Central Sterile Technician at WVU Medicine: Join Our Team in Princeton, WV!

Are you a detail-oriented and dedicated professional with a passion for ensuring patient safety? WVU Medicine is seeking a Central Sterile Technician to join our team at Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) in Princeton, West Virginia. In this vital role, you will be responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment, playing a crucial part in preventing infections and supporting our surgical teams.

Role Overview

As a Central Sterile Technician, you will be at the heart of our sterile processing department, working diligently to maintain a safe and sterile environment for our patients and staff. Your responsibilities will include:

• Decontaminating and cleaning used surgical instruments and equipment
• Inspecting instruments for damage and ensuring proper functionality
• Assembling instrument trays according to established protocols
• Packaging instruments and equipment for sterilization
• Operating and maintaining sterilization equipment, such as autoclaves and sterilizers
• Monitoring sterilization cycles and ensuring proper documentation
• Maintaining sterile storage areas and ensuring proper inventory management
• Distributing sterile supplies to various departments throughout the hospital
• Adhering to strict infection control policies and procedures
• Participating in quality assurance programs and initiatives

A Day in the Life of a Central Sterile Technician

Your day as a Central Sterile Technician will be dynamic and fast-paced, requiring you to be organized, efficient, and adaptable. You might start your day by receiving used instruments from the operating room or other departments. You'll then meticulously decontaminate and clean these instruments, preparing them for inspection. After inspection, you'll assemble instrument trays according to specific surgical procedures, ensuring that all necessary instruments are present and in good working order. You will operate sterilization equipment, monitor cycles, and maintain detailed records. Finally, you'll distribute sterile supplies to the appropriate departments, ensuring that our surgical teams have everything they need to provide safe and effective patient care.

Why Princeton, West Virginia?

Princeton is a charming city nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and access to outdoor recreation. With its affordable cost of living, friendly community, and proximity to beautiful state parks and forests, Princeton provides an ideal setting for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in the nearby mountains, or explore the local shops and restaurants in downtown Princeton. Plus, you'll be part of a close-knit team at Princeton Community Hospital, making a difference in the lives of your neighbors and community members.

Career Path for Central Sterile Technicians at WVU Medicine

WVU Medicine is committed to the growth and development of our employees. As a Central Sterile Technician, you'll have opportunities to advance your career through ongoing training and education. You could pursue certifications in specialized areas of sterile processing, such as flexible endoscope reprocessing or surgical instrument repair. With experience and dedication, you could advance to positions such as Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager, overseeing the operations of the department and leading a team of technicians. WVU Medicine also offers leadership development programs to help you enhance your management skills and prepare for future leadership roles.

Salary and Benefits

WVU Medicine offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to our employees. The estimated salary range for a Central Sterile Technician in Princeton, West Virginia is $30,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on experience and certifications. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Tuition assistance for continuing education
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health and well-being
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employee discounts on WVU Medicine services
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Professional development opportunities
• Career advancement potential within WVU Medicine
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

WVU Medicine Culture

At WVU Medicine, we are committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. We value teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. We foster a culture of learning and development, encouraging our employees to pursue their professional goals and advance their careers within WVU Medicine.

How to Apply

If you are ready to join our team as a Central Sterile Technician at Princeton Community Hospital, we encourage you to apply online through the WVU Medicine careers website. Simply click on the "Apply" button at the top of this page and complete the application form. Be sure to highlight your experience in sterile processing, your certifications, and your commitment to patient safety. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the required certifications for this position?

   You must be a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) through the Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), or obtain one of these certifications within 18 months of hire.

2. What are the physical requirements for this position?

   You must be able to meet the Department of Labor's MEDIUM duty standard, which involves exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly. You must also be able to bend, stoop, reach, stand, and walk for extended periods, and lift up to 60 pounds and push loaded carts weighing in excess of 200 pounds.

3. What is the work environment like?

   The work environment may include exposure to chemicals, cleaning agents, and sterilization equipment. You will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize your risk of exposure.

4. What opportunities are there for career advancement?

   WVU Medicine offers a variety of career advancement opportunities for Central Sterile Technicians, including specialized certifications, supervisory roles, and management positions.

5. What is the WVU Medicine culture like?

   WVU Medicine is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. We value teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.

6. What is the dress code for this position?

   You will be required to wear scrubs and other appropriate PPE while working in the sterile processing department.

7. Is there on-the-job training provided?

   Yes, WVU Medicine provides comprehensive on-the-job training to all new Central Sterile Technicians.

8. Are there any opportunities for overtime?

   Overtime opportunities may be available depending on the needs of the department.

9. What is the employee referral program?

   WVU Medicine has an employee referral program that rewards employees who refer qualified candidates for open positions.

10. Does WVU Medicine offer any employee discounts?

    Yes, WVU Medicine offers employee discounts on a variety of services, including healthcare, dining, and entertainment.