Sterile Processing Aide

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for ensuring that all surgical supplies, instruments and equipment are properly inventoried, decontaminated, assembled, inspected, packaged, sterilized, stored, distributed and tracked in a quality/timely manner throughout the hospital. We be responsible for inventory management of supplies, patient charging and supply ordering. The Sterile Processing Aide reports directly to the Sterile Processing Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education High school diploma or equivalent. Licensure/Certification Current CRCST or CSPDT certification preferred but not required Work Experience At least 18 years of age. Basic computer knowledge. Good interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and the ability to receive and give constructive feedback. Good verbal and written communication skills as needed for the job, being concise by phone, intercom and in person. Self-motivated, able to work independently with little or no supervision. Able to learn concepts and apply them to his/her work. Able to work standing. Must be able to bend, twist, push, pull and lift up to 50 pounds without special equipment or assistance of others.

RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DUTIES

Identifies and uses appropriate methods and solutions to sort, disassemble, decontaminate, rinse and disinfect instruments and clinical equipment. Operates and troubleshoots cleaning equipment. Appropriately handles garbage, linen and biohazardous materials. Maintains safety standards. Consistently uses tray listings to correctly assemble, protect, wrap containerize and /or peel package and label instruments. Identifies and inspects instruments for cleanliness and functionality. Properly handles and stores sterile supplies, equipment and instruments. Selects appropriate sterilization methods. Knows and follows correct principles of sterilization. Properly documents and verifies sterilization loads and biological tests to determine the efficacy of the sterilization process. Accesses Surgeon Preference Cards. Disburses and tracks medical and surgical supplies and equipment to the customer in a quality/timely manner. Understands, uses, maintains and operates the equipment specific to sterile processing, i.e. steam, gas plasma sterilizers, cart washers, washer/disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners as well as a variety of testing devices. Understands and uses the processes involved in ordering, receiving, and stocking, rotating delivering and monitoring usage of surgical supplies. Communicates supply issues to appropriate personnel in a timely manner. Maintains a clean orderly work area. Completes assigned housekeeping duties. Other Duties as assigned

REQUIRED STAFF COMPETENCIES

Demonstrates support for organizational and departmental mission. Supports and demonstrates knowledge of the Strategic Plan and the Hospital Key Initiatives. Fosters and promotes teamwork within department and the organization as a whole. Works to resolves conflicts constructively and in a timely manner. Ability to communicate effectively and simply with every customer and co-worker. Ability to display a positive, courteous and friendly attitude toward all contacts. Ability to build good relationships with others based upon a sustained effort of mutual support toward common goals. Ability to exercise good judgment, reasoning and concentration to detail and to take personal accountability for all actions in carrying out job duties. Is customer focused and committed to Quality and Process Improvement with a strong desire to provide service excellence. Possesses and displays a strong knowledge and understanding of the standards of practice for their position including, if and when applicable, commensurate computer skills; population specific and general competencies; organizational skills, time and project management. Possesses a vigorous and enthusiastic desire to learn and to grow both personally and professionally, and to improve one's skills in order to deliver the best possible care for our customers.