Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.   

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Work Shift

Department

QUALIFICATIONS

License /Certification
Required: Sterile processing/central services certification from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).


 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential

Supply Management:

Demonstrates attention to detail, such as appropriate storage and location, specific description, size, manufacturer, etc. Ability to differentiate between similar supply items. Responsible for delivering supplies to appropriate location. Responds to supply requests for all departments on a timely basis. Completes supply order requisition sheets, as requested. Checks for outdates, damaged packaging, integrity of sterile packaging on an ongoing basis and reports issues to Lead Tech. Monitors par levels and notifies Lead Tech of shortages or supply outages in a timely manner. Recommends changes to par levels to Coordinator, as appropriate. Restocks supplies in appropriate locations. Rotates stock, as appropriate. Demonstrates attention to safe handling of supplies, lifting devices and equipment, carts, etc, utilizing appropriate and safe body mechanics. Prepares all surgical case carts completely. Notes any missing items on case carts (including supplies and instruments) and utilizes appropriate communication to team and next shift. Moves, de-boxes, and sorts multiple cartons of supplies. Breaks down boxes and properly disposes trash. Completes all assigned duties, communicates any supply issues appropriately, and reports issues to Lead Tech in a timely manner. Accountable for own productivity (i.e. follows assignment schedule, requests reassignment when duties completed, offers assistance to other team members). Keeps self and team informed by utilization of department communication tools, such as emails, notices, communication book, especially after absences from the department. Utilizes same, appropriately, to keep team members informed of changes and issues. Functions as a preceptor for new employee orientation, implementation of new procedures, and cross-training. Acts a resource for Sterile Processing staff, Surgery staff, and other departments as directed.

Decontamination Process:

Follows policy and procedures for preparation, soaking, etc. Utilizes established procedures for priority staging of instrument trays. Follows policy and procedures for complete and appropriate cleaning and sorting of instrumentation for processing in the washer/ decontaminator. Follows written procedures for handling contaminated material and appropriate handling and/or disposal of sharps. Demonstrates proper operation of all equipment in decontamination including appropriate solutions, chemicals, concentrations and replacement of same. Knowledge of all testing, cleaning and routine maintenance of decontamination equipment. Performs routine troubleshooting of equipment malfunctions. Notifies Lead Tech and assists with notification of Maintenance and/or service provider, as directed. Follows all safety and infection control precautions according to procedure. Utilizes proper personal protection equipment at all times. Performs inventory counts and reports missing instrument immediately to Lead Tech. Maintains a clean and orderly environment. Removes trash, wipes surfaces, replaces supplies, etc. Acts as resource and role model for Non-Certified SP Tech on all decontamination procedures.

Inspection and Assembly:

Follows procedure for notification of incomplete trays (missing / damaged instruments, tray list errors, etc). Assembles trays accurately and completely. Consistently utilizes and follows all resource materials for assembly including inventory count sheets, pictures, books, and electronic resources. Demonstrates accuracy and utilization of appropriate testing, wrapping, and containers for each sterilization modality. Demonstrates proper technique for wrapping / labeling of instruments trays. Demonstrates knowledge of container systems including inspection, appropriate filters, labeling and handling. Demonstrates proper technique for peel packages. Follows procedure for the processing of all other items to be sterilized. De-lints, folds, and prepares linens and towels and prepares for sterilization. Maintains adequate assembly supplies, orders supplies (wrap, indicators, towels, etc.) as directed. Acts as a resource and role model for Non-Certified SP Tech I and II on all inspection and assembly procedures, and inspection and evaluation of instrument repair/replacement needs. Provides direction for intake of outside instrument trays (vendor trays, borrowed trays, etc.) including inventory sheets and/or photos, as required. Assists Lead Techs and Manager with maintenance of instrument inventory count sheets. Assists vendors with maintenance of instrument inventory count sheets and pictures. Assists Lead Techs with investigation of new equipment for proper cleaning, handling, and acceptable sterilization methods. Follows through with appropriate documentation.

Sterilization:

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of different sterilization modalities. Follows proper procedures for sterilization testing in all modalities, following all regulatory requirements, professional standards and hospital policies, as appropriate. Properly operates all sterilization equipment in department. Maintains sterilization testing logs (such as daily dart test, biological indicators, etc), load lists, and other documentation as required. Assures all quality control measures are followed. Demonstrates proper technique for loading of sterilizers. Completes load lists and ensures appropriate testing is utilized on all loads. Demonstrates proper technique for unloading of sterilized instruments (i.e. handling, signage, proper cooling, etc.). Follows proper cleaning procedures, techniques and schedules according to manufacturer's instruction, regulatory compliance and department policies. Understands and follows all sterilization and expiration standards. Checks for add-ons, incomplete case carts and requests and distributes instrument trays as necessary. Responsible for returning instruments and trays to proper location. Checks for integrity of sterile trays on an ongoing basis. Re-processes instrument trays, as needed and reports issues to Lead Tech. Reports all safety concerns immediately. Acts as a resource and role model for Non-Certified SP Tech I and II on all sterilization procedures. Provides direction for alternative sterilization methods for specialized equipment utilizing electronic sources, manufacture's guidelines and resource materials. Confers with Lead Techs as necessary. Performs daily checks of logs for completion and legibility, as assigned.



Additional

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.