Course

Objective:

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify sterile processing regulations and standards provided by regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure workplace safety, infection prevention and proper support for the ancillary departments.
• Describe low temperature sterilization and the importance of properly monitoring and documenting.
• Identify the basic categories of surgical instruments and best practices for instrument care and handling.
• Discuss how sterile processing technicians gather supplies for case carts.
• Discuss sterile storage considerations, guidelines, concerns, and common quality assurance procedures in the sterile processing department.
• Describe best practices for disinfecting, processing, and handling of complex surgical instruments.
• Define the sterile processor role, responsibilities, professional skill set and communication expectations (including accurate use of medical terminology and anatomy) required in the central processing and surgical services departments.
• Discuss basic procedures to prep and transport soiled items for cleaning and decontamination including the safety hazards involved for each.
• Explain the set-up, function, and management of tray assembly and the process of packaging.
• Describe protocols for sterilization including immediate use steam and high temperature sterilization.
• Discuss the importance of following procedures to care for loaner instruments and manage inventory while using information management systems.
• Explain the importance of effective communication, human relations, personal development and how improving these skills can impact the career of a sterile processing technician.

General Topics: