Position Summary:
The Central Sterile Technician is responsible for the disassembly, cleaning, sterilization, and reassembly of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies to support surgical services and various clinical departments. This role ensures the highest standards of infection control and patient safety through adherence to sterilization protocols and regulatory guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Clean, disinfect, decontaminate, and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
- Process and leak test flexible endoscopes; disinfect and prepare for use.
- Inspect surgical instruments and devices for cleanliness and proper function.
- Assemble surgical kits and instrument trays following kit assembly sheets.
- Package and wrap trays and instruments for sterilization.
- Operate, load, and monitor sterilization equipment (steam, hydrogen peroxide, etc.).
- Perform and document chemical, mechanical, and biological monitoring for sterilization equipment.
- Maintain accurate records of sterilization cycles and quality assurance processes.
- Support emergency surgical needs by prioritizing and preparing required instrumentation and supplies.
- Evaluate and maintain proper stock levels of instruments, components, and surgical supplies.
- Pick and prepare surgical case carts based on surgeon preference cards.
- Stock and prepare adult, pediatric, and neonate code carts and intubation boxes.
- Rotate as needed between main Sterile Processing Department (SPD), GI, and Outpatient Surgery Center (OSC) departments.
- Assist with training of new staff and volunteers as directed.
- Function independently in the absence of supervisor or manager.
- Utilize hospital computer systems, including EPIC and CSIQ/SPM (preferred).
- Perform all other duties as assigned to support department needs.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Completion of an accredited Sterile Processing Technician program or equivalent experience.
- Basic knowledge of sterilization techniques and infection prevention standards.
- Familiarity with decontamination and sterilization equipment.
- Ability to lift, bend, and stand for extended periods.
- Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.
- Willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and take on-call shifts as needed.
Preferred:
- Certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or equivalent.
- Experience with hospital systems such as EPIC and CSIQ/SPM.
- Previous experience in a hospital or surgical center environment.