Instrument Tech – Sterile Processing

UnityPoint Health - Allen 

Shift: Full-time; Rotating shifts with a start time between the hours of 0700-1500

Benefits Eligible 

Sign-On Bonus: $5,000 paid over 1 year 

An Instrument Tech is responsible for decontamination, disinfection, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of supplies, instruments, and equipment dispensed by the department following established infection control practices.  Must be conscientious with regard to procedures and capable of working under pressure and interacting professionally with other departments within hospital.  Able to accept new ideas and learn position duties.  Participates in the department’s performance improvement activities.  Must be able to troubleshoot, identify workable solutions, and communicate effectively with the Sterile Processing Manager.

Why UnityPoint Health?  

• Commitment to our Team – We’ve been named a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare 2022 by Becker’s Healthcare for our commitment to our team members. 
• Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve. 
• Benefits – Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment – We’re committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. 
• Development – We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience. 
• Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. 

Visit us at UnityPoint.org/careers to hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work. https://dayinthelife.unitypoint.org/  

• Assembles all instrument procedure trays using protocol content lists as a guide.
• Decontaminates instruments, equipment & all other devices per manufacturer guidelines.
• Ensures items needing repair are removed from service and delivered to the SPD office.
• Communicates effectively with all customers and staff.
• Sterilizes instruments, equipment and supplies in various types of autoclaves and sterrad machines.
• Loads autoclaves and sterrad machines in prescribed manner and sets controls to specified time and temperature according to the type of items being sterilized.
• Completes appropriate documentation records prior to sterilization.
• Demonstrates knowledge of medical/surgical procedure and terminology.
• Applies aseptic techniques in daily work assignments. Performs general cleaning of department surface areas, racks, shelves, storage cabinets, all storage areas, and equipment.
• Maintains assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition to maintain required standards for the handling of sterilized and clean materials and equipment.
• Demonstrates a cooperative, courteous and dependable work performance.
• Performs other related duties that may be assigned.
• Demonstrates basic knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.
• Demonstrates knowledge of infection control principles and Spaulding’s classifications.
• Expresses knowledge of chemical disinfectants and can access MSDS.
• Demonstrates knowledge of washer decontamination equipment and can function independently in the decontamination area.
• Demonstrates knowledge of instrument names and the care and handling of instruments, tray preparation and special procedure items.
• Demonstrates ability to access and utilize OneSource website for manufacturer’s instructions for use documents.
• Demonstrates knowledge of sterilizing procedures and biological monitoring and documentation of the steam and sterrad sterilizers.
• Demonstrates ability to access and utilize RL Events site.
• Maintains a 3% or less error rate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Internal applicants within UPH-Allen, in good standing, with two years of hospital experience will be considered in place of high school diploma.
• Must read, write, speak, and comprehend English fluently to read manufacturer’s instructions, sterilization records and all other documentation pertinent to Sterile Processing Department (SPD).
• Microsoft Office-basic computer skills. Critical thinking skills using independent judgement in making decisions.
• Ability of flexibility in accepting assignments and works well as a team member and individual.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in Sterile Processing
• Completion of Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) exam within 2 years of hire