Sterile Processing Tech - Full Time

As a Sterile Processing Tech at Shriners Children's Northern California, your main responsibilities will include decontaminating, cleaning, assembling, requisitioning, storing, and sterilizing surgical instruments and supplies. You will be required to demonstrate basic knowledge of asepsis and infection control principles, maintain inventory, and serve as a critical liaison between the operating room and central services, ensuring that all sterilization needs are comprehensively addressed.

While a COVID-19 vaccination and booster are mandatory, it is preferred that candidates have certification as a Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) or Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Additionally, having at least one year of hospital experience will enhance your chances of securing this vital position within our health care team.

The Sterile Processing Tech position at Shriners Children's Northern California operates during the hours of 2pm to 10:30pm. This full-time role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment while ensuring the highest standards of patient care through effective sterilization processes.

Employees in the Sterile Processing Tech role can expect comprehensive benefits starting from their first day, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan with matching contributions, paid time off, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement. We also offer additional perks tailored to your needs, creating an enriching workplace culture.

Preparation is key to a successful interview for the Sterile Processing Tech position. Familiarize yourself with the key responsibilities and the mission of Shriners Children's, and highlight relevant experiences. Ensure you can discuss infection control practices and sterilization techniques, which are critical components of the job.

In answering this question, emphasize any training or certifications you have related to sterilization. Discuss specific sterilization methods you're familiar with and how you've applied them in previous roles, ideally proving how your experience ensures patient safety.

Discuss your approach to prioritization by illustrating your process for assessing urgency and importance. Mention how you use tools or protocols to manage multiple responsibilities effectively, especially in the sterilization context in a busy pediatric care setting.

Highlight your understanding of infection control protocols. Discuss how you adhere strictly to cleaning and sterilizing processes and how you communicate with other departments to uphold these essential standards.

Share a specific example where you successfully navigated a workplace conflict. Focus on your communication and problem-solving skills, and reflect on how the outcome improved collaboration and maintained a positive work environment.

Express your alignment with Shriners Children's mission and values. Highlight your passion for pediatric care and how working in a collaborative and innovative environment excites you, along with your desire to impact the lives of children.

Discuss stress management techniques you practice, such as staying organized and maintaining a clear focus on priorities. Share past experiences where your resilience led to successful outcomes in high-pressure scenarios.

Provide a thorough explanation of aseptic techniques relevant to your role as a Sterile Processing Tech. Mention the importance of these techniques in preventing infections and how you ensure compliance with established hospital protocols.

Discuss your approach to inventory management, and emphasize the importance of accurate record-keeping. Explain how you would investigate discrepancies and ensure that all necessary supplies are reordered promptly.

Share insights into common challenges faced, such as maintaining high standards of cleanliness while managing time constraints. Discuss how effective communication and collaboration can help overcome these challenges.

Explain your approach to identifying and rectifying any faults in sterilization protocols. Highlight the importance of reporting issues immediately and ensuring that faulty instruments are reprocessed correctly to maintain patient safety.