CNT Sterile Instrument Technician at WVU Medicine - Uniontown

Role Overview

The CNT (Central Sterile Technician) Sterile Instrument Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients at WVU Medicine's Uniontown Hospital. This position is responsible for providing essential services in supply processing and distribution, with a focus on decontamination, processing, sterilization, sterile storage, and distribution of medical instruments and equipment. As a Sterile Instrument Technician, you will be a key member of the healthcare team, working diligently to prevent infections and maintain a sterile environment for surgical procedures and patient care.

A Day in the Life

Your day as a CNT Sterile Instrument Technician at Uniontown Hospital will be dynamic and varied. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Early Morning: You'll start by reviewing the day's schedule and prioritizing tasks based on surgical case loads and department needs. This includes gathering soiled instruments and equipment from various departments.
• Decontamination: You'll carefully clean and decontaminate used instruments and equipment, following established protocols to remove bioburden and prevent the spread of infection. This often involves using specialized cleaning solutions and equipment.
• Inspection and Assembly: After decontamination, you'll inspect instruments for damage and functionality. You'll then assemble instrument trays and sets according to standardized lists and procedures, ensuring all necessary items are included.
• Packaging and Sterilization: You'll properly package assembled instrument trays and individual instruments, using appropriate wrapping materials to maintain sterility. You'll then operate autoclaves and other sterilization equipment to sterilize the packaged items, following established parameters for time, temperature, and pressure.
• Sterile Storage and Distribution: Once sterilized, you'll store instruments and equipment in designated sterile storage areas, ensuring proper environmental conditions are maintained. You'll then distribute sterile items to surgical suites, patient care areas, and other departments as needed.
• Quality Control: Throughout the day, you'll perform quality control checks to ensure that all instruments and equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, and functioning correctly. This includes monitoring sterilization equipment, performing biological indicator tests, and documenting all activities.
• Continuous Improvement: You'll participate in ongoing training and education programs to stay up-to-date on the latest sterile processing techniques, infection control practices, and regulatory requirements. You'll also contribute to process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the sterile processing department.

Why Uniontown, Pennsylvania?

Uniontown, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of small-town charm and access to larger metropolitan areas. Located in the beautiful Laurel Highlands region, Uniontown provides a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and skiing. The cost of living is affordable, and the community is friendly and welcoming. Uniontown is also within driving distance of Pittsburgh, offering access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and major sporting events.

Career Path

WVU Medicine is committed to providing career growth opportunities for its employees. As a CNT Sterile Instrument Technician, you can advance your career through various pathways:

• Specialization: You can specialize in a particular area of sterile processing, such as orthopedic instruments or robotic surgery instruments. This may involve additional training and certification.
• Leadership: You can advance to a leadership role, such as a Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager, where you will oversee the operations of the department and supervise other technicians.
• Education: You can pursue a career in sterile processing education, training new technicians and providing continuing education to experienced professionals.

Salary & Benefits

WVU Medicine offers a competitive salary and benefits package for CNT Sterile Instrument Technicians. The salary range for this position is typically between $35,000 and $55,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, WVU Medicine provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for its employees. The organization values teamwork, collaboration, and patient-centered care. WVU Medicine provides opportunities for professional development and growth, and encourages employees to contribute their ideas and suggestions for improvement. The organization also emphasizes work-life balance and employee well-being.

How to Apply

To apply for the CNT Sterile Instrument Technician position at WVU Medicine - Uniontown Hospital, please visit the WVU Medicine careers website and search for the job posting. Complete the online application and submit your resume and cover letter. Be sure to highlight your qualifications and experience in sterile processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the required certifications for this position? You must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through HSPA or a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) through CBSPD, or obtain certification within 18 months of hire.
2. What are the physical requirements for this position? You must be able to lift up to 60 pounds and push loaded carts weighing in excess of 200 pounds. You must also be able to bend, stoop, reach, and stand for extended periods of time.
3. What is the work environment like? The work environment may include exposure to cleaning chemicals, sterilization equipment, and biohazardous materials. WVU Medicine provides appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure employee safety.
4. What opportunities are there for professional development? WVU Medicine offers various professional development opportunities, including continuing education courses, certification programs, and leadership training.
5. What is the dress code for this position? Employees are required to wear scrubs and other appropriate PPE, as determined by department policy.
6. What is the work schedule for this position? The work schedule may vary depending on department needs. You may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
7. Does WVU Medicine offer tuition reimbursement? Yes, WVU Medicine offers tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
8. What is the employee referral bonus program? WVU Medicine offers a bonus to employees who refer qualified candidates for open positions.
9. What is the employee assistance program (EAP)? WVU Medicine offers an EAP to provide employees with confidential counseling and support services.
10. What are the benefits of working at WVU Medicine? WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement.