SUMMARY:

The Central Sterile Technician reports to the Manager Sterile Processing. Under the direction of the Lead Sterile Processing Technician, performs duties to reprocess surgical instruments and medical equipment, according to established decontamination, cleaning, high level disinfection (HLD) and sterilization procedures for all surgical services and hospital departments that require reprocessing of equipment.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepares individual case carts for each surgical procedure. Using computer terminal, accesses records, and prints pick lists from automated Centricity Preoperative Report Tree.

Prints report, and verifies scheduled procedures(s) before loading case carts.

Once cases are verified, locates supplies and stocks case carts. Sends completed, labeled case carts to Operating Room. Responds to calls for additional equipment and instruments, as needed. Restocks and inspects exchange carts, emergency surgical carts daily, specialty carts (Ear, Nose &Throat - ENT, Cysto), intubation trays and inpatient floor specialty trays, in accordance with standardized supply lists and par levels.

Transports carts, instruments, and supplies, as needed to the Main Operating Room (MOR) and SurgiCenter Operating Room (SCOR), as well as departments that use the services of Sterile Processing Department (SPD).

After donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPD), receives used surgical case carts and other equipment from departments requiring services. Unloads instruments and other equipment for cleaning, decontamination, and HLD.

Loaner instruments brought into the SPD to be used on surgical cases are inventoried, assessed for functionality, and verified for cleaning prior to the SPD cleaning process.

Follows all OSHAAMI procedures, practices, and safety precautions to decontaminate contents and equipment. Cleans according to designated processing method which can be by hand, the appropriate sonic unit and automatic washer.Sorts and inspects instruments for damage. Assembles, lubricates, recalibrates, and tests power surgical tools, surgical scopes, retractors, and other equipment after each cleaning to assure good working order.

Performs minor repairs on surgical instruments, as needed. If additional repairs are needed, notifies department manager and follows procedure for repairs.

Assembles instruments into standard and specialty sets by utilizing pick lists created by the OR clinical teams by service line.

Documents issues with any instrument set and informs manager to ensure that information is communicated to service line team leaders.

Prepares items for sterilization by type of instrument ensuring the correct sterilizing wrap or sterilizing container is used.

Ensures that correct sterilizing integrators and marking tape are used and places items on the correct sterilizing loading cart. Ensures that the correct sterilizing cycle is programmed for time, temperature and drying. Documents and logs all instrument sets that are sterilized in appropriate log books. Documents all mechanical and biological sterilizing tests for each load before releasing any item as sterile. Re-shelves sterilized items in proper location or transports them to designated department.

Performs daily Biological Indicator, Daily Air Removal Test (DART) and other quality tests on sterilizers and other cleaning equipment in all areas of surgical services.

Cleans sterilizers, per policy and procedure, to ensure optimum working efficiency. Checks and sets programs, operates Steam, Sterrad, and Steris Sterilizers using manufacturers’ guidelines.Performs duties to maintain and stock levels of materials, disposable, and reusable supplies and equipment, including sterilized items utilized in Surgical Services. Receives new materials, and verifies contents by reviewing against packing slips, receiving slips, and/or purchase orders. Unpacks items and visually inspects contents for damaged items.Prepares and maintains various manual and computerized records of all activities, including productivity records. Stores supplies and equipment in proper area and according to established procedures, with particular attention to items having specific storage requirements. Routinely checks inventory for outdated reprocessing items and expiration dates.

Notifies manager when items are no longer usable and assists with their return.

Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control, in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), hospital, and department policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Must have CRCST through HSPA (or its equivalent through CBSPD) within 12 months-Knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment and medical terminology preferred.

Six months of experience in sterile and reprocessing or related area preferred, including case cart system experience.

Computer proficiency, with knowledge of Centricity Preoperative Manager Report Tree or similar software program, as well as Word Processing programs preferred.

Interpersonal skills to effectively interact and communicate with staff and outside vendors at all levels.

Organizational and numerical ability to receive, count, and store materials, as well as to prepare and maintain case carts and required documentation. Ability to follow precise written instructions for decontamination, cleaning, sterilization, and case cart preparation procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Working environment exposes incumbent to heat and cleaning chemicals. Any potential hazard is minimized by adherence to safety procedures and the use of protective clothing and equipment.Visual and manual dexterity to operate automatic washers and sterilization equipment according to equipment operating instructions. Physical ability to stand for long periods of time, lift and carry moderately heavy trays, push carts into sterilization unit, and receive and store supplies, materials, and equipment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Pay Range:

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

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Driving Required: