Sterilization Services Technician - 40hrs/week / Night Shift

Job Overview

This position is responsible for the decontamination, assembly, and sterilization of all instruments used throughout the hospital including general surgical instrumentation. Responsibilities include receiving, sorting, and decontamination of surgical/clinic items and instrumentation; inspection and packaging of single instruments and instrument kits; identification of appropriate sterilization method and cycle selection, appropriate documentation for all sterile processes; and accurate inventory assignment relating to the case cart build process.

What We Offer:
* Competitive salaries & benefits
* 403(b) retirement plan with hospitalmatch
* Opportunities for growth
* Tuition reimbursement
* Free on-campus parking

Hours: 40 hours per week / Night Shift

Weekend & Holiday shifts may be required per department scheduling operations

Location: Lowell General Hospital- Main Campus

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Central Services Technician National Certification (CRCST) OR Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) within 12 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Completion of a certified program in Central Processing.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Receives soiled, used, and/or contaminated equipment, surgical instruments, scopes, and supplies from Operating Rooms, patient care units, and specialized areas.

2. Disassembles items as needed before choosing appropriate cleaning method.

3. Identifies items in need of repair upon receipt and ensures information is maintained during cleaning process.

4. Selects and utilizes appropriate manual cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination, including but not limited to instrument brushes, enzymatic detergent, flushing devices, ultrasonic bath, leak testers, etc.

5. Selects and utilizes appropriate automated cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination; this includes loading and selecting appropriate cycles on automated washers.

6. Documents all work performed utilizing instrument tracking software.

7. Inspects and assembles all equipment, instruments, scopes, and instrument sets following product recipe, verifies items are functional, free of debris and required per instrument recipe.

8. Documents items missing from instrument set, escalating set to SPD Supervisor or Designee for further guidance.

9. Selects appropriate packaging method, including any sterilization accessories (corner protectors etc.) ensures all external indicators and/or labels are securely affixed to item.

10. Transports items to sterilization as needed.

11. Interprets package labeling to select appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle, options include Steam, Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma, or others as required.

12. Inspects packages to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are securely affixed to items, returns non-satisfactory products to instrument room.

13. Loads sterilizer as appropriate to ensure cycle completion; includes biological testing as appropriate. Performs routine sterilizer testing and maintenance including biological monitoring, leak test, bowie dick test, and daily/weekly sterilizer maintenance as appropriate.

14. Utilizes patient specific pick lists to accurately gather surgical instruments and disposable supplies requested by attending surgeon or another Peri-Operative representative.

15. Documents case cart build process in instrument tracking software, continuously updating the record as items are fulfilled to maintain integrity of needs list.

16. Inspects items during the pick process to ensure package integrity remains intact, package is within expiration date, and substitutions are appropriate.

17. Communicates unmet surgical supply requests to leadership for resolution assistance.

18. Returns supplies not used after surgical procedures to their proper stock location.

19. Wears personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and at all times.

20. Maintains cleans work area by wiping area with antibacterial agent upon work completion or as needed.

21. Documents arrival and cleaning process utilizing asset tracking software.

22. Interprets and appropriately documents results of sterilizer testing.

23. Escalates positive results as appropriate for intervention.

About Lowell General
For more than 125 years, Lowell General has served the Greater Lowell community with pride. We balance the first-rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a four-time Magnet-recognized community hospital. As a member of our team, you'll join over 3,000 dedicated care providers to offer complete, connected care, when and where patients need it most.

Magnet Designation:
TheAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC) honored Lowell General Hospital withMagnet Recognitionfor excellence in nursing care, our fourth designation achieved in March 2025! The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations dedicated to nursing excellence, professionalism, and patient-focused care. It is the highest level of recognition an organization can receive for providing the very best quality in patient care. Only nine percent of hospitals in the United States have achieved Magnet status and fewer than one percent of hospitals have achieved a fourth consecutive Magnet designation.