Process of sterilizing reusable medical instruments and handling biohazard materials each day in restricted work environment that must be carefully controlled and monitored.
Identify which items must be re-sterilized and reused as per manufacturer recommendation and tracking method strictly followed.
Check and ensure the sterilizer is working correctly.
Maintain safe and clean environment inside CSSD.
Use appropriate PPE.
Verify correct time and temperature settings.
Check to ensure the correct biological indicator is used.
Use standard safety precautions while working with biohazard materials, steam and gas without harming self and others.
Perform all procedures in CSSD in accordance to policies and guidelines in all CSSD areas:
Inspections of all trays and instruments received in decontamination area.
Using theoretical and evidence-based knowledge to maintain proper sterilization process.
Remove all visible dirt and microorganisms by flushing away.
Remove breeding ground for surviving microorganisms.
Maintain accurate detailed monitoring reports.
Proper disinfection or decontamination by chemical dry, wet heat.
Ensure validation of sterilization process by quality control (physical monitoring, chemical indicator and biological indicator) in pressurized high temperature steam method or plasma that should meet the technical standards for performance and safety.
Ensure the sterility of the products until they are used by integrity of the package.
Quality assurance:
Assemble instrumentation sets and procedural trays item per set, select the appropriate packaging materials for processing.
Ensure safe free movement of instruments and equipment during packaging process.
Soiled instruments and material collected and transported in suitable containers and trolleys to the location where the reprocessing will take place in CSSD.
Ensure proper size of packaging material is used for each tray or individual instruments.
Consider cleaning instruments the most essential step in re-processing cycle of sterilizing instruments, cleaning implies in removing all the debris and dirt.
Occupational health Safety and Infection Control:
Adhere to strict infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
Identify and address potential safety hazards in the healthcare environment.
Identify and report defective or broken equipment, safety hazards and environmental hazards.
Report any incident or injuries.
Professional Development:
Maintain the highest levels of professional competence through ongoing personal professional development using multiple modalities such as attendance at conferences and symposiums, workshops and in-services, reading role-related journals and textbooks and networking with others.
Pursue ongoing education and training to stay abreast of advancements in nursing practice and healthcare technology.
Seek opportunities for professional growth and skill development through workshops, seminars, and certifications.
Demonstrate and maintain competence in all mandatory competencies.
Maintain current licensure and certifications required for the position.
Act as a preceptor for new employees.
Quality Improvement and Compliance:
Adhere to organization policy, procedures and protocols.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and safety.
Adhere to hospital policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
Assist in the implementation of evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Assist the Head Nurse of the unit by willing acceptance of any other work-related responsibility.
Other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and requirements of the job.
Skills:
Graduation from an accredited CSSD program.
Current and valid SCFHS nursing license.
Minimum 2 Years, preferably in tertiary care setting.
Graduation from an accredited CSSD program (Preferable Saudi).
Current and valid SCFHS nursing license.
Minimum 2 Years, preferably in tertiary care setting.