Job Details

Sterile Processing Tech II

Position Summary:

The Sterile Processing Tech II has successfully completed all requirements of a Sterile Processing Tech. Responsible for receiving, disassembling, and using chemical and mechanical processes to disinfect instruments, endoscopes, and equipment that are mildly to grossly contaminated with infectious bioburden. Utilizes electrical conductivity, demagnetizers, and leak test equipment to identify and correct leaks, failures, and defects in surgical and procedural equipment. Utilizes count sheets to assemble, wrap, containerize, and peel pack instruments. Operates high pressure, high temperature, and low temperature sterilizers, including hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, to destroy microorganisms on critical items, reaching a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10-6th. Utilizes liquid chemical peracetic acid and glutaraldehyde to high level disinfect semi-critical devices to prevent disease transmission to patients and staff. Utilizes dynamic air removal (dart) tests, chamber leak tests, and biological spore tests, incubates and checks for spore growth, to ensure sterilization equipment is functioning properly. Documents and records sterilizer results. Works in a restricted access area.

Responsibilities:

• Assists with department audits as assigned
• Precepts new hires in accordance with preceptor and new hire training programs
• Makes changes and updates within the instrument tracking system as needed
• Enters new and loaner scopes in AER system
• Adds new and loaner scopes to AER system
• Utilizes aseptic technique, standard precautions, and personal protective equipment (P.P.E)
• Distributes single use supplies and checks to ensure they are not outdated
• Pulls single use supplies for case carts based on physician preference for all scheduled surgeriesProper use and handling of caustic agents and chemicals
• Utilize quality assurance documents and software programs for instrument tracking, sterilization record keeping, and supply distribution/materials management functions
• Safely utilizes department specific testing equipment to diagnose and treat equipment failures to include replacing parts, demagnetizing, polishing, sending out for repair, or removing from service and documenting need for non-repairable replacement
• Operates sterilizers and high-level disinfectors, and identifies specific instrumentation and equipment that is appropriate for each process
• Operates drying cabinets and heat sealers and can troubleshoot operational failures
• Utilizes count sheet and preference cards to assemble instrument sets and case carts based on Physician preference
• Maintains record of inventory and equipment processed, to include sterilization method, results, and patient information, as required by governing standards
• Demonstrates knowledge of and can use current instrument tracking system to update set lists, upload pictures, and create/add new sets as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function
• Competent to meet age specific needs of the unit assigned

Requirements and Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Registered and Certified (C.R.C.S.T.) through the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management (I.A.H.C.S.M.M.) or equivalent certification
• One-year experience in an acute or ambulatory Sterile Processing department/setting required
• Preceptor training completed within 6 months and current on annual preceptor modules required
• Familiar with AAMI & AORN recommended Practices and Standards and other industry standards and best practices required
• Has knowledge of and can use current instrument tracking system to update set lists, upload pictures, and create/add new sets as needed
• Has knowledge and utilization of department standards and processes to include AAMI/ANSI, AORN, and IAHCSMM standards and best practices
• Deciphers and understands medical terminology as it relates to Sterile Processing functions
• Has understanding of cause and spread of infectious diseases as they relate to Sterile Processing functions

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to push, pull, or transport heavy equipment
• Must be able to move or traverse with/without accommodation
• Must be able to reach arms above or below shoulder height
• Must be able to maintain a standing position
• Exposure to needles, blood and body fluids, etc.
• Typical equipment used in a facilities job
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals, acids, cleaning solution, disinfectants, soaps, etc.

About Kootenai Health:

Kootenai Health is a highly esteemed healthcare organization serving patients throughout northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. We have been recognized with many accolades and distinctions, including being a Gallup Great Workplace, No. 1 Best Place to Work in Large Healthcare Organizations, and Magnet™ Status for Nursing Excellence. We pride ourselves on our outstanding reputation as an employer and a healthcare provider.

As your next employer, we are excited to offer you:

• Kootenai Health offers comprehensive medical plan options, including options for fully paid employer premiums for our full-time employees. For part-time employees, we offer the same plan options with affordable part-time premiums. In addition to medical insurance, we offer many voluntary benefits ranging from dental and vision to life and pet insurance. Kootenai Health also offers well-being resources and telemedicine service options to all employees, regardless of benefit eligibility. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Kootenai Health's tuition assistance program is available after 90 days. If you want to further your education, we'll help you pay for it
• Kootenai Health sponsors retirement plans for employees that enable you to save money on a pre-tax and Roth after tax basis for your retirement. Kootenai Health will match your contributions based on years of service ranging from 3-6 percent.
• Competitive salaries with night, weekend, and PRN shift differentials
• An award-winning and incentive-driven wellness program. Including a MyHealth corporate team, onsite financial seminars, and coaching
• Employees receive discounts at The Wellness Bar, PEAK Fitness, and more
• Robust and interactive employee referral program
• And much more

If you strive to be an integral part of a high-quality healthcare system like Kootenai Health, we want to meet you!

Apply today! You can also contact the HR Front Desk at 208-###-#### or email ...@kh.org with any questions.

Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.