Sterile Technician na NURSE PRACTICIONER GROUP LLC

Description

The Nurse Practitioner Group, LLC is guided by our commitment to excellence and compassion in all that we do. At the Nurse Practitioner Group, each member plays a vital role, every day, every time, as we could not accomplish what we do without our team. We continue to be guided by our vision to create positive and supportive work environments.

Are you ready for an exciting and meaningful job that also creates work/life balance?

Join our nationwide multidisciplinary team of providers!

Primary Purpose of Position

The Sterile Technician provides quality sterile processing services required during Optum Serve operations within their scope of practice. The technician working at any Optum Serve site is responsible for ensuring adherence to all Optum Serve Policies and Procedures.

Work Schedule/Duty Hours:  Day, evening, and night shifts needed. Sterile Technician will be required to work 8-to-12-hour shifts in support of the Sterile Processing Department. Meal periods will be coordinated and scheduled between the assigned department supervisor and contract employee. Scheduling is always based on the needs of the government and must be coordinated through the designated supervisor. A standard 40-hour workweek will be maintained based on a rotating schedule, not to exceed 80 hours within any two-week period. Weekends and Holidays are worked on a rotating basis. 

Core Duties:

The list of core duties below is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed, as necessary.
· Instrument Processing and Sterilization

o Receive, disassemble, and inspect reusable instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and damage.

o Decontaminate instruments using manual and automated cleaning systems.

o Assemble and prepare instrument sets and specialty trays for surgical and dental procedures.

o Select appropriate packaging and sterilization methods based on instrument type and manufacturer guidelines.

o Operate sterilization equipment (e.g., steam autoclaves, low-temperature sterilizers) and verify cycles using chemical and biological indicators.

o Label, seal, and document all processed items accurately.

· Storage and Distribution

o Maintain sterile storage areas and monitor the integrity and expiration of sterilized items.

o Distribute sterile supplies and instrument sets to clinical departments in a timely manner.

o Track and replenish inventory of sterile processing supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE).

· Compliance and Safety

o Adhere to OSHA regulations, infection prevention protocols, and facility policies.

o Participate in quality assurance activities, including routine audits and process improvement initiatives.

o Coordinate regulated medical waste disposal and maintain required documentation.

o Ensure safe handling and storage of hazardous materials and chemicals used in decontamination.

· Training and Team Support

o Assist in training new staff on sterile processing procedures and infection control practices.

o Collaborate with surgical, dental, and clinical teams to ensure timely availability of instruments and supplies.

o Communicate effectively with team members and leadership regarding equipment issues or supply needs.

· Other Tasks and Responsibilities

o Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time while performing duties.

o Frequently lift, push, and pull boxes, linen bags, case containers, and carts weighing up to three hundred (300) pounds.

o Move between contaminated and clean environments while wearing appropriate PPE.

o Ensure compliance with standards of care and practice in accordance with MTF and Joint Commission guidelines.

o Complete orientation and competency verification programs per unit guidelines.

o Serve and participate in committees, functions, and meetings as assigned.

o Report to the Service Chief or Civilian Supervisor of the Sterile Processing Department.

o Participate in customer service initiatives and medical readiness activities.

o Maintain productivity comparable to peers performing similar services.

o Comply with Joint Commission standards, applicable laws, and MTF regulations.

o Participate in peer review and performance improvement activities.

o Participate in the Command's Blood-borne Pathogen Program and comply with CDC Universal Precautions.

o Practice aseptic techniques and comply with infection control guidelines.

o Function with awareness and application of safety procedures.

o Perform efficiently in emergency situations, following protocols and documenting events.

o Apply awareness of legal issues in patient care and manage situations to reduce risk.

o Exercise sensitivity to patient and family rights and maintain accountability for professional practice.

o Participate in continuing education and annual hospital training (e.g., infection control, disaster training).

o Actively participate in performance improvement programs and in-service training.

o Attend and participate in meetings as directed.

o Perform timely, accurate, and concise documentation.

o Use computerized systems such as MHS GENESIS and CENSITRAC (training provided).

o Comply with HIPAA privacy and security policies of the treatment facility.

· Sterile Processing and Support

o Receive, disassemble, inspect, and decontaminate reusable medical and dental instruments. 

o Assemble and prepare specialty trays and instrument sets for various dental procedures.

o Select appropriate wrapping/packaging materials and sterilization processes per manufacturer and regulatory guidelines. 

o Label, seal, and process instruments using chemical indicators and sterilization equipment. 

o Ensure instruments are clean, functional, rust-free, and properly labeled.

o Maintain sterile storage areas and ensure integrity of sterilized items. 

o Comply with OSHA regulations and infection control protocols. 

o Maintain inventory of sterile processing supplies and PPE. 

o Train new staff on infection control and sterile processing procedures. 

o Coordinate regulated medical waste disposal and ensure proper documentation. 

o Perform physical duties including lifting up to 50 lbs. and pushing/pulling carts up to 160 lbs.

· Inventory Management

o Manage supply inventory and escalate gaps as quickly as possible.

· Other Duties

o Assist with other duties of the site, including administrative work and any other duties as assigned during downtime.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Education

· High School Diploma or GED Certificate of completion from a Central Sterile Supply Technician training course.

Certifications

· Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Current certification from either: International Association of Healthcare Central Services Materials Management (IAHCSMM), or National Institute for the Certification of Healthcare Sterile Processing and Distribution Personnel (CBSPD).

Experience

· Minimum of (2) continuous years' experience within the last four (4) years as Sterile Processing Technician.

Citizenship

· Must be a United States Citizen

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience working with Veterans, Service Members, and Federal Employees.