CENTRAL STERILE TECHNICIAN

The non-certified Central Service Technician is able to perform the following : Receives, cleans, decontaminates and processes incoming instruments, supplies and equipment from various areas of the Ephraim McDowell Health care system. Must obtain the technical skills necessary to operate and change water softener system / troubleshoot. Performs sterilization / high level disinfection duties and develops the technical skills required to perform biological monitoring through the use of mechanical and chemical indicators. Acquires the knowledge to trouble shoot and interpretation of printout data for autoclaves, washers, sonication equipment, and high level disinfection. Obtains the skills necessary to clean sterilizers and washers to ensure patient safety of the products that are cleaned and sterilized in the central services department. Prepares linen packs and instrumentation for sterilization and is able to process in the sterilizers, following the manufacturer's guidelines for temperature and time to ensure sterile products for patient care.

Prepares and delivers case carts to required areas within EMRMC and is able to send items to appropriate facilities outside of EMRMC once the sterilization process is complete. Performs all required computer skills necessary to pull cases, update preference cards, charging / ordering of supplies, and updating instrument set checklists. Checks in all supplies used in patient care areas, through inspection of each item, knowledge of the ECSR inventory and maintenance of the inventory (cycle counting, checking product expiration dates and stock rotation). Attention to detail is required and infection control practices must be maintained at all times. Takes on-call for the Operating Room on weekends and holidays to support patient procedures. General knowledge of medical terminology is required. Must be able to recognize cross contamination and reporting process. Must exhibit the F.I.R.S.T. values (Friendliness, Innovation, Respect, Service, and Trust).

Applicants who possess the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service

Technician) certification are eligible to be hired into a Central Service

Tech / Certified.

All pay rates will be based on the candidate's experience. Certification is required for all new hires within 12 months of hire date. Then associates

will be moved into the Certified Central Service Technician position.

WORKING CONDITIONS, HAZARDS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT :

Works varying shifts and will take call rotation. Frequently exposed to infectious diseases that require the following of established protocols and precautionary measures. May be required to wear protective clothing such as gowns, gloves, surgical masks, face shields, and / or goggles. Subject to burns and cuts. Must be able to move or position 25 lbs. independently.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS :

Central Service Associates, Surgery Associates, Vendors, Associates who work on the floors, Materials Management Associates.

EQUIPMENT USED / SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED :

The ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with peers and superiors and others on a one on one and group basis. The ability to analyze problems, prioritize, and problem solve. The ability to cope successfully with diverse and complex situations. Precision and attention to detail so that complicated assignments can be completed with a high degree of exactness. The use of independent judgment and discretion. The ability to protect the confidential nature of information. Ability to analyze inventory control concepts. Data interpretation for autoclaves, washers, and high-level disinfection. Flexibility to juggle several projects simultaneously, to cope successfully with diverse and complex situations.

Preferred experience in Central Service operations. Experience with inventory control concepts and PAR level usage.