The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, such as differentials, incentive programs and benefits.
Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Department: Sterile Processing
Position is located: Mercy Fore River
Work Type: PRN (Pool/Per Diem)
Hours Per Week: Variable
Work Schedule: Variable
Exempt: No
Summary:
The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the transportation, cleaning, sterilization, and distribution of instruments and equipment for the operating room and other clinical areas. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job. The incumbent may have access to highly confidential patient, employee and/or proprietary information, and must handle and protect the information in accordance with hospital and system policies, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for reporting all security events, potential events, or other security risks to the organization. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position, and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Hospital.
Responsibilities:
1. Assembles surgical instruments, and equipment for departmental utilization and surgical procedures. • Transports/Receives soiled instruments from clinical areas to decontamination area of Sterile Processing Department. • Is knowledgeable about the functionality of the ultrasonic washer, washer/disinfectors, gas plasma sterilizers, steam sterilizers, and immediate-use steam sterilizers. • Is knowledgeable about the functionality of instrument tracking system to track individual instruments, and instrument sets through the decontamination, assembly, and storage processes. • Cleans and decontaminates surgical instrumentation according to manufacturer’s instructions for use. • Inspects surgical instruments for defects during cleaning, assembly, and wrapping processes. • Assembles instrument sets for specific surgical cases and sterilizes them according to manufacturer’s instructions for use. • Appropriately wraps and labels individual surgical instruments for sterilization. • Sterilizes instruments according to procedures: steam sterilization, or gas plasma sterilization. • Delivers processed instruments to clinical areas, or sterile storage area. • Operates equipment used in processing and sterilization in strict accordance with prescribed standards and procedures. • Tests mechanical washers, and sterilization equipment per protocols and documents findings appropriately. 2. Works cooperatively with other team members to facilitate departmental operations. • Contributes to maintenance of a clean/safe work area by cleaning all operational equipment as outlined in departmental procedure manual. • Follows procedures as outlined for maintenance of instruments and equipment. • Participates in keeping documentation and instrument tray count lists current. • Maintains par levels in the operating room to support patient care. • Routinely rounds on clinical units to retrieve instruments/trays that need to be processed. 3. Accepts responsibility for further developing professional learning needs. • Participates in continuing education programs for departmental employees. • Participates in facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). • Attends scheduled in-services, as offered, and other programs that are required or assigned. • Attends and participates in a minimum of six staff meetings per year. • Certification in IAHCSMM or CBSPD is encouraged after one (1) year of hire. (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiels Management; Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution) 4. Demonstrates behaviors consistent with organizational mission, goals, and policies. • Demonstrates practices which keep all medical record information protected and confidential. • Follows and adheres to Patient Rights policies at all times. • Takes accountability for information contained in the department and hospital procedure manual.
Other Information :
Competencies and Skills
- Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
- Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
- Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
- Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Education
- Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)
Working Conditions
- Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
- Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
- Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
- Potential exposure to noxious odors.
- Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
- Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
- Lifting, moving and loading 30 to 50 pounds.
Prolonged periods of sitting.
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Northern Light Mercy Hospital is a nonprofit acute care hospital in Portland, Maine, and a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas . Our work is grounded in compassion, dignity, and service, with a commitment to caring for every member of our community, especially those most in need. At Mercy, people come to work knowing their role matters. Whether at the bedside, in support services, administration, or clinical care, every team member contributes to a culture built on respect, collaboration, and purpose.
We provide a broad range of medical and surgical services, along with multiple primary and specialty care offerings and community-based programs that extend our impact beyond the hospital walls. As a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system, employees benefit from the stability, resource, and career pathways of a larger organization while working in a hospital that feels personal and connected. Team members have opportunities to grow professionally, explore new roles, and build long-term careers in an environment focused on quality, innovation, and the well-being of our workforce.
Mercy Hospital is located in Portland, Maine’s largest and most vibrant city, offering an exceptional quality of life that attracts people from across the country. Portland is nationally recognized for its food scene, arts and culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. Within minutes of the city, you can reach beaches, islands, lakes, and mountain trails, with easy access to hiking, skiing, boating, and cycling. The region also offers excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy travel connections through Portland International Jetport and nearby rail service to Boston. Southern Maine blends career opportunity with a lifestyle centered on balance, outdoor recreation, and coastal living, making it an ideal place to live and build a career.
Questions? Contact Talent Acquisition:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: [email protected]
Portland, Maine, Catholic, Sisters of Mercy, Level 2 NeoNatal Nursery
