Under direction, to perform work involving the decontamination, washing, processing and sterilizing of all sterile instruments, equipment and supplies used throughout the hospital system. Sets up and assembles all instruments and supplies for Operating Room surgery case carts and for use in other departments.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES(*Essential Functions)

1. Ensures that correct procedures are used in the decontamination process, in accordance with infection control techniques and the principles of observing universal precautions.


2. Replaces and/or notes defective, damaged, or missing instruments and reports equipment malfunctions to Bio-Med in a timely manner.


3. Accurately places, assembles and monitors instrument stock levels to ensure back-up or emergency instruments are available for immediate use.


4. Loads and operates all sterilizers to ensure the proper sterilization of equipment utilizing the principles of sterilization and the current processes of cleaning, sterilizing and operating equipment and the importance of the sterilization process.


5. Operates plasma gas sterilizers, steam autoclaves, washer decontaminator, sonic instrument cleaners, etc. correctly in accordance with operating instructions and manufacturer's recommendations.


6. Identifies heat and moisture sensitive instruments, and selects appropriate sterilization procedures to ensure no damage occurs.


7. Analyzes department needs, studies new products, equipment, techniques, and services, and makes recommendations for improvement.


8. Performs biological and chemical monitoring in accordance with required standards.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS(Minimum Requirements)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Appropriate knowledge to identify all instruments and their assembly that remain in CSR and those used by the Operating Room and other specialty areas.
• Working knowledge of proper care and handling of surgical instruments.
• Understands and verbalizes knowledge of instrument decontamination and sterilization processes.
• Must secure sterile processing certification through CRCST or SBSPD within one (1) year of hire date in order to maintain employment.

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent General Studies Required
• Certificate in Sterile Processing Preferred
• No prior employment experience required in Sterile Processing or Surgery Department.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
Meets the Standards of Behavior as outlined in Personnel Policy and Procedure #1, Employee Relations Code.

CONFIDENTIALITY/HIPAA/CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
Demonstrates knowledge of procedures for protecting and maintaining security, confidentiality and integrity of employee, patient, family, organizational and other medical information. Understands and supports the commitment of Methodist Hospitals in adhering to federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing ethical business practices for healthcare providers.

DISCLAIMER - The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.