Tips for a New Sterile Processing Technician

By Arthur Henderson, RN, BA, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, CQIA, GTS

Starting a new job is stressful. Learning thousands of instruments and thoroughly cleaning and preparing each for patient use can be overwhelming. Before jumping in to learn all the details, the Clinical Education veterans at STERIS have some pointers for the Sterile Processing Technicians just starting out.

Learning Objectives

1. List safety considerations that a new technician should know
2. Describe the items and organizations that can help a new technician learn the complex tasks of sterile processing
3. Create a proactive plan to learn department dynamics and culture

About the Author

Arthur Henderson, RN, BA, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, CQIA, GTS, is a senior clinical education specialist for STERIS Corporation. His areas of responsibility include education, clinical support, and troubleshooting issues related to sterilization, high-level disinfection, and infection control. Prior to STERIS, Arthur gained extensive perioperative management experience in acute care hospitals in both the OR and sterile processing departments. He has more than twenty-five years of experience as a registered nurse and has worked in a variety of specialties, including GI, open heart, neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic intensive care.