Job Information
Excela Health CENTRAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN - CASUAL in Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Description
Job Summary
The Central Service Technician performs a wide array of duties to provide sterile instrumentation and trays to the Department of Surgery and other Hospital departments. The Technician works under the direction of the Senior Technician for Central Services or Operating Room Management.
Essential Job Functions
Decontaminates and inspects surgical instruments
Wears Protective Attire (PPE)- Standard Precautions
Transports Equipment and Supplies as needed between departments
Maintains equipment as per manufactures instructions ( eq. Checks detergent level per shift)
Visually inspects instruments and trays to determine if pre-soaking is indicated
Uses tongs or forceps to remove instruments from basins
Inserts proper sized brush to clean channels of cannulated instrumentation
Chooses proper decontamination equipment per manufactures or OneSouce Documents instructions
Arranges instruments, trays, and basins to facilitate proper cleaning
Selects proper cycle per manufactures or OneSouce Documents instructions
Cleans and decontaminates reusable patient equipment
Cleans all surfaces with approved solution
Inspects electrical cords for fraying or other safety hazards
Ensures component parts are returned with equipment
Removes any damaged equipment requiring safety checks for use
Reassembles equipment and places in proper storage area
Assembles instrument trays
Visually examines instruments for remaining debris
Visually examines instruments for functionality
Arranges instruments to allow sterilant penetration
Ensures instrument tray in complete
Order instruments as needed
Tape instruments
Wraps instrument tray or places instruments in proper sterilization container
Uses proper size and type of sterilization wrap
Inserts chemical indicator/integrator in tray
Performs proper wrapping and taping technique
Records pertinent information on autoclavable tape/form
Places paper filter properly in sterilization container
Affixes load sticker to wrapped tray or container
Prepares all rerun instruments for day
Operates sterilizers per department procedure
Loads sterilizer rack in manner to allow sterilant penetration and moisture removal
Records load contents on sterilizer card/form
Places biological indicator in required sterilizer loads
Selects proper cycle per manufactures or OneSouce Documents instructions
Examines sterilizer printout to ensure mechanical parameters of sterilization are met
Signs full name to sterilizer printout
Allows adequate time for proper cooling of sterilizer contents prior to removal from chamber
Unloads sterilizer contents and places in proper storage area
Performs biological monitoring and recordkeeping of sterilization cycles (steam, eto, sterrad)
Interprets and logs biological results in a timely manner
If applicable, records information on Implantable Load Form and returns form to Department of Surgery
Organizes all paperwork daily for end of month or other regulatory reporting
Manually cleans case carts after use
Places cart on hydraulic lift (where applicable by location)
Cleans interior and exterior sections of cart with approved solution
Transports clean carts and instruments as needed between departments.
Other duties as assigned.
Specialty Functions
Maintains re-usable linen inventory in departments.
Assures adequate stock is maintained
Places increase/decrease orders to linen room staff.
Puts line away
Stocks warmer
Conducts soiled pick-up rounds throughout the hospital as appropriate.
Retrieves soiled/used equipment and instruments per established schedule [Minimum 3 times daily]
Conducts Steris System IE biological testing for SPD on a daily basis
Tests unit in SPD
Completes and maintains records
Prepares loan/consign instruments.
Receives/documents items.
Inspects/decontaminated instruments.
Assembles appropriate instrumentation.
Sterilizes/delivers to OR for use.
Delivers additional trays and supplies to O.R.
Performs housekeeping functions - keeps area neat and organized.
Retrieves soiled carts/instruments following the procedures from both the OR and Labor and Delivery
Uses proper etiquette when answering phones
Cleans sterilizer chambers and carts as set forth in policy
Cases
Pick cases including add ons
Fill all needs on carts
Organize case supplies and equipment for use by the OR Circulator and Technician
Scopes
Reprocess and store all assigned scopes as per manufactures instructions
These will include but may not be limited to gastroscopes, colonoscopies, bronchoscopes & other flexible or ridge scopes used within the Hospital.
Transportation
Transport patients
Obtain blood as needed
Transportation of needed items across the hospital
These will include but may not be limited to specimens to main lab, frozen section lab, radiology, medications from pharmacy or other case sensitive items as needed.
Follow chain of care for communication of issues
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma, GED or next level of higher education.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
One (1)- three (3) years of Central Service experience.
CRCST and/or a Surgical Technician background.
License, Certification & Clearances
As of September 1, 2017, any new or transferred employee must currently hold or obtain within 18 months of employment one of the following certifications: Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or HealthCare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Act 81 Compliance.
Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Disclaimer
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Met
Not met
N/A
Explanatory Statement
House Bill 81 of 2019 The Central Service Technician and Surgical Technologist Regulation Act
Enacted 10/29/2020 – Effective 12/29/2020 (See attached HB for definitions for Central service technician
and Surgical technologist)
Section 301: Certification Central Service Technician (CST) hired after 12/29/2020 must:
Pass a nationally accredited central service exam for CST AND maintain one of the following: Certified registered central service technician credential OR Certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential
Exemption: Law does not apply to an individual who has been employed or otherwise contracted for services as a central service technician by a health care facility on or before December 29, 2020. Exemption Requirement: the facility shall maintain documentation of the CST’s date of employment or the contract period when the central service technician provided services to the facility to verify that the CST meets the exemption requirements.
Section 302: Employment and continuing education
(a) New employees - CST has 18 months from date of hire to pass a nationally accredited central service exam for CST and obtain one of the two credentials noted above.
(b) Continuing education - Annually complete 10 hours of continuing education. (NOTE: The continuing education required under this subsection shall be in areas related to the functions of a central service technician.)
(c) Facility responsibility - Facility must maintain documentation the CST meets the certification requirements
Section 501:
Surgical Technologist (ST) must meet at least one of the following:-
Successful completion of a Surgical Technologist program sponsored by an entity holding nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation and hold and maintains a ST certification from an accredited certification program. [501(1)(i)] *
OR
-Successful completion of appropriate training program for surgical technology in the United States Army, Navy, or Air Force.
OR
-Provides evidence of an ST certification from an accredited certification program.
OR
-Was employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before December 29, 2020.
OR
-Was employed to practice surgical technology as the individual's primary function in another health care facility at any time during the two years immediately preceding December 29, 2020.
Section 502: Continuing education:
(a) An ST employed or contracted with the facility and not certified under section 501(1)(i) or has let the individual's certification lapse shall:
(1) with the continuing education requirements specified by the credentialing organization as necessary to keep the certification current and (2) provide proof of compliance with the continuing education requirements to the facility.
(b) Additional Requirement - An ST employed or contracted with the facility and not certified under section 501(1)(i) or has let the individual's certification lapse shall:
(1) complete 30 hours of relevant continuing education every two years in order to remain eligible to practice surgical technology; and (2) be responsible for proving, to the satisfaction of the health care facility, that the individual complies with this subsection.(c) Verification-- A facility that employs or contracts with an ST shall verify the ST meets the continuing education requirements.
Section 503. Exception. A facility may employ or contract an ST who does not meet the requirements of section 501 to practice surgical technology if:
(1) after a diligent and thorough effort has been made, the facility is unable to employ or contract with a sufficient number of qualified STs who meet the requirements of section 501; and (2) the health care facility makes a written record of its efforts under (1) and retains the record at the facility.
Work Environment
Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Extreme Heat
x
Extreme Cold
x
Heights
x
Confined Spaces
x
Extreme Noise(>85dB)
x
Mechanical Hazards
x
x
Use of Vibrating Tools
x
x
Operates Vehicle (company)
x
Operates Heavy Equipment
x
Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices
x
Rotates All Shifts
x
x
8 Hours Shifts
x
x
10-12 Hours Shifts
x
On-Call
x
Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hrs/wk)
x
x
Travel Between Sites
x
x
Direct Patient Care
x
Respirator Protective Equipment
x
Eye Protection
x
x
Head Protection (hard hat)
x
Hearing Protection
x
Hand Protection
x
x
Feet, Toe Protection
x
x
Body Protection
x
x
Latex Exposure
x
x
Solvent Exposure
x
Paint (direct use) Exposure
x
Dust (sanding) Exposure
x
Ethylene Oxide Exposure
x
Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure
x
Blood/Body Fluid Exposure
x
x
Chemicals (direct use) Exposure
x
x
Mist Exposure
x
x
Wax Stripper (direct use)
x
Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure
x
Ionizing Radiation Exposure
x
Laser Exposure
x
Physical Demands
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Bending (Stooping)
x
x
Sitting
x
x
Walking
x
x
Climbing Stairs
x
x
Climbing Ladders
x
Standing
x
x
Kneeling
x
Squatting (Crouching)
x
x
Twisting/Turning
x
x
Keyboard/Computer Operation
x
x
Gross Grasp
x
x
Fine Finger Manipulation
x
x
Hand/Arm Coordination
x
x
Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)
x
10#
Carry
x
10#
Transfer/Push/Pull Patients
x
Seeing Near w/Acuity
x
x
Feeling (Sensation)
x
x
Color Vision
x
x
Hearing Clearly
x
x
Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead
x
x
Reaching Above Shoulder Level
x
x
Reaching Forward
x
x
Lifting Floor to Knuckle
x
10#
20#
Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle
x
Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder
x
10#
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead
x
10#
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)