Sterile Processing Technician - Per Diem - Atlantic Health Ambulatory Surgery Center at Rockaway NJ

The Sterile Processing Technician performs cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization and distribution of patient care equipment, supplies, reusable medical devices, and instruments according to prescribed procedures, regulations, and manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU) utilizing infection control and safety practices. Technicians keep accurate records of sterilization processes and quality assurance monitoring according to regulations, standards, and policies.

Sterile Processing Technicians comply with AAMI, OSHA, TJC, AORN, Manufacturer Instructions for Use (MIFU), Departmental Guidelines and AHS policies. Job functions include, but are not limited to:
75% - clinical tasks as assigned
15% - education
10% - answering emails/follow-up on education

• Maintaining Equipment: Knowledge of all Sterile Processing Department (SPD) equipment, including items used on in-patient units. Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to determine operational adequacy and distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction. Operates all equipment and machinery accurately and safely. Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for properly cleaning, inspecting, and storing patient care equipment. Communicates any information pertaining to patient care equipment to facility and/or campus departments. Immediately alerts Lead Technician or Lead Clinician of any equipment malfunction. (15%)

• Decontamination/Instrument Cleaning: Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations and guidelines for proper pre-cleaning and cleaning of instruments. Accurately handles equipment and instruments with appropriate selection of personal protective equipment, cleaning agents, lubricants, water, and supplies used for the cleaning and disinfection of reusable instruments and devices. Accurately handles and disposes infectious waste appropriately. Assures absolute cleanliness of all items leaving decontamination. Identification of any missing item and adherence to proper notification process and procedure. Adherence to AH High Level Disinfection policy, process, and procedure. (15%)

• Prep and Pack: Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations and guidelines for prepping and packaging instruments, trays, and reusable medical devices. Utilizes MIFU. Appropriate use of resources available to correctly identify surgical instruments. Knowledge of assembly materials, chemical indicators, wraps, pouches, and container systems. Assures priority and one-of-a-kind instruments are processed upon receipt. Demonstrates knowledge and skills in packaging and wrapping all instrument sets according to standards. Correctly identifies and labels all assemble items in preparation for use and to be sterilized. Provides asset management and support for reusable medical devices belonging to or consigned to AH. Correctly replaces any missing items to the appropriate location. (15%)

• Sterilization: Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for sterilization. Knowledgeable in various methods of sterilization. Accurately records all items processed in each sterilizer (steam, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer, and/or low temperature sterilization systems) for each load. Assures biological test packs are run per established policy, are promptly and correctly incubated, assesses parameters are met, and records results. Assures quality assurance testing is completed daily as the first load of the day with an assessment and documentation of results. Documents quality assessment testing and results for each load. Load documentation and results include: a biological indicator (BI), BI lot number, BI expiration date, sterilization date, cycle, time, temperature, sterilizer number, and control BI. Review of sterilizer read out (tape) with verification of compatible sterilization parameters were met. Places cooled sterilized items in proper location within department. (15%)

• Storage Clean/Sterile Distribution: Compliant with policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and guidelines for sterile storage. Visually inspects sterile packages for quality, integrity, and dates. Ensures supply and pans/instrument par levels. Replenishes specialty carts and bins with supplies after use. i.e., crash carts, orthopedic carts, GU Carts, intubation bins. Records all items requested for charging and credit. (15%)

• Dispatch: Completely and accurately sets up case carts according to the EMR preference card, seeking clarification as needed. Identifies daily needs lists and prioritization of reusable surgical devices. Ensures software application (Microsystem SPM®, AtlanticHub (Oracle) and Epic® EMR) item number is correctly recorded. Must have good telephone etiquette by answering the telephone promptly and following through on requests. Communicates issues related to required instruments for departments served to Lead Tech and/or Lead Clinician. Restocks returned supplies and instruments to proper bin location. Management of Crash Carts assuring locks are intact. Visitors are greeted at the door and identification monitored. Ensures loaner process is completed, and trays are properly documented into Loaner software solutions or Loaner Log as per departmental guidelines. (15%)

• Technical: Must be competent in computer skills related to instrument and loaner tracking; as applicable, MIFU review (OneSource®). Basic working knowledge of AH Compass, Employee Self Service, API, Epic MyChart, Safety Events, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Word. Maintains work environment in a safe, clean, orderly manner. Demonstrates ability to enter Engineering and Clinical Engineering requests. (5%)

• Performance Improvement: Supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization. Performs special projects as assigned by SPD Leadership Team. Other tasks and assignments as required that meet the needs of the department. Maintains work record of attendance, timely arrivals, departures, and attendance. Promotes individual professional growth by meeting requirements for AH mandatory education, AH Occupational Medicine requirements, continuing education, and skills competency. As part of the annual performance review process, submits a list of year end accomplishments and reviews year end goals as well as mutually agreed upon goals for the coming year. (5%)

Education/Experience

- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Completion of a Sterile Processing program preferred
- Certified Central Service Technician required (CBSPD or HSPA (IAHCSMM) certification)
- Ambulatory Surgery Center experience a plus
- American Heart Association BLS preferred
- CER (Certified Endoscope Reprocessor) preferred
- Floating to other Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center SPD departments may be required as necessary
- Shifts may vary according to surgical schedule and hours of operation. Flexibility is required.