Job Information
Albany Medical Center Sterile Process Tech I: Per Diem in Albany, New York
Department/Unit:
Sterile Processing
Work Shift:
Per Diem (United States of America)
The Sterile Processing Technician is assigned duties performing decontamination, preparation,
sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the surgery
center, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process.
Hourly Range: $18.00/hr. - $29.00/hr.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of equipment function to be able to determine operational adequacy and to distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction.
Knowledge of applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards to be able to perform all assignments within the safety parameters.
Using OneSource as resource- knowledge to be able to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment.
Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals, and medical instruments to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies, and instruments.
Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment (i.e., IV pumps, monitors, up to 25 lbs.)
Must have good telephone manners and problem-solving skills.
Able to perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, which will include instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts of various sizes.
Tactile differentiation, e.g. temperature, moisture.
Skill in cleaning specialized equipment. Standard equipment includes: computer terminal, telephone, washer/decontaminator, sonic cleaner, sterilizer (steam and Sterrad), air compressor and biological incubator.
Working Environment and Physical Activities:
Physical working environment may include, but not limited to, any of the following hazards: high pressure steam, chemical, electrical, mechanical, bio-waste, stress, back strain, body fluids, etc.
Environmental conditions may include, but not be limited to, variations in temperature, noise, odors, multi-stimuli, etc.
Pressure from high volume census to meet deadlines to obtain adequate instrumentation from vendors.
Extensive person-to-person contact and interruptions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to constantly stand and walk. The employee frequently is required to stoop, crouch, and twist. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, squat, and sit.
The employee must be able to consistently support, push, pull, and/or lift up to 25 pounds.
Functional physical demands include manual dexterity and fine motor skills and reaching. The following senses will be needed for essential duties of the job: speech, vision, hearing, smell, and touch (i.e., tactile differentiation of temperature and moisture).
Have no physical limitations as to lifting trays of instruments (above the head), pushing, pulling carts from sterilizer, walking, and standing for duration of shift.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely. Prepares, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards.
Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to or consigned to the facility.
Accurately handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification, and assembly according to OneSource and preparation for sterilization. Retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.
Correctly peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness, and cleanliness.
Coordinates with Materials Dept to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels.
Ensures safe care to patients, staff, and visitors; adheres to all FSC policies, procedures and standards and quality of service.
Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Communicate with operating room staff to provide required instruments.
Responsible for reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Clinical Director and Material Manger and follow process for replacement.
Acts as a resource to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization techniques.
Clean, set up, sterilize, and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift.
Maintains records for QA and sterilization.
Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission Standards.
Is familiar with organization, department, and job specific Environment of Care areas, including Life Safety, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control and Medical Equipment Failure.
Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include: the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate.
Minimum Requirements:
A High School diploma or equivalent and certification in sterile processing and distribution.
A clear background check and proof of up-to-date immunizations.
Strong attention to detail, vigilance, and meticulous care on the job.
Passion for keeping people safe.
Good judgment and critical-thinking skills.
Manual dexterity and the ability to handle fragile equipment.
Technical skills and familiarity with sterilization techniques.
The ability to work well in a team or independently.
Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center!
Albany Medical is an equal opportunity employer.
This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Medical Center, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:
Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Center policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.