Primary Function: Responsible for the decontamination, cleaning, processing, distribution, storage and sterilization of surgical instrumentation both in the Sterile Processing area. Instrument/equipment knowledge and interaction with the surgeons, nurses, and OR team is vital to ensure proper products are available at the time of surgery.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

-Decontaminate, clean, inspect, process and assemble surgical instrumentation for the Operating Room, Sterile Processing area, and durable patient care equipment.

-Understand, operate, and be responsible for pre-vacuum/gravity steam sterilizers, washer/decontaminators, automatic endoscope reprocessors as well as perform high level disinfection. Testing sterilizers and maintaining accurate records.

-Disinfects video scopes/auxiliary equipment through special manual washing techniques and operation of pre-programmed fully automated system/washer. Conduct visual inspection and operational testing of video scopes/some auxiliary equipment.

-Possess an understanding of cleaning protocols for all instruments used in the Operating Room. Familiar with cleaning agents/detergents and use appropriately.

-Visually inspects all instruments for cleanliness, proper function, and wear before assembly.

-Assembles instrument trays and equipment according to assembly count sheets. Wraps or peel pouches items according to size and type of instruments or equipment using appropriate wrapping techniques.

-Understands and runs machine specific challenge tests using internal, external and biological tests. Must be able to read and interpret all parameters for all types of sterilizers to ensure proper function.

-Check the Operating Room (OR) Schedule daily to determine what surgical cases need to be picked and in what order of priority.

-Collaborate with Supply Chain in organizing the supplies in a systematic way for each surgical case. Check for any adds-on surgeries for the day that need to be picked.

-Comply with all federal and state regulations. Follow all the AAMI, OSHA and infection control policies and procedures.

-Able to do minor troubleshooting of equipment and determine when professional service technicians are needed.

-Maintain and distribute sterile supplies, crash carts, pediatric crash carts, intubation trays, as well as other items needed throughout the hospital.

-Must have knowledge of and practice Universal Precautions.

-Participates in and leads process improvement initiatives.

-Performs other related duties as assigned or required. Provides additional support as needed.

Job Qualifications

• 6 months of Surgical Services experience preferred.
• Required to have HSPA CRCST (Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician) certification.
• High school degree or equivalent required.
• Must have skills and abilities in inventory management, analytical skills, problem solving, interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, team leadership and participation, and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office.

Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions—Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, and our Wellness Center—are trusted organizations fueling the latest advances in medical research, attracting the nation’s top specialty-trained doctors, and honing renowned services and innovative programs to engage in the important discussions people need to have about their health.

Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status

Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.