Sterile Processing & Instrument Reprocessing Technician at Southern Pines Orthopaedic Surgery Center – Southern Pines, North Carolina

The Sterile Processing & Instrument Reprocessing Technician is responsible for the decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment in a new, state-of-the-art orthopaedic ambulatory surgery center with up to six operating rooms.

This role ensures the highest standards of infection prevention, instrument integrity, and regulatory compliance to support safe and efficient orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Decontamination & Cleaning

• Receive, sort, and decontaminate surgical instruments and equipment according to established protocols.
• Operate ultrasonic cleaners, washer-disinfectors, and related equipment safely and effectively.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning of specialty orthopaedic instrumentation and power equipment.

Inspection & Assembly

• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and damage using magnification and testing tools.
• Assemble instrument trays accurately according to surgeon preference cards and procedure standards.
• Identify and report missing, damaged, or malfunctioning instruments.

Sterilization & Monitoring

• Operate steam sterilizers and other sterilization systems according to policy.
• Prepare, load, and document sterilization cycles accurately.
• Monitor biological indicators, chemical indicators, and sterilization logs to ensure compliance.
• Maintain accurate tracking of instrument sets and sterilization records.

Inventory & Equipment Management

• Maintain adequate inventory of instrument trays, implants, and sterile supplies to support surgical schedule.
• Assist with case cart preparation and coordination with OR staff.
• Support preventive maintenance tracking of sterilization and reprocessing equipment.

Compliance & Safety

• Adhere to infection control standards, OSHA regulations, and universal precautions.
• Maintain compliance with AAAHC, CMS, and state regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality improvement and accreditation readiness activities.
• Ensure proper documentation of all sterilization processes and monitoring results.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with surgical technologists, OR nurses, and clinical leadership to support efficient case turnover.
• Communicate proactively regarding instrument needs, tray availability, and repair requirements.
• Support efficient room turnover to maintain on-time surgical starts.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education & Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of an accredited Sterile Processing program preferred.
• Current Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) preferred or required within designated timeframe.

Experience

• Minimum 1–2 years of sterile processing experience required.
• Experience in an ambulatory surgery center preferred.
• Experience handling orthopaedic instruments is strongly preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of sterilization principles, infection prevention standards, and instrument reprocessing techniques.
• Familiarity with orthopaedic instrumentation and specialty surgical equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged standing and frequent walking.
• Ability to lift and carry instrument trays (up to 35 pounds).
• Manual dexterity for handling and assembling delicate instruments.
• Ability to push/pull case carts and equipment.
• Visual acuity is sufficient to inspect instruments for defects and cleanliness.