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Department/Unit:

Sterile Processing

Work Shift:

Night (United States of America)

Salary Range:

$37,440.00 - $48,672.00

The Sterile Processing Technician is assigned duties performing decontamination, preparation,

sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the surgery

center, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process.

+ Knowledge of equipment function to be able to determine operational adequacy and to distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction.

+ Ability to perform routine key entry of data involving SPD produced items into computerized inventory management system. Use of T-DOC instrument tracking computerized system. Details-oriented: assembles parts into identical finished products according to established procedures

+ Must have strong knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. You must be able to READ, SPEAK, WRITE AND INTERPRET ENGLISH in order to adequately perform critical thinking and interpretation of the OR’s and manufacturers’ IFUs. Must have strong communication skills both verbal and written to clearly and effectively communicate with all sterile processing customers.

+ Identifies problems, collects data, establishes facts, and draws valid conclusions. Solves practical problems and deals effectively with a variety of situations where only limited standardization exists. Interprets a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

+ Knowledge of applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards to be able to perform all assignments within the safety parameters.

+ Using OneSource as resource- knowledge to be able to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment.

+ Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals, and medical instruments to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies, and instruments.

+ Must have good telephone manners and problem-solving skills.

+ Tactile differentiation, e.g. temperature, moisture.

+ Skill in cleaning specialized equipment Standard equipment includes: computer terminal, telephone, washer/decontaminator, sonic cleaner, sterilizer (steam and Sterrad), air compressor and biological incubator.

Working Environment and Physical Activities:

+ Physical working environment may include, but not limited to, any of the following hazards: high pressure steam, chemical, electrical, mechanical, bio-waste, stress, back strain, body fluids, etc.

+ Environmental conditions may include, but not be limited to, variations in temperature, noise, odors, multi-stimuli, etc.

+ Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment (i.e., IV pumps, monitors, up to 25 lbs.)

+ OSHA BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE POTENTIAL: Level 1 – tasks involve possible exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissue; probability of exposure is a condition of employment. The function involves handling of both clean and soiled sharp instruments, needles, and cleaning chemicals; meticulous reassembly of fine surgical instrumentation Some danger of skin burns (steam burns); working with hot (270 degree F) metal objects; potential exposure to hazardous chemicals (Hydrogen Peroxide, Gluteraldehyde, etc.) and other potentially hazardous cleaning agents. Must observe and practice universal precautions.

+ The employee must regularly push loads up to 120 pounds and do repetitive loading/unloading of products up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

+ Pressure from high volume census to meet deadlines to obtain adequate instrumentation from vendors.

+ Extensive person-to-person contact and interruptions.

+ While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to constantly stand and walk. The employee frequently is required to stoop, crouch, and twist. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, squat, and sit.

+ The employee must be able to consistently support, push, pull, and/or lift up to 25 pounds.

+ Functional physical demands include manual dexterity and fine motor skills and reaching. The following senses will be needed for essential duties of the job: speech, vision, hearing, smell, and touch (i.e., tactile differentiation of temperature and moisture).

+ Have no physical limitations as to lifting trays of instruments (above the head), pushing, pulling carts from sterilizer, walking, and standing for duration of shift.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

+ Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely. Prepares, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards.

+ Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility.

+ Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification, and assembly according to OneSource and preparation for sterilization. Retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.

+ Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness, and cleanliness.

+ Coordinates with Materials Dept to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels.

+ Ensures safe care to patients, staff, and visitors; adheres to all FSC policies, procedures and standards and quality of service.

+ Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Communicate with operating room staff to provide required instruments.

+ Responsible for reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Clinical Director and Material Manger and follow process for replacement.

+ Acts as a resource to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization techniques.

+ Clean, set up, sterilize, and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift.

+ Maintains records for QA and sterilization.

+ Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission Standards.

+ Is familiar with organization, department, and job specific Environment of Care areas, including Life Safety, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control and Medical Equipment Failure.

+ Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include: the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate.

Minimum Requirements:

+ A High School diploma or equivalent and certification in sterile processing and distribution.

+ A clear background check and proof of up-to-date immunizations.

+ Must maintain minimum of 10 CEU’S per year by NYS Law.

+ Entry Level. Prefer 1–3 years’ experience. Prefer prior Sterile Processing Department, Operating Room support and/or prior details-oriented assembly experience.

+ Must commit to achievement of certification by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) within 18 months of hire.

+ Strong attention to detail, vigilance, and meticulous care on the job.

+ Passion for keeping people safe.

+ Good judgment and critical-thinking skills.

+ Manual dexterity and the ability to handle fragile equipment.

+ Technical skills and familiarity with sterilization techniques.

+ The ability to work well in a team or independently.

Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center!​

Albany Medical is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Medical Center, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Center policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.