Position Summary: 

While working behind the scenes in a fast paced environment, a sterile processing technician ensures patient safety for Bozeman Health without being patient facing. Responsible for safe & efficient practices for decontamination, instrument assembly, wrapping & sterilization of all reprocessed instruments, distribution of equipment, and case cart management. Supports departmental initiatives to meet productivity standard and flexible staffing needs. Interacts daily with a wide variety of staff, disciplines, service lines, and vendors.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required

• High School diploma

Preferred

• Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician (CRCST), Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS), Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL), or field related certification
• previous healthcare experience

Essential Job Functions:

In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must have on-time completion of all required education as assigned per DNV requirements, Bozeman Health policy, and other registry requirements.

• Collecting used and contaminated equipment, instruments, and supplies for sorting and decontamination.
• Manually cleaning supplies of contaminants, removing waste matter, and operating & maintaining decontamination equipment.
• Preparing & packing decontaminated supplies for sterilization.
• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
• Monitoring, operating, and testing sterilization equipment including washers, ultrasonics, automatic endoscope preprocessors, autoclaves, low temperature sterilizers, and drying cabinets.
• Examining supplies meticulously to ensure they are properly cleaned and sanitized.
• Sterilizing, preparing, wrapping, and organizing equipment into instrument trays for use during medical procedures.
• Preparing and delivering all necessary equipment and instruments for surgeries, examinations, medical procedures, and medical carts.
• Maintaining records of sterilization procedures, sterilized items, equipment maintenance, and supplies.
• Controlling the inventory, reordering supplies, and checking expiration dates.
• Participating in regular in-service education.
• Complying with the standards established by all regulatory agencies.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Education requirements per DNV programs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail, vigilance, and meticulous care on the job.
• Good judgment and critical-thinking skills.
• Manual dexterity and the ability to handle fragile equipment.
• Ability to work well in a team or independently.
• Capability to work in a face paced and stressful environment.
• Ability to work varied shifts.
• Self-directed; completes assignments accurately, thoroughly, and with minimal oversight.
• Strong emotional intelligence, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting, Pushing, and Pulling: Lift 30 pounds of weight (pick up supplies, move equipment, etc.) Carry equipment/supplies.
• Extended Hours: The role may involve working for extended periods, requiring sitting, walking, or standing for eight or more hours daily.
• Flexible Schedule: The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts
• On-Call Availability: On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs
• Effective Communication: Proficient in effective communication, both in person and through various technologies
• Handling Challenging Situations: The role may involve dealing with upset individuals, requiring the ability to de-escalate situations and work effectively with frustrated patients, families, or employees
• Repetitive Tasks: Ability to perform repetitive tasks as needed to fulfill job responsibilities            

Exposures

Tasks Include Potential Exposure: Job tasks may involve exposure to:

• Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues.
• Radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed
• Various chemicals and medications used in healthcare settings. Job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances.
• Infectious diseases due to contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job classification.  They are not to be construed as a contract of any type nor an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by individuals so classified.