CENT STER TECH in Hattiesburg, Mississippi at Forrest General Hospital

Job Summary:

The Central Sterile Technician performs under the direct supervision of the Central Sterile Manager. Moderate clerical skills will be utilized on a daily basis. Additionally, the tech is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing all instruments and equipment that comes through the Central Sterile department. Based on hospital demands the tech may be required to float to other areas of Surgical Services or to flex off to relieve the hospital of staffing strains. The technician performs specific functions in processing, sterilizing, and issuing supplies that are used in the patient’s care by surgery, maternity services, outpatient facility, and other departments. She/he is supervised by the Central Sterile Processing Manager who reports directly to the Director of Surgical Services.

Performance Expectations

Performance expectations will be reviewed during the orientation phase and reinforced throughout employment. The employee is expected to:

Leadership, Communication, and Teamwork

• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, physicians, coworkers, vendors, cohorts, and members of the interprofessional care team.
• Demonstrate positive language and the “We Care” philosophy in all interactions.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment within Central Sterile and Surgical Services.
• Role-model fair, consistent, and effective leadership practices that support positive team dynamics.
• Actively communicate and report pertinent information accurately and comprehensively.
• Demonstrate professionalism, personal initiative, accountability, and a positive attitude.
• Set a positive example for staff through daily actions and behaviors.
• Demonstrate organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
• Refrain from gossip, rumors, or behaviors that negatively impact working relationships or the work environment.
• Utilize the department’s designated communication application appropriately and professionally.
• Work assigned shifts and respond appropriately when called upon for additional or emergency services.

Central Sterile Processing Responsibilities

• Demonstrate competency in all areas of Central Sterile Processing, including decontamination, pack and prep, wrapping, sterilization, and replacement of sets to designated BIN locations.
• Perform all duties required of a Central Sterile Team member.
• Demonstrate competency in decontamination processes using manual cleaning, ultrasonic, cart washer, and washer equipment.
• Properly sort and place recyclable items in designated collection bins.
• Accurately document work activities using Microsystems.
• Utilize Microsystems and OneSource to obtain information when questions arise.
• Assemble simple to complex instrument sets accurately and within established timeframes.
• Print and apply labels accurately from Microsystems.
• Select appropriate wrappers and manually wrap instrument sets according to established procedures.
• Assemble container systems appropriately.
• Demonstrate competency in all sterilization methods utilized in Central Sterile, including steam sterilizers and V-PRO MAX.
• Accurately scan and document sterilization loads.
• Demonstrate knowledge of required set cooling times.
• Accurately store sets in designated BIN locations.
• Accurately dispense sets to ancillary departments.
• Restock the OR replacement rack as needed.
• Properly peel-pack items according to established procedures.
• Demonstrate competency in required Central Sterile record-keeping processes.

Patient and Customer Service

• Communicate and interact appropriately with patients, families, and visitors of all age groups.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and respect for cultural and religious beliefs.
• Promote exceptional patient and coworker experiences through professional communication and positive language.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and appropriate decision-making when interacting with patients, staff, physicians, vendors, and the interprofessional care team.

Safety, Compliance, and Professional Development

• Promote and champion the development of a strong safety culture within Central Sterile.
• Maintain required HealthStream assignments and complete them prior to established deadlines.
• Participate in and successfully complete all required competencies within established deadlines.
• Adhere to the OR Attire and Attendance policies.
• Comply with Surgical Services and Central Sterile policies and procedures.
• Follow all applicable Employee Handbook policies.
• Demonstrate independence and accountability while working within the scope of the position.
• Maintain competency in all assigned Central Sterile functions and equipment.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Work Experience:

• Central Sterile Processing Experience preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• None

Mental Demands:

Ability to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, set priorities, and function under stress.