Join a dedicated healthcare team in the Midwest region as a Lead Sterile Processing Technician, where your expertise in sterilization and instrument care will be highly valued. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safety and efficiency of surgical and medical procedures through meticulous sterilization practices and team leadership.

General Summary

As the Lead Sterile Processing Technician, you will oversee sterilization techniques, operate technical equipment, and manage staff schedules and assignments to maintain high standards of instrument processing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Apply principles of decontamination and sterilization with precision.
• Use personal protective equipment correctly, including gowns, gloves, face masks, and boots.
• Sort instrumentation for cleaning according to manufacturer specifications.
• Clean CASE carts thoroughly and inspect sterilized packages for integrity.
• Utilize biological and chemical sterilization indicators properly.
• Sterilize instruments accurately and label them appropriately.
• Document sterilizer loads and tests with attention to detail.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of instruments and equipment, ensuring correct assembly and testing for optimal function.
• Report and remove broken or malfunctioning instruments from service promptly.
• Identify department-specific instrumentation, including surgery, obstetrics, and emergency services.
• Maintain daily inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Rotate to the operating room as a technical assistant when needed.
• Commit to continuous quality improvement by monitoring quality levels, identifying root causes of issues, and taking ownership of solutions.
• Manage staff schedules and assignments effectively.
• Assist the Sterile Processing Supervisor with maintaining department records.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience

A minimum of three years of experience in sterile processing is necessary to excel in this role.

Certification/License

Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician is required.

Mental and Physical Requirements

This position demands considerable mental concentration to operate equipment and care for instruments properly. Physical requirements include standing, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, and reaching. The role involves working in close proximity to others and sometimes in distracting environments.

Working Conditions

Expect exposure to wet and humid conditions during instrument decontamination, occasional temperature fluctuations, fumes, airborne particles, and potential contact with infectious materials. The work environment may include small, confined spaces for extended periods.