Sterile Processing Technician

Job Title: Sterile Processing Technician

Department: Ambulatory Surgery Center

Location: on-site

Employment Type / Status: Per Diem

Reports To: Clinical Director

Position Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician supports the operating room team in the daily function of the Ambulatory Surgery Center in accordance with federal, state, and accreditation standards and facility policies and procedures. The role is responsible for instrument decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterile processing, along with care and handling of instrumentation and the documentation and record keeping for those activities. The technician also supports providers and other personnel as needed and performs collateral duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect instruments and equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions for use
• Inspect, assemble, and process instrument trays; maintain inventory of trays, instrumentation, and supplies
• Operate mechanical, electrical, and air-powered equipment per manufacturer’s instructions; verify equipment is functioning before use and remove malfunctioning equipment
• Anticipate and select equipment and supplies in an organized, cost-effective, and timely manner
• Assist with OR turnover and preparation of sterile supplies (e.g., opening, case pulling)
• Collaborate with surgical and nursing staff to ensure timely availability of instrumentation for upcoming cases
• Keep the sterile processing area clean, tidy, free of soiled equipment, and properly stocked
• Maintain documentation and records of sterile processing activities
• Follow required attire and traffic patterns in restricted areas
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives
• Identify and report suspected child, spousal/partner, and elder abuse per protocol
• With additional training, may assist the surgical team as a second scrub person

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• 2-4 years of central sterile or operating room experience
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification
• Working knowledge of instrument names, care and handling, sterilization, and disinfection

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with colleagues, patients, and others from diverse backgrounds
• Strong organization and time management; able to prioritize multiple tasks under stress
• Ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention
• Willingness to work in a changing environment and support quality improvement

Physical Requirements

Per the job description, the role involves

• Standing 3-6 hours per day and constant hand use
• Frequent lifting in the 0-35 lb range, and occasional pushing/pulling up to 35 lbs
• Occasional sitting, walking, bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching
• No climbing, kneeling, or crawling