Valley Presbyterian: Central Sterile Processing Technician, Central Services Unit

Employment Status:Full Time (72-80 Hours Per Pay Period)Job Category:Allied HealthJOB SUMMARY:Responsible for collection, decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments, supplies, and medical equipment as needed for patient care.

Collaborates with other members of the health care team to support and ensure optimal patient care is provided.

Performs necessary work per manufacturer instructions to disassemble, clean, assemble, sterilize, store, and dispense/deliver/restock equipment and supplies according to prescribed procedure and aseptic techniques.EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:Knowledge of sterilization techniques, procedures, infection control, workflow principles and requirements, equipment and supply processing, including cleaning, inspection, and assembly.Knowledge of surgical supplies and instrument sets in order to pull surgery cases is preferred.Minimum of two years’ work experience in a Central Service, Sterile Processing, or Operating Room environment preferred.Ability to make sound decisions and perform with minimal supervision.Basic Computer proficiency and ability to work with electronic information systems.Must know or learn terminology of the department with numerous synonyms.EDUCATION:High School Diploma or equivalent preferredLICENSURES/CERTIFICATION:Current certification through IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution) organization required.Must successfully complete and maintain LA City Fire Card certification at the time of hire or within the first 30 days of employmentDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (These are the essential job functions for this position.

The essential functions of this job include, but may not be limited to those listed in this job description.

Employees hired for this position must be able to perform the essential function of this job without imposing significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others):Accountable to the unit Manager and/or the Director of the department.Ability to take direction from the Lead Central Sterile Processing Technician role.Assemble all instrument procedure trays, packs, supply/case/emergency carts following prescribed manner.Assist in collaboration with department manager and lead technician in the day-to-day operations of the Sterile Processing Department.Sterilize instruments, equipment, linen and supplies using various types of sterilizers following correct procedures for the type of item being sterilized.

Completes appropriate documentation and verify that sterilization requirements are met.Assist and fulfill emergency requisitions/requests, issue required supplies and equipment based on knowledge of procedures requested.Maintain standards of operation consistent with or to exceed regulatory requirements and recommendations.Demonstrates and promotes compliance to infection control, legal, ethical, and safety standards.Disassemble and clean procedure trays and instruments using appropriate products and automatic equipment following the manufacturer prescribed procedures.

Check instruments for correct operation and condition and replace instruments as required to complete a tray.Dispense and deliver products requested by electronic, written, or telephone requests/requisitions.Displays professional commitment and supports the unit team by, promoting unity and teamwork among coworkers, and maintaining a positive attitude and positive working relationships.Maintain assigned work areas and equipment in a clean, safe, organized condition to maintain required standards for processing sterilized and clean materials and equipment.Obtain, complete and submit all inter and intra departmental forms following prescribed procedures.Performs other related duties as required in an accurate and timely manner.The following job accountabilities are not unique to this particular job but are common to all jobs at VPH:Complies with VPH policies and procedures on customer satisfaction and service excellence.

Demonstrates professionalism and cultural sensitivity in coordinating activities and communicating with all customers, peers, and the community at large.

Conducts self in a professional, respectful and courteous manner during all interactions.

Works effectively and collaboratively with others toward common goals.Communicates accurately, honestly, supportively and in a timely manner with department and interdepartmental team members.

Demonstrates effective business writing and oral communication skills, handwriting is clear and legible.Participates in operational aspects of the department, and maintains/participates in performance improvement activities within the department.Participates in all departmental specific training, Environment of Care (injury/illness prevention, fire/life safety, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, utilities management, medical equipment management, safety and security management), infection control (standard precautions, TB Exposure Control Plan, Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan).Demonstrates knowledge of and follows safety practices.

Understands the importance of safety, including patient safety in the work place.

Maintains a safe environment for self and others.Actively participates in the Patient Safety Program, including event reporting.

Identifies sentinel events/near misses and responds per defined organization processes.

Participates in education activities and process implementation.

Demonstrates advocacy for the patient/customer and appropriately acknowledges patients, customers and visitors.The above statements reflect the essential functions considered necessary to describe the principle content of the job.

They are not intended to be a complete statement of all work requirements or duties that may be inherent in the job.WORK ENVIRONMENT:Primarily an inside building/office environment, well lighted and ventilated, which may consist of multiple treatment and/or work sites.Fast and continuous work pace with variable workload.Frequent contact with staff and public under a variety of circumstances.Requires ability to communicate clearly (in English) verbally and in writing for effective communication with other staff members, physicians, vendors, community members, patients and patient families, employees and applicants of all socio-economic levels from a diverse cultural and ethnic population.Subject to many interruptions from multiple calls and inquiries and potentially emotional situations involving accidents, injuries, illness and/or death.Handles emergency/crisis situations in accordance with Hospital policy.Answers phones or pages; may carry a beeper/pager, and/or use a two-way radio.Occasional travel may be required.Potential risk of exposure to hazards from chemicals (toxic and non-toxic), flammable materials, gas or electrical or radiant energy or equipment with/without moving parts.