Sterile Process Tech I

Sterile Process Tech I

Shift: Nights, Sunday - Thursday

Under the general guidance and direction of the CSPS Clinical Operations Supervisor and CSPS Training and Staff Development Team, the Central Sterile Processing Technician 1 applies entry level skill sets to perform core Sterile Processing functions as instructed. The Central Sterile Processing Technician 1 works with preceptors to develop skills necessary to perform all core functions independently. Core Sterile Processing functions include receiving, sorting and decontamination of surgical/clinic items and instrumentation; inspection and packaging of single instruments and instrument kits; identification of appropriate sterilization method and cycle selection, appropriate documentation for all sterile processes; and accurate inventory assignment relating to the case cart build process.

Must be able to perform all duties in accordance with the MGH Policies and Procedures. International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) and/or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD) standards and procedures should be understood and followed.

Instrument and Equipment Decontamination and Cleaning

• Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.
• Receives soiled, used, and/or contaminated equipment, surgical instruments, scopes, and supplies from Operating Rooms, patient care units, and specialized areas; documents arrival and cleaning process utilizing SPM.
• Disassembles items as needed before choosing appropriate cleaning method.
• Identifies items in need of repair upon receipt and ensures information is maintained during cleaning process.
• Selects and utilizes appropriate manual cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination, including but not limited to instrument brushes, enzymatic detergent, flushing devices, ultrasonic bath, leak tested
• Selects and utilizes appropriate automated cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination; this includes loading and selecting appropriate cycles on automated washers.
• Cleans work area by wiping area with antibacterial agent upon work completion or as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Instrument and Equipment Assembly and Packaging

• Documents all work performed utilizing instrument tracking software SPM.
• Inspects and assembles all equipment, instruments, scopes, and instrument sets following product recipe, verifies items are functional, free of debris and required per instrument recipe.
• Documents items missing from instrument set, escalating set to CSPS Clinical Operations Supervisor or Designee for further guidance.
• Identifies and places appropriate internal indicator as required.
• Selects appropriate packaging method, including any sterilization accessories (corner protectors ect); ensures all external indicators and/or labels are securely affixed to item.
• Transports items to sterilization as needed.
• Maintains clean and organized work area, ensuring workspace is functional for peer use upon work completion or as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Sterilization, High Level Disinfection and Documentation

• Interprets package labeling to select appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle, options include Steam, ETO, STERRAD, or other as required.
• Inspects packages to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are securely affixed to items, returns non satisfactory products to instrument room.
• Loads sterilizer as appropriate to ensure cycle completion; includes biological testing as appropriate.
• Performs routine sterilizer testing including biological monitoring, leak test, and bowie dick test as appropriate.
• Following established policies interprets and appropriately documents results of sterilizer testing. Escalates positive results as appropriate for intervention.
• Removes and inspects items from sterilizer utilizing approved methods to preserve package integrity.
• Following established procedures selects appropriate High Level Disinfection method, manual (Cidex OPA) or automatic (AER), for heat sensitive instruments, equipment or flexible endoscopes.
• AER options include STERIS System 1 E, Medivator, Custom UltraSonic, or Trophon.
• Performs ATP testing on endoscopes as required.
• Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.
• Performs daily AER maintenance in accordance with established policies and procedures, documents appropriately.
• Performs daily Cidex OPA maintenance in accordance with established policies and procedures, documents appropriately.
• Other duties as assigned.

Inventory Management and Case Cart Build

• Utilizes patient specific pick lists to accurately gather surgical instruments and disposable supplies requested by attending surgeon or other Peri-Operative representative.
• Documents case cart build process in SPM, continuously updating the record as items are fulfilled to maintain integrity of needs list.
• Inspects items during the pick process to ensure package integrity remains intact, package is within expiration date, and substitutions are appropriate.
• Communicates unmet surgical supply requests to leadership for resolution assistance.
• Returns supplies not used after surgical procedures to their proper stock location.
• Modifies picking order as directed by CSPS Clinical Operations Supervisor based on changing OR Surgical Schedule.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Excellent organization, operations, people management, and problem solving skills are essential.
• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand medical terminology in order to follow written instructions and complete various forms and records regarding equipment processing and preparation of equipment.
• Must have working knowledge of computer programs; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and exposure to instrument tracking software. Existing knowledge of EPIC and SPM are preferred.
• Ability to multi-task is critical.

• If not certified at time of hire, must complete certification within 12 months of hire. Staff hired on or before April 30th, 2017 are grandfathered and this requirement does not apply.

Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training:

Graduate of Sterile Processing Training program preferred.

Required: Entry level

Preferred: Previous experience gained in a surgical or sterile processing setting.

• Must be able to perform all Sterile Processing functions.
• Position requires rotating weekend and on-call requirements.
• Involves large amounts of time walking and standing.
• Exposure to the Operating Room environment is a requirement.
• A strict dress code and professional appearing including wearing surgical scrubs is required.
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 25 lbs. stoop, bend, pull, and place and retrieve material.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.