Per Diem Central Sterile Tech

At Bristol Health we begin each day caring today for your tomorrow. We have been an integral part of our community for the past 100 years. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and service to our patients residents and families. We are committed to provide compassionate quality care at all times and to uphold our values of Communication Accountability Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.). We are Magnet and received the 2020 Press Ganey Leading Innovator award for our rapid adoption and implementation of healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use your expertise compassion and kindness to transform the patient experience. Make a difference. Make Bristol Health your choice.

Performs a variety of routine tasks involving the collection inspection preparation packaging sterilization storage and distribution of medical/surgical supplies and equipment. Assists in the direction of day-to-day operations of the CSS department. Resolves routine department questions to assist and relieve the manager of involvement in minor details. Assures proper use of prescribed methods and procedures and verifies conformity to standards of sterilization and safety. Performs all duties of the CSS Aide. May act as a charge person in the absence of the OR Operations Manager.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Performs decontamination procedures.
• Follows prescribed procedures and techniques for effective decontamination and personal safety.
• Disassembles and cleans instruments trays and basins manually and mechanically.
• Disinfects and inspects equipment used in patient care. Reports defective equipment.
• Correctly uses various cleaning and disinfecting agents used in the decontamination process.
• Places items correctly in baskets and loads and operates washer/disinfector. Loads and operates respiratory equipment dryer.
• Collects used items and equipment from patient units and other hospital departments.
• Daily provides direction and guidance to CSS Aides to assist in the decontamination process.

Performs preparation and packaging.

• Inspects linens for holes and cleanliness folds in prescribed manner.
• Inspects all instruments for cleanliness and proper working order.
• Correctly arranges and assembles instrument sets trays and various kits checking for inclusion of all prescribed items.
• Wraps or packages items in prescribed manner seals and correctly labels. Provides direction and guidance to CSS Aides to assure accuracy of preparation.
• Notifies SSC when unable to replace parts or equipment deficiency in work area.
• Assures weight a limit of trays is not exceeded.

Performs sterilization procedures.

• Determines the correct method of sterilization and exposure requirements.
• Maintains and assures accuracy of lot control and traceability records for all items to be sterilized.
• Reads sterilizer cycle printouts for proper cycle parameters; initials and records required information and notifies supervisor of questionable operation or failure.
• Places items correctly on sterilizer racks and operates sterilizers.
• Puts sterilized items away in CSS storage or returns to correct department.
• Performs sterilizer function tests and biological monitoring. Reports inaccuracies to Support Systems Coordinator.
• Cleans sterilizer chambers drains and carts.

Performs distribution and inventory control.

• Follows standardized procedures for inspection and handling of sterile goods to maintain package integrity and contents sterility.
• Rotates stock to allow for first in first out method of stock rotation.
• Answers phone and delivers telephone requests for supplies to various departments.
• Restocks supplies on nursing units and in the Operating Room using a par level restock system 2 to 3 times per week.
• Checks in and puts away supplies from outside vendors.
• Enters all supply issues and returns into the computer 2 to 3 times per week.
• Follows procedure for Operating Room case cart system and instrument pick lists.
• Monthly removes outdated supplies from stock in CSS storage and par level stock areas on nursing units and the Operating Room.

Observes safety and infection control.

• Follows infection control safety guidelines to control the spread of pathogens.
• Follows safety guidelines for Ethylene Oxide fire and hazardous substances as determined by governing agencies and the Bristol Hospital Safety.
• Is aware that failure to conform to safety policies may cause injury to self other personnel patients and visitors.
• Avoids shortcuts in procedures with the knowledge that doing so may have adverse effects on patients. Reports all equipment defects and items needing repair and maintenance.
• Reports all equipment defects/malfunctions and items needing repair and maintenance.
• Completes requisition for repairs.

Facilitates communication/interdepartmental relations.

• Communicates effectively promoting efficiency safety and good relations with other departments and services related to patient care.
• Oversees the daily routines of CSS Tech I and assists the supervisor in maintaining departmental operations at optimum efficiency.
• Exercises discretion and follows established policies in dealing with patient information.
• Monitors work in progress and provides direction and guidance as required.
• Handles minor departmental problems without need to consult with the manager.
• Assures proper use of prescribed methods and procedures and verifies conformity to standards of sterilization aseptic technique and safety.
• Maintains adequate supplies of procedure trays kits instruments and linens are on hand at all times.
• Discusses overall departmental operations with CSS and assists in coordinating departmental activities.
• Assists with training of new employees and contributes to instruction of new procedures.
• Assists in cooperative efforts to make provisions for emergency needs or other unanticipated requests for supplies and equipment.
• Assures requisitions are filled in a timely manner.
• In addition to work leadership responsibilities performs all duties and assignments of the CSS Tech I.

Provides for professional growth and development.

• Attends CSS State chapter educational programs in order to maintain personal growth and development and to maintain certification.
• Assists in the development of procedures computer data entry and procedure lists and case cart systems.
• Completes mandatory inservices annually.

Educational / Minimum Requirements:

High School Graduate. Certified employees will maintain certification as directed by supervisor.

One year in Hospital or Surgicenter Central Supply Technician position.

State/Federal Mandated Licensure or Certification Requirements:

CSS Certification or knowledge of specialty instrumentation from OR.

Bristol Hospital Mandated Educational Requirements:

General orientation at time of hire. Fire/Safety/Infection Control annually.

Special Requirements:

Current certification through the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) ( Formally IAHCSMM). Knowledge of medical terminology preferred. Minimum one year experience in acute care hospital. Must have knowledge of aseptic technique and infection control.

Physical Requirements:

Stands walks lifts (15 - 35 lbs.) bends and reaches most of the day. Must have good manual dexterity. Visual acuity. Ability to verbalize.

Work Environment:

Exposure to chemicals hazardous substances blood/body fluids heat water and noise. Frequent interruptions in daily routine to answer phone deliver supplies and assist CSS Aides.

Cognitive Requirements:

Must be able to speak read and write English. Good verbal communication and problem solving skills. Ability to read comprehend and execute written and oral instructions.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.