The posting
Job Description
Summary of Essential Functions
- Incorporates current knowledge of principles of decontamination, disinfection and sterilization in the clinical setting to provide indirect quality patient care.
- Utilizes knowledge of Standard Precautions and infection control to perform the functions of the position.
Educational Requirements
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- Completes orientation materials in a timely manner and passes written exams with 80%.
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Certification/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to perform in stressful situations in which speed and sustained attention to detail are critical.
- Must be flexible and adaptable and can change job tasks easily and quickly to accommodate the needs of the Surgery Department.
- Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with co-workers, students, management, physicians, and other health care workers.
- Ability to prioritize functions.
Physical Requirements
- Lengthy periods of standing.
- Moving gurneys, carts and equipment.
- Carrying and lifting instrument sets and various items of equipment. Medium strength requirements.
- Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently.
- Full range of body motion, including handling and lifting instrument sets, manual and finger dexterity, and hand-to-eye coordination.
- Corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Data Collection/Documentation: Able to maintain daily recording charts, and biological/chemical tests from all sterilizers, and records results. Implements recall procedures for positive biological tests according to hospital policy. Recognizes that documentation of loads is a legal record and must be done accurately and completely. Must write legibly and make corrections in an accepted manner. Able to complete monthly reports of all monitoring processes and reports to department PI coordinator and Infection Control Practitioner when requested. Monitors surgery schedule daily in order to anticipate instrument/ supply needs for scheduled, add-on and emergency procedures.
- Decontamination: Sorts reusable material based on methods of decontamination ( i.e., heat sensitive vs. non-heat sensitive, immersible vs. non-immersible, mechanical vs. hand wash). Performs decontamination activities based on determination of factors including need, processing time and time management.
- Assembly Process: Accurately assembles instrument sets and trays in a timely manner according to card file. Inspects assembled instruments for cleanliness, state of repair and completeness. Accepts responsibility for condition and completeness of sets/ trays and places indicator with initials in each tray, set or peel packaged item. Correctly packages/ wraps and labels material based on item properties and sterilization process, following guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
- Sterilization: Demonstrates knowledge of steam, ETO and Sterrad (hydrogen peroxide plasma) sterilization, reasons for method chosen, and advantages and disadvantages of methods. Correctly loads sterilizer according to method and items to be sterilized. Accurately documents load contents, date, sterilizer #, operator and other pertinent information. Accurately monitors sterilization processes with use of mechanical, chemical and biological indicators. Correctly unloads sterilizers in manner that does not compromise sterility. Demonstrates competency in the care and handling of sterilized instruments and supplies.
- Storage: Places cleaned/sterilized items in correct designated storage areas. Demonstrates knowledge of event-related sterility in the handling and storage of sterile items. Monitors storage environment for temperature, humidity, cleanliness and shelving.
- Infection Control/Safety: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of Standard Precautions and utilizes appropriate PPE required for multiple tasks. Demonstrates knowledge of infection control practices by the diligent cleaning, decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging/wrapping and sterilization of items according to accepted guidelines. Does not compromise process by taking short cuts. Demonstrates knowledge of, and compliance with, all required safety precautions in the safe operation of equipment. Demonstrates knowledge of different regulatory agencies in the work area in order to promote compliance. Able to coordinate preventive maintenance programs for the area and report problems to the Clinical Manager. Takes part in PI activities when requested. Demonstrates knowledge of Exposure Control Plan in order to effectively manage regulated medical waste in the work area. Performs other functions within department as assigned, such as transportation or patients.
- Accountability/Personal Growth: Utilizes material resources wisely. Assists with supply requisitions for area. Assists with coordination of repair and sharpening of instruments with Specialty Coordinator. Demonstrates understanding of responsibility, accountability and legal implications in practice setting. Reads/studies resource material to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills necessary for job performance and applies learning within context of role. Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with co-workers, students, management and other health care providers. Acts as preceptor for new orientees and students in accordance with educational goals and objectives. Attends educational and inservice programs in order to broaden knowledge/skills base.
- Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.
