Sterile Processing Technician

Requirements

Position Overview:

As a Sterile Processor, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and infection control in our facility. Your responsibilities will include sterilizing instruments and equipment, preparing surgical packs, conducting equipment and instrument maintenance, writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training other employees to ensure the safe and effective operation of our hospital.

Essential Functions:

• Instrument Sterilization: Operate autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and other sterilization equipment to clean and disinfect surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies according to established protocols.
• Surgical Pack Preparation: Assemble and prepare surgical packs with sterilized instruments and supplies, ensuring accurate labeling and organization for easy accessibility.
• SOP Development: Draft, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to instrument sterilization, equipment maintenance, and infection control. Collaborate with the medical team to ensure SOPs align with best practices and industry standards.
• Quality Control: Monitor the effectiveness of sterilization processes by performing routine quality checks, biological and chemical indicator tests, and maintaining accurate sterilization records.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect, clean, and maintain sterilization equipment and machinery to ensure proper functioning and compliance with safety standards. Coordinate repairs or maintenance with relevant technicians as needed.
• Instrument Maintenance: Collaborate with veterinary technicians and medical staff to identify damaged or malfunctioning surgical instruments. Facilitate repairs, replacements, or maintenance to ensure instruments are in optimal condition for procedures.
• Inventory Management: Maintain an organized inventory of sterile supplies, monitor stock levels, and reorder as necessary to ensure availability of required items at all times.
• Training: Train new and existing staff members on proper sterilization techniques, infection control practices, instrument handling, and equipment maintenance. Provide ongoing education to ensure adherence to protocols and safety measures.
• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other medical staff to meet the hospital's infection control and patient safety goals.
• Compliance: Stay updated on industry standards, regulations, and guidelines related to sterilization, equipment, and instrument maintenance. Ensure the hospital's practices align with these standards. 
• Operating room transition: Assist with removal of surgical instrumentation from operating room. Help facilitate transition of operating room for subsequent patients.
• Emergency Support: Assist in emergency situations by providing sterile supplies and equipment as needed to support the medical team.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; certification in sterile processing or related field is preferred.
• Previous experience in a veterinary hospital or healthcare setting is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of infection control principles and practices.
• Familiarity with various sterilization techniques, equipment, and chemical disinfectants.
• Basic knowledge of equipment and instrument maintenance.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for training and collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in documenting procedures and maintaining accurate records.
• Physical ability to lift and move heavy objects, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks.

Benefits Highlights

• Medical: Multiple plan options with 70% coverage
• Dental/Vision: Multiple plan options with 50% coverage
• Profit sharing available for all heroes (employees)
• Tenure bonuses
• Savings: 401K matching program
• Stipends for continuing education

Education & Experience:

• Minimum education requirement: high school diploma or equivalent
• Preferred: hands-on experience working in veterinary general practice or veterinary multi-specialty hospital.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are passionate about veterinary care and are excited to grow alongside a team of like-minded individuals, we would love to hear from you! Apply today and become part of the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon family—where we go beyond expectations, every day!

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