We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Sterile Processing Technician to join our healthcare team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the decontamination, inspection, cleaning, assembling, and sterilizing medical/surgical equipment to ensure a sterile and functioning supply of materials for patient care. This position requires adherence to safety standards, infection control protocols, and operational efficiency in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform decontamination, inspection, cleaning, assembly, and packaging of medical/surgical materials, including linen, instruments, and equipment, ensuring compliance with established standards and procedures for sterility.
- Prepare surgical trays and care for instruments based on prescribed procedures.
- Properly wrap and package items for designated areas in accordance with specific guidelines.
- Disassemble, clean, assemble, and test medical instruments for proper functioning.
- Operate steam sterilizers and other sterilization equipment.
- Track instruments and individual trays per sterilization cycle.
- Perform basic maintenance on sterilization equipment, including using Bowie-Dick test packs, cleaning filters and drains, and conducting biological tests.
- Maintain inventory levels of supplies and materials, and document usage, receiving, and issuing as necessary.
- Demonstrate competencies within scope of practice and adhere to recognized infection control standards.
- Participate in departmental and hospital-wide quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) activities.
- Assist with the setup and cleanup of operating rooms under the supervision of Registered Nurses (R.N.).
- Perform small equipment maintenance and assist with patient transport and positioning as directed.
- Be willing to cross-train to other areas such as the surgery control desk and scheduling, providing assistance to nursing staff and technicians as needed.
Qualifications: - Certification in Sterile Processing preferred (must be obtained within one year of employment).
- At least 1 year of experience in sterile processing or a related field (acute care setting or surgery center), or an equivalent combination of training, experience, and cognitive skills.
- Knowledge of sterilization materials, equipment, and procedures.
- Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols and procedures.
Why Clark Fork Valley Hospital
Clark Fork Valley Hospital is a great place to work, we truly live our mission of Quality Care Close to Home. Nestled along the Clark Fork River, Plains is a small community with that true home town feel. If you feel like getting a taste of the city Missoula and Kalispell are an hour drive. As the largest employer in Sanders County, we would love for you to join our team