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., peer-to-peer 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

　　Self-motivated 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 on-going basis.

　　This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; 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 post-secondary education, etc.)

　　Formal education through a Sterile Processing program preferred

　　WORK EXPERIENCE

　　NoneLICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

　　CRCST - Certified Registered Central Service Technician (HSPA) within 1 year and

　　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 on-going 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 co-workers 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 on-going 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 co-workers

　　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

　　ON-CALL*

　　*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

　　On Call* YesTRAVEL**

　　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:

　　Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation’s leading centers for medical education and research. In 2022, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its prestigious Honor Roll for the sixth time. Also, in this year’s rankings, Houston Methodist Hospital was named the No. 1 hospital in Texas for the 11th year in a row. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 946 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and nearly 8,500 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers complete care for patients from around the world.

　　Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

　　Equal Employment Opportunity

　　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.

　　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.