CSSD Technician

Decontaminates, packages, sterilizes, stores, and distributes medical and surgical items according to Hospital policy and international standards.

• Adheres to hospital’s and departmental’ s standards, policies and procedures.
• Adheres to department standards and procedures, and follows American Hospital Dubai’s standards and policy and procedures, activities of daily living (e.g. hygiene needs are supported).
• Maintains clinical and professional competency based on the latest research and established standards of practice. Completes all Unit-specific Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) Competencies within prescribed timelines.
• Reports and documents as directed in the relevant policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates support of leadership. Encourages team decisions, and cooperation within and across departments and assists in resolving differences of opinion.
• Demonstrates an understanding of cultural differences among customers and colleagues, and demonstrates sensitivity and tolerance to cultural differences.
• Understands the Facility Management and Safety plan.
• Performs “on-call” duties and additional duties when required.
• Participates in inventory counts.
• Uses supplies in an economical manner.
• Maintains a high standard of care relating to sterilization and techniques of sterilization.
• Decontaminates surgical instruments manually and treatment trays before placing them in the instrument washers.
• Checks surgical instruments to make sure they are functioning properly.
• Sterilizes instruments and equipment utilizing high-pressure steam and low-temperature sterilizers.
• Sets up surgical instrument sets and prepares for sterilization.
• Sterilizes surgical sets and after sterilization, loads onto cooling rack.
• Maintains an adequate supply of sterile supplies according to par levels.
• Performs weekly checks on all instrument sets and individual items to ensure their sterility is maintained and that they are not outdated.
• Performs general cleaning of the department and equipment, dusting, washing and cleaning of the inside of the sterilizers.
• Demonstrates awareness and knowledge of Occupational risks:
  • Exposure to infectious contaminated patient materials could lead to serious illness.
• Demonstrates awareness and knowledge of the consequences of Errors:
  • Non-sterile patient supplies and equipment which could be a potential for harm to the patient.
  • Costly damage to equipment and danger to self/fellow employees.

Preceptor role (when applicable):

• Completes the Preceptor workshop and meets the criteria indicators for the preceptor role on the unit.
• Has precepted a new staff.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates the individualized competency-based orientation in collaboration with the orienteer and Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) Supervisor.
• Provides appropriate feedback on time to orienteer and Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) Supervisor.
• Provides objective documentation to the manager and Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) Supervisor.

• High School Graduate
• Diploma or Degree Certificate in Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) preferred
• International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) or The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
• Current license to practice Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) within a hospital setting
• Knowledge of Infection Control practices and standards
• Skills in using medical equipment and surgical instruments available in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD)
• Heart Saver/CRP preferred
• Private hospital experience preferred.