Sterilization and Reprocessing Technician

Description

  The Sterilization and Reprocessing Technician assists the Operating Room staff in the organization and daily function of the operating room in accordance with established accreditation standards and facility policies and procedures. Responsible for instrument decontamination, sterile processing, instrument care, safe handling procedures and documentation related to those activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Responsibilities

• Assist in prioritizing processing of instruments and equipment for surgical procedures to facilitate turnover of cases.
• Follow instructions for Use for instrument decontamination through sterilization process for all equipment and instrumentation. 
• Anticipate instrument needs for following day and assure sterile processing completion.
• Assist with continuing education and training for staff based on standard procedures and policies. 
• Assist with repairs and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation through Vendor partnerships. 
• Assist with cleaning of the CSR, decontamination, and OR/endo areas as needed.
• Follow safety precautions consistent with sterilization modalities.
• Load, unload and safely operate all sterilizers according to policies and procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining sterilization and reprocessing related policies and procedures.
• Maintain all sterilization records and required documentation.
• Transport, handle and store sterile instruments and supplies appropriately.
• Functional capabilities to process, incubate, and interpret biological testing with subsequent action as needed.
• Functional knowledge and application of sterilization parameters for steam and hydrogen peroxide with interpretation and analysis
• Reassemble sets according to appropriate instrument set recipes. 
• Inspect all instruments for pitting, rust, fractures, cracks, and compromised insulation before placing an appropriate container, wrap or package. 
• Ensure instruments and equipment are in good working order and recommends the repair or replacement appropriately.
• Respond to requests from materials management, outlying clinics and specialty areas.
• Follow all department and hospital policies. 
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Maintain basic knowledge in infection control and prevention.
• Able to recognize potential and/or errors and take appropriate action.
• Implement best practice and utilize continuing education to promote process improvement. 
• Monitor & re-order instrumentation, stock and reprocessing supplies. 

Requirements

Education & Licensure: 

• Successful completion of a Sterile Processing program, and/or completion of an accredited Certified Technologist program. 
• CSR certification or CST certification required.

Experience:

• Prior CSR and/or Surgical Technologist experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Ability to work independently and prioritize needs of multiple departments
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a team
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Consistently demonstrates professional, courteous, customer service-based attitude

Physicial Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times

St. Croix Health has been a healing force in the St. Croix Valley for over 103 years. We are a purpose-driven organization with a dedicated team committed to serving our patients and communities throughout the St. Croix Valley. This commitment is rooted in our mission, vision and values. 

Mission:  We help people live healthier, happier, and longer lives.              

Vision:  To transform from quality sick care to quality well care that is sustainable and affordable. 

Values:  People Centered, Trust, Innovation, and Growth. 

Here at St. Croix Health we offer our employees with a robust benefits package that includes: 

• Health, vision and dental insurance
• 403b retirement program with employer match
• Paid time off
• Short-term disability, long-term disability and life insurance options
• Education reimbursement
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Wellbeing incentive program
• Free parking
• Employee prescription discount program

St. Croix Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system located in St. Croix Falls, WI dedicated to helping people live healthier, happier, and longer lives. St. Croix Health offers the services of 80+ providers and 20 specialties with five community clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin all supported by a critical access hospital on the main campus in St. Croix Falls, just an hour northeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Nestled in the bluffs of the St. Croix River Valley, St. Croix Falls is the ideal place to work, live and play.