Independently demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the Decontamination area
Exhibits interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
Ability to utilize basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office and electronic instrument tracking system, if applicable
Demonstrates proper phone etiquette when responding to inquiries made to the department
Maintains patient and family privacy
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Communicates with staff from the interprofessional health care team concerning patient safety to improve outcomes and the safe transition of care through effective assignment and shift handoffs, using a structured format. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional.
Responds positively to requests for assistance. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment. Makes contributions to the work effort as a whole and uses problem resolution effectively.
Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs decontamination and assembling of basic surgical trays, individual instrumentation and equipment utilizing established count sheets. Wraps or contains items appropriately according to size and type of instrument or equipment.
Provides timely sterile products, trays and case carts, by location, by following guidance of experienced surgical techs, in conjunction with the OR staff.
Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed manufacturer instructions for use and according to institutional policies and procedures.
Organizes workload utilizing available work time by assisting others and performing additional task as needed. Provides consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Utilizes appropriate cleaning detergents and agents by reading directions and SDS sheets.
Utilizes all department equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions for use and department policies and protocols.
Ensures through visual inspection that trays have completed the quality process according to AAMI standards for patient use.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, cleaning the workstation at the end of each shift, and minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
Uses department resources efficiently to ensure completeness of trays, instruments and equipment according to count sheets; does not waste supplies.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Understands, applies, and demonstrates industry Sterile Processing standards i.e., Steam, ETO and Low Temperature Hydrogen Peroxide.
Participates in department projects and Shared Governance committee for department. Follow up on action items as necessary to ensure completion of assignments.
Identifies own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts, and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
Uniform: Yes
Scrubs: Yes
Business professional: No
Other (department approved): No
ON-CALL*
Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
On Call* Yes
TRAVEL**
Travel specifications may vary by department**
May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

 Work Shift: 2 - Evening (United States of America)

 Job Category: Non-clinical

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.
 Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
