Job Specifics
Career Department
Central Sterile
Status
Full Time
Shift
Monday - Friday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM OR 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM (every 4th weekend 'on call' required)
Average Weekly Hours
40
Contact
Employment Specialists
Phone
Email
careers [at] knoxcommhosp [dot] org
Posting Date
JOB SUMMARY
Performs and participates in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, sterilization, scanning, storage, and distribution of reusable instrumentation and equipment. Adheres to organizational policies and procedures; regulatory/ accrediting body requirements; and professional practice standards (i.e.: OSHA, CDC, AAMI, AORW, IAHCSMM and The Joint Commission).
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Demonstration of self-motivation, efficient and effective work habits.
- Knowledge of safety standards and performance requirements on instruments and equipment.
- Successful completion of mandatory requirements including unit proficiencies/ competencies.
- Demonstration of effective problem solving, decision-making, interpersonal, and team work skills.
- Demonstration of effective verbal and written communication.
- Demonstration of positive customer service.
- Must be attentive to details, reliable, and able to effectively prioritize work.
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/SOFTWARE
- Basic computer literacy (keyboarding; order entry; word processing).
- Knowledge of and skill in identification of all instrumentation/equipment in the Central Sterile Department.
- Capability of operating sterilizers and other equipment used in the reprocessing of surgical instruments and equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintains self-control under stressful situations and workload pressures without exhibiting negative behaviors.
- Demonstrates competency to identify all specialty instruments, supplies and equipment unique to surgical services.
- Monitors the usage of all supplies in the Central Sterile area and adjusts par levels as needed.
- Performs decontamination, cleaning, reprocessing and sterilizing duties according to standards and manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Maintains a clean work area.
- Identifies, inspects, orders, receives, processes, stores, disassembles, cleans, decontaminates, assembles, sterilizes and distributes sterile instruments.
- Properly loads and unloads sterilized items.
- Maintains accurate sterilization records.
- Reprocesses endoscopes according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Performs routine biological testing of sterilization equipment.
- Verifies functionality of instruments; requisitions for repairs or replacement with Department Director approval, and removes defective instruments from service.
- Tracks instrumentation out for repair and collaborates with Perioperative Supply and Equipment Specialist to arrange loaner equipment as necessary.
- In-services and acts a resource to staff regarding new instruments.
- Demonstrates knowledge of disaster/ emergency procedures and responds appropriately.
- Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual knowledge, skills, performance and behavior in accordance with hospital, division, and unit standards of care and policies and procedures.
- Utilizes measures to promote and maintain patient, visitor and personnel safety.
- Maintains patient, employee, physician, and organization confidentiality; respects the rights, privacy, and property of others.
- Demonstrates the appropriate use of infection control principles and personal protection equipment.
- Selects appropriate method of sterilization.
- Supports the mission, values, and vision of the organization.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Takes responsibility and is accountable for own professional work ethic.
- Floats to assigned role within the perioperative setting as needed.
- Perform tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances.
- Participates in staff meetings, educational programs, committees, PI activities and mandatory in-services.
- Assists with surgery room preparation and/or cleanup activities to assure timely turnover of surgery rooms.
- Demonstrates working knowledge of medical terminology
- Ability to identify surgical instrumentation by name and usage.
- Ability to function independently and effectively in decontamination and assembly areas
- Assist in the orientation of new staff
- Demonstrates the ability to handle high stress and high volume situations.
- Maintains proper body mechanics
- Assists with collecting procedure supplies, instruments and equipment for surgical procedures.
- Assists Perioperative Supply and Equipment Specialist
- Retrieval of soiled instruments and equipment; ensure they are properly cleaned and decontaminated to expedite Operating Room turn over times.
- Ensures instruments from outside departments and offices are re-processed and ready for courier pick-up and next day delivery.
- Demonstrates adaptability to change in the work environment and related assignments.
- Demonstrates conflict resolution skills.
- Participates in maintaining unit functions.
- Demonstrates initiative in personal/ professional development.
- Presents a professional image.
- Assists with control of costs through the judicious use of human and material resources.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements Include
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Certification as a Central Service Technician from a nationally recognized organization required or obtained within one year of hire
- Current American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider CPR (BLS) certification required