The Sterile Processing Technician 1 performs routine work in the decontamination, assembly of peel packs, testing, and distribution of instruments, medical equipment, and supplies in a medical facility. Under general supervision, coordinates and prepares necessary equipment and the Operating Room for surgery cases.

 

Responsible for ensuring that all supplies and instruments are ready and available for each surgery. Checks the case cart prior to surgery to ensure that the setup is accurate and complete. If supplies or instruments are missing, contacts sterile processing staff and ensures that missing items are delivered quickly. Picks supplies, instruments and gloves from the surgeon's preference card. Assists with tech &/or OR Nurse, the opening of sterile supplies as needed to facilitate the efficient flow of patients and cases. At the end of each surgery, assists with removing the case cart, cleaning the OR and preparing for the next surgery. Remains available in Core assigned to assist circulator/scrub with any additional needs for the surgery case. Adheres to all procedures and requirements related to standard aseptic and sterile techniques.

• Core Support materiel assistant including: OR core support, picking cases, maintaining OR stock or ordering department replenishment stock as needed.

• Inventory Control and Distribution: Checks stock of supplies on an ongoing basis to ensure sufficient stock; maintains inventory records; maintains computer based record of instrument sets decontaminated, equipment dispensed and to whom; records items ordered and submit to supervisor; operates computer to locate patient information for distribution and billing; restocks isolation and code cart supplies; rotates equipment and supplies to ensure that earlier dated items are dispensed first; takes orders for instrument sets and equipment by phone from multiple OR and procedure rooms; dispenses hospital equipment to patient care units; transports and picks up sterile and non-sterile instruments.

• Decontamination and Cleaning: Sorts used soiled instruments and decontaminates by utilizing proper manual and mechanical techniques; decontaminates medical equipment; tests equipment and instruments for proper operation; shelves decontaminated equipment and supplies according to type of equipment, date decontaminated and unit or department using item; cleans hospital equipment such as infusion pumps, suction machines and heating and cooling units; may make minor repairs or refers to repair person; assist in maintaining instrument trays for intubation sets; may operate flash sterilizers according to standards of practice and maintains sterility assurance at all times including transport sterile instruments to the operating room under strict sterile conditions.

• High School diploma or equivalent AND
• One year work experience in any field.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Knowledge of OR procedures and equipment.
• Ability to write clearly and to understand written and verbal instructions.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Good communication skills

• Completion of (or enrollment in) the Sterile Processing Course; OR
• 2 years job experience in a hospital, clinic, or medical laboratory with exposure to decontamination and cleaning processes OR
• 2 years materials handling experience including inventory and stocking of perishable supplies.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Highly Motivated and a self-starter.
• Background in Lean principals or other continuous improvement methods.
• Able to trouble shoot in stressful situations.
• Strong computer skills: will require, but not limited to the following programs: Outlook, Excel, Word, Impress-Connect, Epic, Kronos.
• Highly flexible to the changings needs of today’s medical field.
• Adapts to unpredictable situations within the perioperative setting.
• Demonstrated patient centered and customer focused communication skills
• Proven ability to communicate with a variety of people in a direct, empathetic, and articulate manner

Rotate weekends, work various shifts, work with detergents, enzymes, germicides, and other related chemicals

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.