Sterile Processing Technician I at Houston Methodist in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY
At Houston Methodist, the Sterile Processing Technician I is an entry level position and is responsible for decontamination, assembly, inspecting, wrapping, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment for Surgical Services and all ancillary departments which includes working in conjunction with the Operation Room (OR) staff to provide timely sterile products, trays and case carts where applicable. The position maintains consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Central Service Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service.

Requirements:

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

PEOPLE - 25%

1. Communicates with staff from the interdisciplinary health care team concerning patient safety to improve outcomes and the safe transition of care through effective assignment and shift handoffs, using a structured format. (EF)


2. Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment. Makes contributions to the work effort as a whole and uses problem resolution effectively. (EF)


3. Interacts with peers, staff and physicians in a supportive and respectful manner. Encourages open communication to achieve mutual understanding. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional. (EF)

SERVICE - 25%

1. Performs decontamination and assembling of basic surgical trays, individual instrumentation and equipment utilizing established count sheets. Wraps or contains items appropriately according to size and type of instrument or equipment. (EF)


2. Provides timely sterile products, trays and case carts, by location, by following guidance of experienced surgical techs, in conjunction with the OR staff. (EF)


3. Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed manufacturer instructions for use and according to institutional policies and procedures. (EF)


4. Organizes workload utilizing available work time by assisting others and performing additional task as needed. Demonstrates consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 25%

1. Utilizes appropriate cleaning detergents and agents by reading directions and MSDS sheets. (EF)


2. Utilizes all department equipment according to manufacturers' instructions for use and department policies and protocols. (EF)


3. Ensures through visual inspection that trays have completed the quality process according to AAMI standards for patient use. (EF)

FINANCE - 10%

1. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, cleaning the workstation at the end of each shift, and minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members. (EF)


2. Uses department resources efficiently to ensure completeness of trays, instruments and equipment according to count sheets; does not waste supplies. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 15%

1. Identifies own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. (EF)


2. Understands, applies, and demonstrates industry Sterile Processing standards i.e. Steam, ETO and Low Temperature Hydrogen Peroxide. (EF)


3. Participates in department projects and Shared Governance committee for department. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)


• Formal education through a Sterile Processing program preferred

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Independently demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations


• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security


• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles


• Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the Decontamination area


• Exhibits interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers


• Ability to utilize basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office and electronic instrument tracking system, if applicable


• Demonstrates proper phone etiquette when responding to inquiries made to the department


• Completes department and institution competencies within established required timelines


• Maintains patient and family privacy

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Attire	Yes/No
Uniform	Yes
Scrubs	Yes
Business professional	No
Other (dept approved)	No

(as needed, per hospital entity)

On-Call*	Yes, on a regular basis (for Non-Exempt or Exempt jobs)

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Event, etc) regardless of selection above.

Travel**

May require travel within	No
Houston Metropolitan area

May require travel outside	No
of Houston Metropolitan area

**Travel specifications may vary by department.


Please note any other special considerations to this job: _______________________

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED
One of the following:

• Within one year of employment, obtain the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification through International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM)


• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification through Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD)

Apply Now