Technician, Instrument Processing

Job Title: Instrument Processing Technician

Reports to: Sterile Processing Manager

Job Code: 728010

Approved by: Director of Surgical Services

Department: Sterile Processing Department

Approval Date: September 2022

Education:

High school diploma/equivalent OR one of the following qualifications:

Completion of an associate degree program or higher; OR certificate of completion for a Central Service Technician; OR prior experience as a central service technician in a sterile processing department; OR enrollment in an associate degree program or higher with completion of clinical internship in sterile processing.

Experience:

Successful completion of sterilization, decontamination, and instrumentation competencies within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills

& Abilities at Entry:

• Ability to interpret colorimetric determinations

• Ability to read and write English proficiently

• Ability to follow written and verbal instruction

• Ability to establish successful working relationships with fellow employees within own team and across other teams

Knowledge, Skills

& Abilities upon competency completion:

• Ability to assemble all surgical instrumentation consistently and correctly, including all implant sets, with an accuracy and efficiency.

• Demonstrates understanding and application of biological testing procedures

• Knowledge of routine principles and practices of sterilization, decontamination, distribution of surgical instrumentation, and basic aseptic techniques regarding sterility and patient care

• Ability to operate all sterilizers (Steam, ETO, Sterrad, Steris) including completion and maintenance of appropriate documentation

• Ability to identify all safety issues associated with all sterilization equipment

• Ability to safely operate washer disinfectors and cart washers

• Ability to identify safety issues associated with the washer disinfector and the cart wash

• Ability to use SPM for the purpose of setting, locating, and determining appropriate substitutions

• Demonstrates the ability to identify missing instruments in SPM and to print count sheets

• Knowledge of principles of immediate-use sterilization. Understanding of same sterilization procedures inclusive of instances of appropriate application.

• Knowledge of decontamination and sterilization procedures as outlined in the competencies

• Knowledge of all appropriate computer systems/programs applicable to role

Licensure/Registration/

Certification

None

Experience:

Prefer six (6) months (1,040 hours) experience in sterile processing/surgical instrumentation.

Under the direction of the Sterile Processing Department Manager, SPD Supervisor/Coordinator and the lead technician, will be responsible for the proper handling, cleaning, disinfecting, assembly, sterilization, and handling of instrumentation and patient-related equipment to render items safe for handling and use; to monitor, stock and fill supplies; to assist with maintenance of the department; to support the operating suites in provision of patient care; and to perform other duties as assigned.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND TASKS:

1.

STERILIZATION:

1. Knows and observes all safety precautions consistent with sterilization modalities

1. Loads, unloads, and safely operates all sterilizers according to policies and procedures

1. Completes all monitoring paperwork, sterilization records and records for instrument sets within required timeline.

1. Maintains sterility of equipment and supplies; observe chemical indicators to determine if products have been contaminated.

2. Transports, handles, and stores sterile instruments and supplies per appropriate standards.

3. Functional capabilities to process, incubate, and interpret biological testing with subsequent action according to biological results.

4. Load construction with analysis for problem resolution.

5. Detailed, functional knowledge and application of sterilization parameters for steam, hydrogen peroxide, and ethylene oxide sterilization with interpretation and analysis. Intervention as indicated through analysis.

6. Establishes and maintains an organized, functional environment conducive to principles of sub-sterile/restricted spaces in conjunction with basic asepsis.

2.

DECONTAMINATION:

1. Treats all instruments and equipment in the decontamination areas appropriately.

2. Follows UBSI policy and procedure appropriately when handling or cleaning instruments and equipment.

3. Follows proper cleaning procedures for the item(s) being cleaned (referring to the IFU).

4. Organizes and sorts instrument sets and equipment for proper cleaning, decontamination and ensures the appropriate method of cleaning is being used.

5. Performs presoaking, loading of instruments in the ultrasonic/Medivator, and washer/disinfector, and performs manual cleaning/washing.

6. Assures that all instruments and equipment are rendered safe for handling and use before entry to the clean room.

7. Prioritizes work according to direction and OR demand, monitoring flow and timing.

8. Establishes and maintains an organized, functional environment that is conducive to principles of decontamination and flow/efficiency.

3.

INSTRUMENTATION:

1. Inspects and reassembles clean instrumentation and equipment according to standard operating procedures.

1. Sorts instruments according to type. Assembles instrument sets according to appropriate recipe.

1. Prepares instrument sets and appropriately places in either rigid containers, or prepares for wrapping, with proper identification, entering into queue for sterilization.

1. Ensures instruments and equipment are in good working order and recommends the repair or replacement appropriately.

1. Maintains currency with new instruments, equipment and tracking system changes.

2. Responds in timely manner to orders from external clients.

3. Maintains appropriate levels of sterile instrument sets and individual instrumentation relative to OR scheduling.

4. Prioritizes work according to direction and OR demand, monitoring flow and timing in accord with resources.

4.

FUNCTIONS AS A RESPONSIBLE TEAM MEMBER:

1. Maintains open and honest communication with SPD manager, supervisor/coordinator, leads, nursing and other hospital personnel.

1. Willingly accepts direction from department manager, supervisor/coordinator, leads and other personnel, seeking clarification, as necessary.

1. Maintains currency with and follows all department and hospital procedures, policies, and standards.

2. Functions productively and independently with orientation and experience

3. Assists in maintaining the environment appropriately at all times.

4. Consistently demonstrates professional, courteous, customer service, conduct, and approach/attitude.

5. Consistently adheres to high ethical and professional standards, demonstrating respect for others.

6. Functions competently in an urgent/emergent situation.

7. Maintains a clean and orderly environment with a priority of safety and patient care.

8. Maintains basic knowledge in infection control and prevention.

5.

CONTINUING EDUCATION, COMPETENCE AND COMPLIANCE:

1. Responsible for communication and independent study/research to maintain currency in education and competency, including staff meetings and periods of non-attendance.

1. Demonstrates willingness to share information by conveying ideas and individual expertise to fellow staff member in a manner that facilitates learning.

1. Participates in all mandatory staff meetings, in-services, education and/or competency training requirements for the department and organization.

2. Seeks the initiative to learn and undertake new tasks/process.

Yes

X No

Does this employee have direct patient contact?

Medivator

Ergonomic Worktables

Electronic Scanner

Washer/Disinfector

Sterrad

Personal Computer/peripherals

Cart Washer

Heat sealer

Infrared Temp Scanner

Battery Charger

Steam Autoclave

Pneumatic Hose/Gas Supply

Lighted Magnifiers

Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer

Elevators

Pneumatic Delivery Systems

Carts

Biological Incubators

Communication Devices