Technician, Instrument Sterilization

HealthPartners

United States, Minnesota, Anoka

May 06, 2025

RIVERWAY CLINIC JOB DESCRIPTION:

JOB TITLE: Instrument Sterilization Technician

DEPARTMENT: Gastroenterology

REPORTS TO: Specialty Nursing Supervisor

DIRECTION OF OTHERS: None

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Service excellence is to be centered on patient care and patient relationships and is the responsibility of all employees. Partnership is the norm and all employees will be held accountable to work as effective team members with both internal and external partners. Under the direction of the Sterile Processing Department Manager, SPD Supervisor/Coordinator and the lead technician, will be responsible for the proper handling, cleaning, disinfecting, assembly, sterilization, and handling of instrumentation and patient-related equipment to render items safe for handling and use; to monitor, stock and fill supplies; to assist with maintenance of the department; to support the operating suites in provision of patient care; and to perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or GED

Formal education in sterilization OR

At least 6 months experience in sterile processing/surgical instrumentation

Successful completion of sterilization, decontamination, and instrumentation competencies within 6 months of hire.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Organizes effectively.

Establishes priorities.

Understands regulations and procedures.

Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments.

Knowledge of common safety hazards and universal precautions to establish safe working conditions.

Ability to maintain records, write reports and respond to correspondence.

Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance.

Maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public.

Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.

Ability to communicate clearly.

Ability to work quickly under pressure.

Works productively as a team player.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.	STERILIZATION:
	Knows and observes all safety precautions consistent with sterilization modalities
	Loads, unloads and safely operates all sterilizers according to policies and procedures
	Completes all monitoring paperwork, sterilization records and records for instrument sets within required timeline.
	Maintains sterility of equipment and supplies; observe chemical indicators to determine if products have been contaminated. Transports, handles and stores sterile instruments and supplies per appropriate standards. Functional capabilities to process, incubate, and interpret biological testing with subsequent action according to biological results. Load construction with analysis for problem resolution. Detailed, functional knowledge and application of sterilization parameters for steam, hydrogen peroxide, and ethylene oxide sterilization with interpretation and analysis. Intervention as indicated through analysis. Establishes and maintains an organized, functional environment conducive to principles of sub-sterile/restricted spaces in conjunction with basic asepsis.

2.	DECONTAMINATION:
	Treats all instruments and equipment in the decontamination areas appropriately. Follows policy and procedure appropriately when handling or cleaning instruments and equipment. Follows proper cleaning procedures for the item(s) being cleaned. Organizes and sorts instrument sets and equipment for proper cleaning, decontamination and ensures the appropriate method of cleaning is being used. Performs presoaking, performs manual cleaning/washing and loading of instruments in the Medivator. Assures that all instruments and equipment are rendered safe for handling and use before entry to the clean room. Prioritizes work. Establishes and maintains an organized, functional environment that is conducive to principles of decontamination and flow/efficiency.
3.	INSTRUMENTATION:
	Inspects and reassembles clean instrumentation and equipment according to standard operating procedures.
	Sorts instruments according to type. Assembles instrument sets according to appropriate recipe.
	Prepares instrument sets and appropriately places in either rigid containers, or prepares for wrapping, with proper identification, entering into queue for sterilization.
	Ensures instruments and equipment are in good working order and recommends the repair or replacement appropriately.
	Maintains currency with new instruments, equipment and tracking system changes. Responds in timely manner to orders from external clients. Maintains appropriate levels of sterile instrument sets and individual instrumentation relative to scheduling. Prioritizes work according to direction and demand, monitoring flow and timing in accord with resources.

4.	FUNCTIONS AS A RESPONSIBLE TEAM MEMBER:
	Maintains open and honest communication with supervisor, leads, nursing and providers.
	Willingly accepts direction from department manager, supervisor/coordinator, leads and provider, seeking clarification as necessary.
	Maintains currency with and follows all department procedures, policies, and standards. Functions productively and independently with orientation and experience Assists in maintaining the environment appropriately at all times. Consistently demonstrates professional, courteous, customer service, conduct, and approach/attitude. Consistently adheres to high ethical and professional standards; demonstrating respect for others. Functions competently in an urgent/emergent situations. Maintains a clean and orderly environment with a priority of safety and patient care. Maintains basic knowledge in infection control and prevention.

5.	CONTINUING EDUCATION, COMPETENCE AND COMPLIANCE:
	Responsible for communication and independent study/research to maintain currency in education and competency, including staff meetings and periods of non-attendance.
	Demonstrates willingness to share information by conveying ideas and individual expertise to fellow staff member in a manner that facilitates learning.
	Participates in all mandatory staff meetings, in-services, education and/or competency training requirements for the department and organization. Seeks the initiative to learn and undertake new tasks/process.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires full range of body motion, which includes, standing, walking, stooping, bending up to eight hours daily while processing patient instruments, supplies and equipment. Uses a ladder/step to reach supplies. Ability to push/pull repetitively. Exercises continuous mental capacities and physical awareness. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires adequate vision, hearing and manual dexterity.

Requires the ability to speak, read and write English proficiently.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to blood, body fluids, sharp items, chemicals and detergents routinely during job performance with application of PPE. May be subject to fluctuating temperatures.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND WORK AIDS: which may be representative, but not all inclusive, of those commonly associated with this type of work: Medivator, washer/disinfector, telephones, computers, suction, oxygen delivery, steam autoclave, elevators, all other related to clinic setting.

This description is intended to provide basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.

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This description is intended to provide basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.

About Us

At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good - good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you'll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work.

We're a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improve lives around the world.

At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included and valued. We're working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.

Benefits Designed to Support Your Total Health

As a HealthPartners colleague, we're committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.

Join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members, and communities.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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