Job Description Summary:

Assists in the daily functions of the sterile processing department, following facility policy and procedures, standards and government regulations. Participates in the training of personnel with the guidance and assistance of Sterile Processing Coordinator and the Surgery Director or designees. Functions in a staff role by cleaning, assembling, and sterilizing instruments for the Surgery Department, facility, and clinics. Also assists in cleaning and turning over same day surgery and surgery suites. Must possess a working knowledge of aseptic and sterile technique.

Position Responsibilities

• Processes and sterilizes instruments and supplies needed in the O.R. and other departments in the hospital.
  • Cleans and lubricates instruments after use.  Checks the integrity of these instruments, keeping them in good working order, replacing them as needed and notifies the Sterile Processing Coordinator and/or Surgery Director about their condition.
  • Accurately assembles instruments trays and prepares them for sterilization while meeting or exceeding 95% accuracy.
  • To keep instrument tray cards current, SPD Coordinator may delegate updating as needed.
  • Properly labels all supplies that are to be sterilized with name of set/instruments and initials. Keeps records of all sterilization cycles and biological indicators according to policy.
  • Is familiar with the operation of all sterilizers.  Notifies the Sterile Processing Coordinator, the Surgery Director and/or designee, maintenance personnel, and manufacturer service tech in the event of a mechanical breakdown or potential problems with sterilizers. Coordinates maintenance and repairs as directed by Coordinator, Director or designee.
  • Sterilizes instruments and supplies following the established procedures.  Operates the sterilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.  Monitors the sterilization cycle.
  • Notifies the Sterile Processing Coordinator, the Surgery Director, and/or designee, and retrieves all supplies from a load that has a positive biological indicator according to policy.
  • Notifies the Sterile Processing Coordinator, the room staff, and Surgery Director, and/or designee, of any instruments that are broken or in need of replacing. May write orders for replacements as delegated by SPD Coordinator or Surgery Director.
  • Is familiar with the daily surgery schedule to plan for availability of sterile trays. Keeps instruments sterile and ready for after-hours emergent cases.  Works closely with implant representatives when loaner instruments are to be used for cases. May need to coordinate instruments needed with representatives as delegated by SPD Coordinator.
  • Checks and records temperature and humidity of sterile processing and all surgery suites daily.
  • Keeps the entire Sterile Processing department clean and free of dust, i.e., dusting, polishing, washing equipment and machines, etc.

• Maintains an inventory of supplies to restock trays, process instruments, and critical implants.
  • Maintains a minimal level of supplies in sterile processing and notifies Sterile Processing Coordinator when supplies need to be ordered on a weekly basis.
  • Ordering stock and non-stock supplies via computer requisitions to Materials Management may be delegated by SPD Coordinator.
  • Checks supplies daily that are used by other units in the facility.  This is done by daily round making, picking up dirty equipment and returning sterilized equipment.
  • Counting of annual inventory or supplies may be delegated by SPD Coordinator.

• Has clerical responsibilities related to the department.  Files and record keeping and inventory control.   Assists at the front desk as needed.
  • Keeps records and files of all sterilizer loads.  Monthly review for any equipment requiring documentation may be delegated by the SPD Coordinator.
  • Keeps record of all sterilization for other departments and facilities and charges as needed.
  • Gathering of statistics and reports may be delegated by the SPD Coordinator.
  • Notifies SPD Coordinator, Surgery Director, or designee of all mechanical repair dates and servicing.
  • Answers phone, and accurately conveys messages to the appropriate person.
  • Keeps log of all instruments/items loaned to other facilities.

• Maintains effective communications
  • Encourages a positive work environment.
  • Performs clerical duties accurately and appropriately.
  • Demonstrates ability to work with others in a team effort.
  • Keeps Sterile Process Coordinator or Surgery Director and/or designee informed of any changes in status.
  • Uses proper communication channels and chain of command accurately.
  • Accurately conveys changes in the surgery schedule and delivers messages appropriately.
  • Ensures all policies and procedures are being followed at all times.

• Assists in other areas of the departments as needed.
  • Is familiar and proficient in sterile technique.
  • Assists turnover of same day surgery rooms and surgery suites between procedures as needed.
  • Is able to assist the circulator with their duties as needed. 
  • Checks supplies daily that are used by other units in the facility.  This is done by daily rounding, picking up dirty equipment and returning sterilized equipment.

• Quality/Performance Improvement
  • Will meet or exceed established departmental goals for patient quality and safety initiatives as well as defined performance improvement activities.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Compliance Plan and Code of Conduct:  LHW is dedicated to the highest ethical standards as it is essential to meeting our commitment to our mission and vision.  Individual responsibilities include adhering to our organizational Compliance Plan and Code of Conduct.
  • Maintains awareness and understands the organization-wide compliance plan.  Familiar with and adheres to LHW's published Code of Conduct which provides guidance and expectations regarding confidentiality, conflict of interest, billing, controlled substances, Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), payments for referrals, gifts, anti-kickback laws, safety and health, waste disposal, and compliance with antitrust laws, advertising and marketing, discrimination, insider trading and government requests.
  • Reports any violation or suspected violation of this Code or other hospital policies or procedures to supervisor, Compliance Officer or through the compliance hotline.
  • Attends and/or completes mandatory training regarding organizational compliance.

Education and Experience Requirements

Requires: Experience in sterile processing with knowledge base in all areas, i.e.: decontamination, sterile packaging, and instrument assembly.

Desire:  High school diploma or GED; current CPR Certification; current Sterile Processing Certification; and completion of Accredited Sterile Processing course.

Shift:

Variable (United States of America)

Schedule Details:

Please know schedules and shifts are subject to change based on patient care and department/organizational needs.

Monday - Friday - 9:30am - 5pm, no weekends, no call.

Logan Health operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week.  Schedules are set to accommodate the requirements of the position and the needs of the organization and may be adjusted as needed.

Notice of Pre-Employment Screening Requirements

If you receive a job offer, please note all offers are contingent upon passing a pre-employment screening, which includes:

• Criminal background check

• Reference checks

• Drug Screening

• Health and Immunizations Screening

• Physical Demand Review/Screening

Equal Opportunity Employer

Logan Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA/M-F/Vet/Disability). We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on protected veteran status, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable law. If you require accommodation to complete the application, testing or interview process, please notify Human Resources.

The Planetree Culture at Logan Health – Whitefish

Thank you for your interest in Logan Health – Whitefish where we believe everyone who works at our hospital and clinics is a caregiver. At Logan Health – Whitefish our employees are motivated by our open and supportive culture of caring for the patient and each other.

Logan Health – Whitefish was the first hospital in Montana to be affiliated with Planetree International, a non-profit organization setting the global standard for person-centered care. As a Planetree affiliate, we embrace this evidence-based approach partnering with the patient and their family to provide the highest quality patient experience. Logan Health – Whitefish is often recognized as one of the top critical access hospitals in the country and received a 5-star overall rating, the highest designation available for hospitals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2023. We take pride in providing our quality level of service and continuously work to go above and beyond our stellar reputation.