The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing reusable medical instruments and equipment. They also manage the distribution of surgical supplies, prepare case carts, and maintain inventory control within the sterile processing department.
Requirements overview
The position requires a high school diploma or GED as a minimum educational qualification. While previous sterile processing experience and a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate are preferred, they are not strictly required for the Tech I level.
Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) is a thriving, independent health care system in Northeast Oregon, with over 1,250 staff members and 200 credentialed providers. As a growing, mid-size health care system demonstrating its commitment to high-quality care, GSHCS’s flagship acute care hospital is fully accredited by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Based in Hermiston, Oregon, GSHCS meets the healthcare needs of 100,000 patients in the greater Northeast Oregon region, primarily spanning Umatilla and Morrow Counties. In addition to providing inpatient care, GSHCS’s 40 robotic-trained surgeons offer a full slate of surgical services that treat a variety of health conditions. The GSHCS Medical Group’s specialty services include Cardiology, Oncology, Urology, Nephrology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Physiatry, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Women’s Health, Endocrinology, and Sleep Medicine. GSHCS also offers Primary Care Services in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Other services include Diagnostic Imaging, Interventional Radiology, Laboratory, Home Health, Physical/Speech/Occupational/Infusion/Respiratory Therapy, Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Hospice, Pharmacy, Occupational Health, Home Medical Equipment, and medical transportation services. GSHCS’s Level 3 Trauma designated Emergency Department is open 24/7 and its Urgent Care is open seven days a week. For more information about GSHCS, visit www.gshealth.org.
Overview
Job Title: Sterile Processing Tech I
Department: Sterile Processing
Reports to: Shift Charge – SPD Manager – Director of Surgical Services
Medical, Dental & Vision benefits paid by Employer!
Compensation: Min $19.39 - Max $31.50
Schedule:Mon - Fri/1800-0230
Definition of Position:
This position receives and reprocesses reusable instruments throughout the hospital, performs cleaning and sterilizing duties. Responsible for preparing and assembling medical and surgical supplies, instrumentation, and equipment, maintaining the sterile processing areas, and receiving and distributing surgical supplies and equipment. They will distribute reprocessed supplies, assist with pulling case carts and assist with inventory control in surgery.
Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions:
Follow established protocols for cleaning, decontaminating, preparing and packaging, disinfecting or sterilizing, and storing medical and surgical supplies and equipment.
Distribute medical and surgical supplies from sterile processing areas to other areas within the facility or health care organization as needed.
Adherent to standard precautions including the use of personal protective equipment.
Follow safety procedures and manufacturer’s instructions when handling cleaning solutions, supplies and equipment.
Operate equipment is utilized in the sterile processing areas safely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Monitor, interpret, and document results of physical, chemical and biological indicators for all types of sterilizers used in the sterile processing areas.
Prepare and distribute surgical case carts according to physician’s preference lists and anticipated needs of the perioperative team.
Inventory, receive, and restock materials used for supporting sterile processing services.
Comply with organizational policies, regulatory and accreditation standards, and professional guidelines.
Exhibit professional interpersonal and communication skills.
Assist with improving the quality of sterile processing services.
Assist with identifying pertinent evidence to establish benchmarks as directed.
Maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information.
The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Tech I
Education:
Required: High School graduate or GED.
Preferred: Completion of a Sterile Processing Technician Program.
Licenses/ certifications/ registrations:
Required: None
Preferred: Sterile Processing Technician Certificate.
Experience:
Required: None
Preferred: Previous sterile processing experience.
Other:
NA
Tech II:
Education:
Required: High School graduate or GED.
Preferred: Completion of a Sterile Processing Technician Program or Scrub Technologist Program.
Licenses/ certifications/ registrations:
Required: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
Preferred: Sterile Processing Technician Program Certificate. Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS).
Experience:
Required: None
Preferred: Previous Sterile Processing experience.
Other:
NA
Physical Requirements:
The physical and sensory functions described below are essential to the successful performance of this position. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, as is the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes, such as identifying medications or safety indicators. Tactile perception is also important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, or texture during patient care. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for the use of medical equipment and procedures. The position also involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The role requires the ability to lift to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds. There may also be occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, with the expectation that appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance will be used to ensure safety. May to sit for long periods of time.
Working Conditions:
This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures. The role involves frequent exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment, with the expectation that all staff follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
The health care environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances, including high-pressure or emergency situations. The work setting also involves multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise due to medical equipment, staff activity, and patient needs.
40 Hours USD $19.39/Hr. USD $31.50/Hr. 01-3212 Sterile Processing Second Shift