Sterilization Technician

The Sterilization Technician disassembles, cleans, disinfects, sterilizes, assembles, and stores equipment and supplies used in the lab. The Sterilization Technician functions competently and independently, under the general direction of the supervisor or manager.

• Conducts frequent and timely rounds of soiled utility rooms to maintain continual work flow of surgical and floor instruments
• Transports and handles contaminated instruments using precaution according to regulatory (OSHA CDC) and hospital guidelines
• Ensures prevention of cross-contamination by adhering to “one way” flow of soiled instruments through central sterile department
• Cleans and processes soiled instruments, breaking down and reprocessing according to regulations and department policies and procedures
• Monitors sterilization cycles for proper performance of sterilizers
• Utilizes department equipment including but not limited to: Washers, conveyors, drying cabinet, ultrasonic air power hose, cart washer, and cargo master
• Inspects, assembles, and labels instruments, instrument trays, and linen packs
• Documents and maintains records of all instruments and trays processed during decontamination
• Transports sterilized instrumentation to units performing surgical procedures in closed or covered carts as required
• Records delivery of instruments to departments
• Stocks and maintains inventory of sterilized instrumentation in units performing surgical procedures
• Performs regular biological testing, maintenance, and cleaning of sterilization equipment
• Washes transport carts and returns to clean area for use in transporting sterile instruments
• Maintains clean, organized, and safe environment in central sterile department as per department policies and procedures
• Informs management of deviations in procedure, safety concerns, low inventory levels, missing instrumentation, malfunctioning equipment, and related issues
• Performs related duties as required

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma/GED Eqvlnt required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency in communication (written and verbal) required
• Strong attention to details required
• Effectively manage and organize daily tasks independently and with a team while balancing multiple projects and meeting deadlines required
• Accuracy and productivity in completing tasks required
• Demonstrated ability to develop positive and cooperative relationships with students, faculty, and colleagues required

Certifications/Licensures

• Sterile processing certification (CRCST or CSPD) required.
• Must complete minimum annual continuing education credits required by the state of New Mexico AND additional continuing education credits required to maintain certification status.

Working Conditions

• Ability to lift/carry 25 pounds required.
• Manual dexterity
• Ability to stand, bend, lift, and/or reach for extended periods of time required.