Central Sterile Technologist, FT

The Central Sterile Technician is assigned duties performing decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the Surgery and Specialty Clinic, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process.

• Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to be able to determine operational adequacy     and to distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction.
• Knowledge of applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards sufficient to be   able to perform all assignments within the safety parameters.
• Using Instructions For Use (IFUs) as resource- knowledge sufficient to be able to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals, and medical instruments sufficient to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies and instruments.
• Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment, i.e., IV pumps, monitors, up to 25 lbs.
• Must have good telephone manners and problem-solving skills.
• Is able to perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, which will include instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts of various sizes. Tactile differentiation, e.g., temperature, moisture.
• Skill in cleaning specialized equipment.
  • Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely, prepares, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of Health, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards. Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility.
• Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate    selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification and assembly according to IFUs and preparation for sterilization; retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.
• Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect   each instrument for use, function, completeness, and cleanliness.
• Coordinates with Materials Dept to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all VDMC policies, procedures, and standards and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Communicates with operating room staff to provide required instruments.
• Is responsible for reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Surgery Manager and follow process for replacement.
• Resources to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization techniques.
• Clean, set up, sterilize and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift.
• Maintains records for QA and sterilization.
• Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Is familiar with organization, department and job specific Environment of Care areas, including Life Safety, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control and Medical Equipment Failure.
• Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include: the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.