STERILE PROC TECH I

Covenant Health • Knoxville, TN

123d

About The Position

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to join our team. This full-time position requires working 80 hours per pay period on the night shift. The technician will be responsible for the proper decontamination, inspection, assembly, and high-level disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments. The role involves operating processing equipment and requires proficiency in instrument decontamination and assembly, as well as knowledge of sterilization methods appropriate for various devices. Fort Sanders Regional is an award-winning facility recognized for its patient-focused culture and advanced medical technologies.

Requirements

• No specific education required; any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill, and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job.
• Preference may be given to individuals possessing a high school diploma or GED.
• If hired after January 1, 2017, must take and pass an accepted Central Processing exam within 2 years of entry-level employment.
• If hired before January 1, 2017, must complete a minimum of 10 continuing education credits annually in areas related to sterile processing.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminates surgical instruments according to manufacturer’s instructions or advised by the department leader.
• Operates all decontamination equipment including washer disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, cart washer, and automatic endoscope reprocessor (AER).
• Inspects instruments after decontamination, ensuring all items are clean, intact, functional, and accounted for.
• Assembles trays in a manner that ensures device sterility and presents a tray that is easy for the end user to access for use.
• Uses count sheets to ensure trays are assembled accurately.
• Interfaces with the instrument tracking system for all functions of processing.
• Packages or containerizes instrument sets according to manufacturer’s guidelines and AAMI standards.
• Loads sterilizer carts in a way to ensure packaged items are not punctured or compromised.
• Runs daily sterilizer tests on all steam and low-temperature sterilizers.
• Operates sterilizer according to manufacturer’s instruction, ensuring load biological monitoring.
• Documents all load contents and interfaces load to tracking system.
• Unloads sterilizers, ensuring items are not compromised, and stores in correct location according to tracking system storage locations.
• Follows endoscope manufacturer’s processing instructions and accepted standards/guidelines.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of the department and all processing equipment.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Completes required education assignments annually.
• Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Unmatched medical insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Certification bonuses
• Leadership and professional development programs
• Employer-matched 401(k)
• Generous Combined Time Off (CTO) program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees