JOB SUMMARY:

To perform advanced central service tasks that support hospital/clinical operations which include receiving, decontamination, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of sterile instruments and supplies used in the hospitals and clinics.

 MAJOR DUTIES/CRITICAL TASKS: 

• Receives, sorts, decontaminates, cleans, examines and sterilizes surgical and medical items.
  • Loads and operates washer-decontaminators, ultrasonic cleaners, and sterilizers.
  • Inspects and prepares surgical items for sterilization.
  • Utilizes proper sterilization indicators and controls.
  • Reports defective material, instruments, or equipment immediately to supervisor/designee and takes appropriate action to repair or replace items.
• Expertly and consistently inventories and maintains designated levels of sterile and non-sterile supplies for the hospitals and clinics.
  • Stamps, dates, stores and rotates items; issues sterile and non-sterile items.  
  • Inspects sterile items for integrity following event related sterility protocol, initiating corrective action as necessary.
  • Maintains stock levels of supplies and equipment.
  • Requisitions, stores and issues supplies.
• Expertly performs routine and advanced technical procedures/skills used in all department workstations.
  • Serves as a technical subject matter expert for at least seven (7) department workstations.                                                                                                     
• Practices proper infection control measures and body mechanics.      
• Assists with orientation and clinical education of new personnel, perioperative nursing staff and students.
• Respects and supports patient/family rights.
  • Serves as patient/family advocate, as/when appropriate.
  • Practices principles of patient and employee confidentiality.
  • Utilizes available resources and seeks assistance in dealing with ethical dilemmas, as appropriate.
• Practices positive guest and peer relations.
  • Consistently communicates in an effective and courteous manner.
  • Directly addresses or reports and seeks assistance in dealing with guest/customers complaints/concerns.
  • Establishes and maintains a positive rapport with patients/families, other guests, other departments, and peers.
• Participates in and supports continuous quality improvement activities at the unit level.
• Demonstrates acceptable productivity and practices cost containment.
  • Prioritizes and completes all work in an effective and efficient manner.
  • Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and flexibility.
  • Effectively and efficiently uses time, equipment, and supplies.
• Functions as an interdependent and supportive team member, and as a team leader, providing direction and assistance to team members.
  • Provides support and assistance, as appropriate.
  • Participates in unit/department meetings/activities and supports the philosophy and goals of the unit/department and hospital.
• Pays attention to details.
  • Serves as a role model.
• Accepts responsibility for own growth/development.
  • Participates in in-services and education programs, as appropriate.
  • Remains current on all in-service / education / credentialing / certification requirements for position, as appropriate.
  • Exchanges constructive feedback with peers and others.
  • Conducts self-evaluation, and participates in developmental goal setting.
• Adheres to internal controls established for department.
• Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience.

EQUIPMENT:

Standard sterile processing equipment and related supplies.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work environment is located in a comfortable indoor area.
• Conditions such as noise, odors, cramped work space and/or fumes could sometimes cause discomfort.
• Moderate to extreme physical effort such as walking, standing, and lifting materials, equipment, objects and/or patients may be required.
• Occasional lifting may be heavy and awkward, over 50 lbs.
• Vision, hearing, talking, and sense of touch must be adequate to enable one to quickly and accurately perform tasks such as reading small print, defining details, sending and receiving clear and accurate oral communication.
• Frequent periods of concentrated or focused attention will be needed to interpret visual, auditory, and sensory inputs.
• Shift work may be required.
• Alertness and careful attention to detail will be required to avoid injury.
• May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, radiation, chemotherapeutic agents, and disoriented or combative patients.
• May be required to be on standby and work extended shifts in situations deemed necessary by the Chief Nursing Officer and/or Nursing Director.

 Other: