It is January 2019 and the holidays are over!!! It is the time to reflect on New Year’s resolutions and perhaps think about what is next for you professionally. The Central Sterile field continues to evolve and more is required for technicians. Many States require certification and continuing education in order to maintain or obtain a position in central sterile. We have become an essential team members of the surgical team and the pressure and expectations to perform accurately and rapidly increases by the second. What is the “new generation” technician supposed to do in order to keep up with the evolving requirements and demands of central sterile? There are a few must:

• Obtain or maintain the central sterile certification – more hospitals are making certification a requirement; therefore, if working with surgical instruments is what you like certification is a must. In addition, as requirements raise the bar for our profession we need to maintain the certification in order to keep our status.
• Enhance your knowledge – As processes, technology and regulations change we must stay abreast of those changes. The only way to learn about them is to read journals, attend educational seminars, subscribe to professional newsletters and network. Read every manufacturer device instructions for use (IFU) for all of the instruments in your facility and for those newly acquire. Although your supervisor or manager may tell you what the IFU says don’t take for granted reading the IFU yourself. Enhancing your knowledge will give you the confidence you need to perform the task in central sterile.
• Network with people in your field – Creating a network of colleagues is beneficial in performing your job as a tech. There is much to learn, read and understand if you need the answer to a question or if you are not certain about a process, you can reach out to a colleague or expert in the field and ask.
• Be an active team member in your department – If you want to grow your knowledge being a “status quo” technician will not help you develop your skills. You must be involved in projects, participate in problem solving, contribute ideas for improvement and foremost ensure you always lend a helping hand to those who may be new in the field.
• Embrace customer service – Keep in mind that our ultimate goal is “patient safety” and for those patients to come out of their procedure successfully. Maintaining a service attitude and always be understanding of the situation without reacting will ensure the outcome of the procedure will be positive. Always smile!!

The NYC Association for Central Sterile Professionals goal is to support our members education, provide seminars throughout the year and to serve as a resource venue. You can email us with your questions and follow us in Facebook. In the mean time we wish you a glorious and successful 2019!!!!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Facility: St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital – Newburgh Campus, Newburgh NY
Department: Central Supply
– Full-time – Varied shift
– Varied shift
– Related course work is required

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital is dedicated to providing excellent health care services to our community.  Our vision is to be a leader in clinical and service excellence, working in partnership with our medical staff, employees, and area health care providers to improve the health of our community. We are growing and searching for a valued Central Services Technician to join our Team!

Position: Central Services Technician

Location: Newburgh, NY

Position Qualifications:

Responsible for the centralized cleaning, decontamination, storage, processing, assembling, issuance and preparation of medical/surgical supplies and equipment. The technician must perform tasks quickly and efficiently, paying close attention to detail and understanding the principles involved in each task performed.  The Technician also performs a variety of duties to maintain infection control standards for the health and safety of hospital patients, medical staff, and personnel.

Education/Training: High school diploma or equivalent.  Courses in sterilization technology, preferred.  Ability to read, write and communicate in English.

Experience: Two (2) years in a hospital environment, preferably as a Sterile Processing Technician

Licensure, Registration or Certification: Certified Central Service Technician required or eligibility for certification within 6 months of hire.

About St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital (SLCH) is a not-for-profit community hospital with campuses in Newburgh and Cornwall, NY and is a member of the Montefiore Health System. The hospital is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the Hudson Valley and aspires to excellence in the delivery of compassionate and comprehensive health care services. SLCH offers comprehensive cardiac, stroke, cancer and orthopedic services and a full range of other clinical offerings. For more information, go to http://www.stlukescornwallhospital.org or http://www.facebook.com/stlukescornwallhospital

Contact: Laura Rappleyea
Email: [email protected]