Material Processing tech

Schedule: 2nd Shift, Mon-Fri 2pm-1030pm

About the Position

1.    Decontamination: Cleaning and disinfecting instruments and medical devices after use, ensuring they are free of contaminants and safe for future use.

2.    Sterilization: Operating sterilization equipment, such as autoclaves, to ensure instruments are properly sanitized according to health and safety standards.

3.    Inspection and Testing: Checking instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and any signs of wear or damage. Testing sterilization equipment and maintaining records to ensure compliance with regulations.

4.    Organization and Inventory Management: Sorting, packaging, and labeling instruments for storage or future use, keeping an accurate inventory of equipment and supplies.

5.    Compliance: Adhering to all infection control policies, safety regulations, and healthcare standards to ensure the highest level of patient safety and care.

6.    Team Collaboration: Working closely with surgical teams, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that all necessary equipment is available and ready for use in a timely manner.

The material processing technician must have strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Training is provided during the technicians’ orientation period. Certification is recommended, but not required.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Promote Mission Statement and KSBs.

• Knowledge of surgical instruments and procedures.

• Prioritization, organizational, and communication skills are necessary.

• Must stay current and knowledgeable regarding infection control, OSHA standards, NIAHO standards, and general AAMI and AORN recommendations.

• Successful completion of on-the-job training with Surgical Services and Reid Health.

• Knowledge of aseptic technique.

• Knowledge of medical supplies, equipment, and medications.

• Must be self-motivated and able to work under minimal supervision.

• Must be able to file assorted items.

• Must be able to assist with lifting, turning, and positioning of patients.

• Must be able to stand, bend, push, pull, and walk to move assorted heavy equipment.

• Must be flexible and diverse to function in a technologically complex environment.

• Must be able to plan work activities, think ahead, and be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure and stress.

• Receives instruments, scopes, and other equipment and checks for readiness, sterility/non-sterility, and completeness.

• Aids in ensuring efficient and productive utilization of the operating suite.

• Sterilizes according to accepted recommendations via steam sterilization, low temperature chemical sterilization, or high-level disinfection while maintaining standards of care as deemed appropriate.

• Facilitates on-time starts, case turnovers, and accuracy of case preparation.

• Monitors operation of all sterilizers. Responsible to communicate problems to Sterile Processing Manager and Clinical Coordinator.

• Coordinates activities for maintaining surgical instruments and equipment. Assists in maintaining equipment repair logs and develops an equipment database.

• Provides follow-up for routine surgical supply orders and back orders. Works closely with the Perioperative Materials Manager to coordinate special order items and equipment.

• Runs appropriate checks on sterilization equipment and keeps logs as appropriate.

• Reports malfunctioning, broken, or missing instruments/equipment to team members.

• Communicates follow-up expectations to all appropriate personnel.

• Attends all required safety and training programs and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards.

• Follows the Department and Reid Health exposure control plans/blood borne and airborne pathogens.

• Performs according to established departmental and hospital policies/procedures utilizing strict adherence to aseptic technique principles.

• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intradepartmental to facilitate the department’s/unit’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.

• Can immediately locate: Crash cart and defibrillator; Malignant Hyperthermia cart/kit.

• Can demonstrate role in the Hazardous Materials and Waste Program, including procedures to follow in case of a spill.

• Complete HealthStream requirements as assigned.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and can be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management deems necessary.

Education & Experience

• Education Required: High School diploma or GED (Effective December 2024; employees hired prior to this requirement being added are grandfathered with education being preferred)

• Experience Preferred: At least 1 year of experience/knowledge inside of surgical environment

Licensure and Certification:

• Preferred Certified Registered Central Service Technician through HSPA or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician through CBSPD