Sterile Tech

William Newton Hospital; Winfield (KS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

William Newton Hospital is seeking a Central Sterile Technician to decontaminate, clean, process and sterilize supplies per infection control standards. The role requires accurate testing, packaging and coordination with the Central Service team to ensure patient safety and compliance.

Daily duties include autoclave operation, biological/chemical testing, and maintaining sterilization records while assisting with inventory and performance improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Attention to detail in cleaning, sterilizing and packaging.
• Ability to apply aseptic techniques daily.
• Works well in a team and communicates effectively.

Responsibilities

• Operates autoclave units and verifies performance daily.
• Performs biological and chemical tests; logs results.
• Inspects autoclaves (gas and steam) and reports issues.
• Processes contaminated instruments and supplies for Central Service.
• Packages items per sterilization principles and uses EO or steam sterilization.
• Maintains routine biological testing and documents results.
• Supports clerical tasks and stock control in Central Service.
• Mentors new staff and collaborates with the Central Service Manager.
• Performs general department cleaning and maintains equipment records.
• Restocks cart inventories and tracks sterility dates.
• Orders warehouse stock and participates in performance improvement.

Skills

Dexterity

Attention to detail

Aseptic techniques

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

1 year Central Service Technician experience

Job description

Description

Job Summary: The Central Sterile Technician is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing and sterilization of supplies and equipment dispensed by the department following established infection control practices. Must be conscientious with regard to procedures and capable of working under pressure and interacting professionally with other departments within the hospital. Able to accept new ideas and learn position duties. Participates in department’s performance improvement activities.

Standards of Behavior

William Newton Hospital’s Standards of Behavior allow a mechanism for holding each employee accountable and encourages us to "raise the bar".

All employees are expected to familiarize themselves with the Standards and practice them daily.

i - Integrity

We act with unwavering moral principle,

transparency, and sincerity in every

interaction.

P - Patient-Centered

We meet patients where they are, ensuring

the are active participants in their care

journey. We prioritize the patient's physical

and emotional well-being over all else.

A - Accountability

We own our actions. We set clear

expectations and hold all team members to

the same high standards.

C - Compassion

We treat every patient, family member, and

colleague with kindness, empathy, and

dignity.

E - Excellence

We approach every task, large or small, with

enthusiasm. We continually pursue mastery

and best practices in our field.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures proper operation of autoclave units prior to use on a daily basis.
• Runs biological and chemical tests at beginning of the day shift. Records results in appropriate log.
• Inspects gas and steam autoclaves for visible signs of malfunction and reports to Central Service Manager.
• Processes or oversees, all contaminated instruments and supplies returned to Central Service.
• Uses knowledge of sterilization principles to correctly wrap or package items for sterilization.
• Processes all items appropriately using either ethylene oxide or steam sterilization.
• Maintains appropriate biological testing on routine basis and documents results as required.
• Assists with processing department supply charges and any other clerical work related to the Central Service, as requested.
• Works closely with Central Service Manager/Chief Technician and assists with orientation for new personnel.
• Applies aseptic techniques in daily work assignments. Performs general cleaning of department surface areas, racks, shelves, storage cabinets and all storage area.
• Stores all supplies and equipment, stocks Central Service’s dispensing racks.
• Maintains equipment register board.
• Knowledgeable regarding handling and care of instruments, tray preparation and special procedure items.
• Performs tray assemblage, proper packaging and preparation of all applicable supplies for sterilization. Monitors sterility dates on supplies.
• Properly loads, operates and cleans all sterilizers, gas and steam, and all general equipment using biological and chemical control tests as required by department.
• Maintains preventive maintenance procedures and control procedure on electrical heating and cooling units. Completes repair orders for Engineering Department for any unit found inoperable.
• Receives and delivers supplies and fill requisition requests.
• Assists with monitoring and maintaining stocks in storeroom.
• Restocks patient care unit supply carts.
• Assists in fixing charge tags or stickers on all items requiring same.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned.
• Orders warehouse stock as needed.
• Responsible for stocking all supply carts on the nursing units.
• Participates in departmental performance improvement activities.

Requirements

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and CMS regulations.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized time system correctly.
• Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and quality improvement (QI) activities, attends committee and management meetings when appropriate.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, vision, core values, ethics and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.
• Works at maintaining a good rapport and a cooperative working relationship with physicians, departments and staff.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding department operations, fire, safety and infection control.

Regulatory Requirements:

• High School graduate or equivalent is preferred
• Minimum of one (1) year experience as Central Service Technician preferred. On the job training is offered

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements for a sterile processing technician include standing for long shifts, lifting up to 25 to 50 pounds, and frequent bending or reaching.

Mobility and Strength

• Standing: Standing and walking for the entire duration of an 8- to 12-hour shift.
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying heavy instrument trays, bins, and medical equipment weighing 25 to 50 pounds.
• Pushing/Pulling: Moving large, heavy supply or instrument carts that can weigh hundreds of pounds.
• Bending: Frequently bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, and twisting while handling equipment.

Coordination and Senses

• Dexterity: Strong manual dexterity for repetitive hand movements, delicate instrument assembly, and precise inspection.
• Tactile Sense: Fine tactile differentiation to feel for temperature, moisture, or instrument wear.
• Vision: Good close-up vision (with or without glasses) to inspect tiny parts, cleanliness, and damage on surgical tools.