Sterile services technician jobs

When it comes to decontaminating reusable surgical instruments and providing hospital staff with sterile equipment and materials, technicians who work in sterile services are required to follow certain protocols.

The Work Being Done

It's possible:

collect old tools by going around to different wards, clinics, and operating theaters.

Sometimes you'll have to track for a specific tray of instruments that the crew in the operating theater needs right away.

In addition to ensuring that the instruments are clean and in good operating order, verify their functionality by putting them through their paces in the washers and disinfectors.

Instruments, dressings, needles, and syringes should be placed in packs or on trays, and then packaging equipment should be used to mark and seal the packages.

sterilize the boxes and trays using the steam-powered devices known as autoclaves.

Make use of computers for monitoring and keeping track of the decontamination process.

sterilizing huge things, such infant incubators, by disassembling them, cleaning each component, and then reassembling them in their original configuration

inspect the equipment, and report any problems you find.

repeat the process of distributing the sterile supplies by pushing a trolley around the facility.

Pay

The following numbers should only be used as a reference. The actual pay rates may vary based on the following factors:

whether or not you are on pay rates for the NHS

whether you work regular hours or shifts.

Technicians who work in sterile services are paid according to the Agenda for Change scale. The most recent revisions to the wage scale were made in April of 2021. They begin at Band 2, earning between $19,609 and $21,615 per year, and after gaining experience, they move up to Band 3, earning between $21,709 and $23,603 per year. The salary range for supervisors is from $23,709 to $25,982 per year.

Conditions

You are employed at a hospital, namely in the decontamination or sterile services department.

In the majority of hospitals, you will be required to work some weekends due to the round-the-clock shift schedule.

You come into touch with polluted equipment as well as sharp objects that might be harmful to you.

Because you are working in a sterile setting and coming into touch with potent chemicals, you are required to wear protective gear consisting of a face mask, a head covering, surgical gloves, a gown, and shoes.

This is a physically demanding work in which you must often lift and move big goods.

When you have to hastily prepare a certain piece of equipment, things might become rather chaotic at work.

Getting In

A solid foundation in the liberal arts is beneficial. Some companies may give you more consideration if you have completed a number of topics at the National 4 or 5 level.

You might try applying for a Modern Apprenticeship to get entry.

To properly label the packages, you need to have legible handwriting.

Having a working knowledge of information technology is to one's benefit.

When working overnight or rotating shifts, having a valid driver's license is quite helpful.

There are positions available in a variety of settings, including the National Health Service (NHS), private hospitals, and military hospitals. There are openings posted both internally and externally inside hospitals and in media.

What are the Prerequisites?

You really ought to be:

accountable in terms of issues pertaining to health, safety, and cleanliness

attentive, with a sharp focus on the particulars

useful and characterized by a high degree of hand dexterity

competent to comprehend and carry out procedures and instructions

competent in both oral and written forms of communication.

capable of working swiftly while maintaining accuracy

interested in both the medical field and research

ability to function well inside a group setting.

Training

There is a possibility that you may finish the SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) at SCQF Levels 6 and 7.

Working through numerous different modules while on the job is part of the basic training.

You cover a wide range of subjects, including health and safety, infection control, and moving and handling equipment.

You could finish the requirements for the Technical certificate offered by the Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc). It is required by certain companies that this be finished within the first year that you are employed by the company.

Getting On

You have the potential to advance into supervisory or management positions with further training.

You might further your career by working in an operating room, either as a healthcare assistant or as a practitioner, technician, or technician in the operating department.