Sterile Processing Tech?

Question

What classes should I take in order to apply for this job? I need a job while I go through nursing. I wanna be an O.R Nurse and I feel like this is one job that I would be interested in while going to school. Any recommendations on what classes to take? or do i need some kind of certification?

Answer 1

When I was working in the OR, we (nurses) did our own autoclaving. (This was a tiny military hospital, 20 beds!) In the assignment prior to that, it was a 1,000 bed hospital with 20 ORs, so there were instrument technicians working around the clock.

UCLA (in Los Angeles), I just checked, pays $11.35 to $16 per hour. You would basically scrub the instruments and soak them in ultrasonic cleaner and later, dunk them in instrument milk (to prevent rust). Then you'd lay them down in a 'kit' and wrap them up, etc and place them in the gas or stream autoclaves. I enjoyed it--we had radio on and no one really cared as long as the work got done. Of course you realize the infection control is very important as those "dirty" instruments are very .. dirty.

This is the job qualifications cut and pasted from UCLA Health Care website.
----------
Previous hospital environment experience and Central Service certification preferred. Knowledge of basic computer skills to perform data entry to obtain information from Hospital Mainframe, OmniCell database and EMPAC systems utilizing a personal computer. Able to push and pull up to 100 pounds and lift up to 50 pounds. Knowledge of proper lifting and carrying techniques sustaining a safe work environment for self and co-workers. Skilled in English language in both written and verbal format. Requires good comprehension of written and verbal instruction. Consistently adhere to CS and UCLA Policies and Procedures. Cross train in all aspects of CS. Strictly obey healthcare regulations for infection control. Serve as a resource for people needing direction. Demonstrate a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Consistently maintain good guest relations. Maintain a positive attitude and behavior. Adapt to change in workload. Able to work variable rotating shifts. Attend all inservices/workshops as requested. Assist in the orientation and skill development of new staff members. Knowledge of good telephone etiquette. Understanding of importance of support in a patient care environment.
-------------

This is the job duties section:
------------
Incumbent will perform duties as Central Service (CS) Technician to include: decontamination, sterilization and/or distribution of supplies or equipment as assigned within UCLA Healthcare. This position is a support position to patient care. Cross training in all aspects of CS will be provided. Assignments are given according to organizational goals. Goal attainment is reviewed on an as needed basis within the UCLA Healthcare departments to include Westwood Medical Center, Medical Plaza and Santa Monica Hospital. Within Distribution area, incumbent will need to demonstrate a complete knowledge of ordering supplies; accurately perform inventory computer duties to include automated supply replenishment system and handheld inventory device; pick list and issue; manual monitoring and updating of stock par levels on all nursing supply carts; bin locations updates in storeroom and supply areas, printer utilities-trouble shooting. Within Decontamination area; incumbent will be required to comprehend the mixing of chemicals and appropriate application; responsible for collecting soiled equipment throughout the hospital; pushing and pulling items on and off the elevators to decontamination for cleaning. Within Sterile Processing, will be required to inspect and assemble instruments and utensils according to instructions, recipe cards or department policy; follow policies and procedures for sterilization.

----------

I am sorry I could not be more helpful. I have seen ads in local newspaper (LA Times) regarding instrument tech, but that's different job.

Look around at http://www.ucla.edu and click on EMPLOYMENT. You'd have to set up a (free) account first before you do a search. I hope it gives you some idea of what and how to proceed.

p.s. One thing about being an OR nurse--standing there all day was not easy after a while.