At Houston Methodist the Sterile Processing Technician position is responsible for decontamination assembly inspecting wrapping and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment for Surgical Services and all ancillary departments which includes working in conjunction with the Operation Room (OR) staff to provide timely sterile products trays and case carts where applicable. The position maintains consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Central Service Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service.
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Communicates with staff from the interprofessional health care team concerning patient safety to improve outcomes and the safe transition of care through effective assignment and shift handoffs using a structured format. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional.
- Responds positively to requests for assistance. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment. Makes contributions to the work effort as a whole and uses problem resolution effectively.
- Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity equity and inclusion principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement i.e. peertopeer accountability
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Performs decontamination and assembling of basic surgical trays individual instrumentation and equipment utilizing established count sheets. Wraps or contains items appropriately according to size and type of instrument or equipment.
- Provides timely sterile products trays and case carts by location by following guidance of experienced surgical techs in conjunction with the OR staff.
- Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed manufacturer instructions for use and according to institutional policies and procedures.
- Organizes workload utilizing available work time by assisting others and performing additional task as needed. Provides consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Utilizes appropriate cleaning detergents and agents by reading directions and SDS sheets.
- Utilizes all department equipment according to manufacturers instructions for use and department policies and protocols.
- Ensures through visual inspection that trays have completed the quality process according to AAMI standards for patient use.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Selfmotivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks cleaning the workstation at the end of each shift and minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
- Uses department resources efficiently to ensure completeness of trays instruments and equipment according to count sheets; does not waste supplies.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Understands applies and demonstrates industry Sterile Processing standards i.e. Steam ETO and Low Temperature Hydrogen Peroxide.
- Participates in department projects and Shared Governance committee for department. Follow up on action items as necessary to ensure completion of assignments.
- Identifies own learning needs consults with healthcare team experts and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis.
This job description is not intended to be allinclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION- High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED verification of homeschool equivalency partial or full completion of postsecondary education etc.)
- Formal education through a Sterile Processing program preferred
WORK EXPERIENCE LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED- CRCST Certified Registered Central Service Technician (HSPA) within 1 year OR
- CSPDT Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CBSPD) within 1 year
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job determined through ongoing skills competency assessments and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking reading and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients physicians family members and coworkers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Independently demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job determined through ongoing skills competency assessments and performance evaluations
- Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the Decontamination area
- Exhibits interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients visitors physicians and coworkers
- Ability to utilize basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office and electronic instrument tracking system if applicable
- Demonstrates proper phone etiquette when responding to inquiries made to the department
- Maintains patient and family privacy
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
- Uniform Yes
- Scrubs Yes
- Business professional No
- Other (department approved) No
ONCALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be oncall during emergencies (ie. DIsaster Severe Weather Events etc) regardless of selection below.
TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of Americas Best Hospitals. As a fullservice acutecare hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist it has evolved into one of the nations largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodists primary academic affiliates are among the nations leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New YorkPresbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds 85 operating rooms and more than 8400 employees Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor priority referral Protected Veterans requested.