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Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician works under the direct supervision of the SPD Manager or SPD Shift Lead Tech. Must be able to work cooperatively with other members of the Surgical and Sterile Processing Team. He or she demonstrates a sense of professionalism and ethical standards. He or she is able to complete tasks as assigned and uses the appropriate resources and references available for processing instrumentation and equipment. Using attained knowledge of sterilization processes, the Sterile Processing Technician I will work independently in an ever-changing technical environment. Performs duties associated with processing of sterile instruments to include decontamination, assembly, autoclaving and dispatch. The Sterile Processing Technician I may or may not be certified. The Sterile Processing Technician I participates in all unit quality control activities. He or she must demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of their role to patient care. They are responsible for helping to maintain a safe environment for fellow team members as well as patients.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: National certification in Sterile Processing- Responsible for maintaining 12 continuing education points per year for continued Core Course completion status or certification or Surgical Technologist Certification is required for position.

• Educational Requirements: High School Diploma or GED

• Minimum Experience:

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements:

• Preferred Experience: Six (6) months experience in Sterile Processing. Other Healthcare experience is desired.

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Precise Hand Eye Coordination

• Manual Dexterity Skills

• Has appropriate knowledge of instruments and their assembly (laparoscopy)

• Knows priority instruments and equipment and processes these accordingly

• Knowledge of proper inspection of filter, seals and placement of container

• Understands the principles of sterilization and the importance of the sterilization process by demonstrating the correct procedure to load and operate all sterilizers, to ensure product sterility

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Decontaminates supplies and equipment in accordance to safety guidelines for self and to render goods safe for handing.

• Thorough inspection and cleaning of washer drains.

• Follows proper loading technique for washer.

• Careful to remove blood and bone from inside needles and instruments.

• Assembles instruments properly prior to sending through washer/decontaminator.

• Processes hand washed items properly.

• Use Sonic Irrigator for laporoscopy instruments to ensure that the lumen are flushed properly.

• Transports trash and dirty linen.

• Restocks decontam area with supplies.

• Inspects instruments for proper working order as they are assembled into set.

• Assembles trays and sets accurately.

• Replaces plate & screws & implants & makes a note of what needs to be reordered.

• Properly tapes and labels all packages(item identified, initials, date).

• Place proper chemical indicator strips in appropriate packages.

• Follow proper wrapping procedures using appropriate wrapping material and technique.

• Dries inside of containers routinely before putting set into the container.

• Matches up containers with the right labels.

• Folds and wraps all linen into appropriate packs for various departments.

• Assist with starting up Autoclaves and Sterrad when time permits in order to keep the workflow moving for sterile products.

• Placement of the Bowie-Dick-Test packs in the sterilizer.

• Placement of the biological test pack for steam sterilizer.

• Review and correctly fill in log sheet control and load card.

• Complete all Sterilization Load Sheet information for each type of load processed.

• Follow guideline for the proper cool down in and out of the sterilizer.

• Place wrapped items, stack containers properly and in the correct bin location to ensure that all processed items are available when requested.

• Keeps autoclaves running on a timely basis.

• Checks biological indicators and records.

• Use proper technique when handing Biological Indicators (placing in or removing from incubator).

• Signs out equipment from the equipment room.

• Completes surgery requisitions.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Vision: Moderate, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Frequently 31-65%

• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%

• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently 31-65%

• Intensity of Work: Occasionally 0-30%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals.

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.