The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the decontamination, assembly, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment. They must ensure compliance with infection control standards and maintain accurate documentation of all reprocessing activities.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have completed a relevant training program in surgical or sterile processing, or possess equivalent experience. Certification as a CRCST or CSPDT is preferred, with a requirement to obtain CRCST certification within one year of eligibility.
Job Summary Performs duties in Decontamination, Instrument Preparation and Assembly, and Sterilization/Disinfection relating to cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment to be used in patient care.
Disassembles complex instruments, supplies and equipment; sorts and inspects for damage and reports needed repairs.
Selects the mode of decontamination best suited for items on hand.
Assembles, prepares and packages instrument trays, surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty items.
Determines the appropriate sterilization or disinfection method and follows appropriate steps for reprocessing.
Follows strict documentation guidelines for tray management, biological/chemical test results, equipment functionality, and reprocessing steps.
Essential Functions All team members are expected to be knowledgeable and compliant with Prisma Health's purpose: Inspire health.
Serve with compassion.
Be the difference Receives, sorts, disassembles and processes contaminated instruments and equipment using the procedures and guidelines as established by Infection Control.
Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments and body fluids by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and using ultrasonic or other mechanical methods, as applicable.
Assembles all instrument sets following prescribed manner and as outlined on the Instrument Count Sheets.
Properly documents missing items from the set and labels sets correctly.
Takes action to correct problems with instrument sets and reports any unresolved issues.
Sterilizes instruments, equipment, linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves and aerators.
Reprocesses equipment via high level disinfection as appropriate.
Loads and operates machinery in prescribed manner and sets controls to correct specifications for the items being sterilized.
Documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the Instrument Tracking System (SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems.
Observe and interpret biological, mechanical and chemical monitors relevant to processing/sterilizing.
Record results and maintains required records.
Initiates recalls as required.
Issues items to customers and departments according to established procedures.
Observes and reports to supervisor any unfamiliar items with or without appropriate processing literature.
Reports equipment requiring repair as needed.
Is self-directed and intervenes with corrections to variances in the processing practice.
Models Prisma Health behavior expectations.
Assists with coaching, mentoring and training coworkers as assigned.
Trains and assists with integration of new team members.
Shares knowledge, ideas and expertise to support the team and the department.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory/Management Responsibility This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director, or executive.
Minimum Requirements Education - Completion of job-related coursework: Surgical Tech, Sterile Processing Tech, or Dental Assistant training program.
Experience - No experience required.
In Lieu Of In lieu of the education requirement only, will accept High School diploma or equivalent and 6 months experience in a hospital or clinical setting.
Required Certifications, Registrations, Licenses Certification as either: CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) from HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association); OR CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician) from CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution) preferred Applicants without sterile processing certification are required to obtain CRCST certification via HSPA within ONE (1) year of meeting the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam.
Eligibility is defined by HSPA as "10 weeks (400 hours) experience" in a Sterile Processing hospital setting.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
NA Work Shift Variable (United States of America) Location Tuomey Facility 1570 Tuomey Hospital Department 15708007 Central Sterile Share your talent with us! Our vision is simple: to transform healthcare for the benefits of the communities we serve. The transformation of healthcare requires talented individuals in every role here at Prisma Health. Prisma Health is the largest not-for-profit health organization in South Carolina, serving more than 1.2 million patients annually. Our 32,000 team members are dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of you and your family. Our promise is to: Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.
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