience:

Education Specialization:

Essential: true

Experience, Training and Skills

• Medical terminology course or equivalent experience acquired through a clinical setting required.
• Ability to pass medical terminology test.
• Organization skills, manual dexterity, customer service skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and computer skills are required.
• MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

Physical/Mental Requirements and Typical Working Conditions

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
• Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
• Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.