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Houston Methodist

Sterile Processing Tech

Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246

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Sterile Processing Tech

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Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Hospital. 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. The role works in conjunction with the Operating Room (OR) staff to provide timely sterile products, trays, and case carts, maintaining a 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, contributing to the overall work effort and using problem resolution effectively.

Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e., peer-to-peer accountability.

Service Essential Functions

Performs decontamination and assembly 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, following guidance of experienced surgical techs in conjunction with the OR staff.

Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed manufacturer instructions and institutional policies and procedures.

Organizes workload, assists others, and performs additional tasks as needed, ensuring consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while providing 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 the department, following 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 ongoing basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business or 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 (e.g., GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post‑secondary education).

Formal education through a Sterile Processing program preferred.

Work Experience

None.

Licenses and Certifications Required

Sterile Processing certification: CRCST or CSPDT.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, particularly 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 positive language principles.

Ensures compliance with Universal Precautions by wearing 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 (e.g., disaster, severe weather events) regardless of selection below.

On Call: Yes

Travel

Travel specifications may vary by department.

May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: No

May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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