The Central Sterile Technician is responsible for the centralized cleaning, decontamination, storage, processing, assembling, issuance and preparation of medical/surgical supplies and equipment. The technician must perform tasks quickly and efficiently, paying close attention to detail and understanding the principles involved in each task performed. The Technician also performs a variety of duties to maintain infection control standards for the health and safety of hospital patients, medical staff and personnel.

Responsibilities:

Decontamination Practices

• • Cleans all reusable patient care items returned from nursing and special care units according to Central Service procedure manual.
  • Inspects all reusable items for damage and/or missing parts.
  • Successfully operates and understands the mechanical functioning of ultrasonic washer/dryer, cart washer and washer/decontaminator.
• Preparation and Sterilizations Practices
  • Follows prescribed procedures in preparation and assembly of reusable sets of instruments and equipment used in patient care units, surgical services, radiology room, emergency room, etc.
  • Exercises particular attention to detail in organizing tray material and setup and consistently exercises care in protecting all equipment.
  • Identifies correctly the unassembled surgical components of each instrument tray, inspecting each instrument for possible defects and to ensure cleanliness. Pays particular attention to reassembly of non-standard trays and is extremely proficient in this area.
  • Assembles accurately each surgical instrument tray to correspond correctly with prescribed listing on each individual tray by using instrument tracking system.
  • Maintains accurate records of all instruments and equipment processed through the sterilizers.
  • Loads steam/gas sterilizer carriage according to AAMI standards.
  • Conducts safety checks on high and low temperature sterilization.
  • Cleans all sterilizers, carts and carriages following prescribed procedures.
• Distribution and Storage
  • Maintains Central Service inventory of sterile items on shelves. Checks outdates weekly.
  • Demonstrates both speed and accuracy in filling surgical case cart requisitions for each surgical procedure performed in the Operating Room and transports the filled carts to the OR.
  • Assists in the ordering and inventory control of supplies using the Parex system.
  • Uncases and puts away supplies.
• Quality Insurance/Quality Indicators and Testing Practices
  • Assists in data collection in cooperating with quality insurance.
  • Knows parameters of high and low temperature sterilization, aeration, chemical indicators, expiration dating, Bowie Dick Tests, cultures and decontamination equipment testing (Tosi, sono check and cart wash check) and ATP testing on instruments.
  • Performs chemical and biological testing following quality assurance guidelines.
  • Reports problems to appropriate supervisor.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Central Service or Operating Room experience preferred.

• High school graduate or equivalent.

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution(CBSPD) required

• If applicable, the individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
• Knowledge and understanding of basic principles of asepsis, simple chemistry, simple biology desirable.
• Good communication and organizational skills.

About Us:

MidHudson Regional Hospital

MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY, is home to the mid-Hudson Valley's most advanced healthcare services. This 243-bed facility cares for more than 10,000 inpatients annually while performing an additional 325,000 outpatient procedures each year. MidHudson Regional Hospital operates the area's only Level II trauma center, is home to the Redl Center for Cancer Care and Center for Robotic Surgery, and is a destination hospital for patients with serious illnesses and injuries.