Processing tech

Everyone who works with Mercy Health is united under one purpose: to help our patients be well in mind, body and spirit. This drive, along with our history of faith, is a powerful combination. It gives us a shared calling to work toward every day. Join our exceptional team and help us continue to provide the highest quality of health care possible to our communities.

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Sterile Processing Technician Certified, under general supervision, will inspect, clean, assemble, test, and processes patient care equipment, supplies, and instruments according to established policies and procedures and according to manufacturer's instructions for use. They will act in accordance to sterility per the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), The Joint Commission (JCAHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and state standards of practice. Primary duties may vary depending on area assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs decontamination functions including manual cleaning and processing of surgical instrumentation and patient care equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions for use.

• Applies proper knowledge of various detergents and chemical disinfectants for use in the decontamination and removal of blood, bone, and other body tissues from contaminated surgical equipment. Adheres to standard precautions while performing cleaning and sterilization duties.
• Inventories, stocks, and delivers supplies, carts, equipment to all facility areas as indicated per facility guidelines. Orders, restocks, labels, and maintains proper inventory levels. Rotates stock, inspecting for outdates per market requirements.
• Performs and documents quality control aspects of sterile processing using various information technology systems focusing on instrument tracking, surgery schedules, surgeon preference cards, supply ordering and management. Accurately maintains comprehensive quality assurance standards related to sterilization and infection control.
• Operates and understands various sterilizers and sterilizing techniques required to produce sterile packages for use in the surgical setting keeping package assembly aseptic protocols in mind. Monitors sterilization regularly ensuring quality assurance through chemical and biological indicators and integrators.
• Documents all activities as required within the outlined processes and reports variances that may affect the outcome of sterile products or patient care and safety.
• Identifies and resolves infection control issues in and around transport of biological hazardous materials, including the use of universal precautions and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as sterile product identification.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the operation and testing of washers and/or disinfectors, steam, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizers, and other facility specific equipment and instrumentation.
• Identifies surgical instrumentation by surgical specialty: General, Gynecological, Robotic, ENT, Orthopedics, Neurological, Vascular, Obstetrical, Urological, etcetera. Including functionality testing, assembly and disassembly as required according to manufacturer's instructions for use.
• Participates in ongoing educational and competency verification opportunities.
• Participates in the orientation of new staff and students as assigned.
• Participates in the continuing development of personnel in the Operating Room.
• Accessible for "on call" as scheduled and is available within the time frames as indicated by the department.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

One of the following is required: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) (required)

Education

High School Diploma or GED (required)

Work Experience

Recent experience in surgical setting (preferred)

Training

EPIC (preferred)

Language

None

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Not applicable to this position

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*

May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.

May have periods of constant interruptions.

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

Prolonged periods of working alone.

Other: Push/Pull over 100 lbs.

• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands

Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%

Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.) x

Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) x

Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) x

Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) x

Stoop, Kneel x

Crawling x

Climbing x

Balance x

Bending x

Work Position

Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%

Sitting x

Walking x

Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

Perform shift work

Hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings

Reach above shoulder

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Finger Dexterity

Color Vision

Acuity – far

Acuity – near

Hazards - Select if a potential hazard for this job.

Depth perception

Use of Latex products

Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

Exposure to moving mechanical parts

Exposure to dust/fumes

Exposure to potential electrical shock

Exposure to high pitched noises

Gaseous risk exposure

Skills

Ability to Follow Instructions

Able to Work Independently

Able to work under pressure

Anatomy

Anticipate Needs

Communication

Communication with multi-levels

Computer skills

Critical Thinking

HIPAA

Infection Control

Knowledge of AAMI Recommendations

Move with a sense of urgency

Possess Surgical Conscience

Preceptor

Professionalism

Self-Directed

Sterile processing workflow

Takes Direction

Teamwork

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email [email protected]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]