JOB DESCRIPTION
Trainee/Technician – CSU
Perioperative Services
Whangarei Hospital
Position Title:
Trainee/Technician
Organisation Unit:
Perioperative Services
Location:
Whangarei Hospital, Northland District Health Board
Responsible to:
Manager Central Sterilising Unit
Primary Functions of
the Position:
To provide wards and departments, including Theatre, with all
sterile stock requirements.
To maintain adequate supplies of back up stock
To maintain efficient decontamination and sterilising service for
all wards and departments, including Theatre.
To provide external customers with their sterile stock
requirements
Functional Relationships
The Trainee / Technician will develop and maintain excellent relationships with:
Internal
External
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Ward/department staff throughout
hospital
Central sterilising unit staff
Theatre purchasing/procurement staff
Theatre staff
Stores staff
Purchasing staff Logistics department
Porters
All Nurse Managers
Staff from agencies who use the service
DHB staff from other areas
Key Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes
Northland District Health Board has established a set of values by which the organisation will respond, in
part, to achieving its goals and objectives through their workforce. The following Values and supporting
statements are expected behaviours of each individual employed with NDHB:
Values
Supporting Statement
People First
Tangata I te tuatahi
Respect
Whakaute (tuku mana)
Caring
Manaaki
Communication
Whakawhitiwhiti korero
Excellence
Taumata teitei (hirangi)
People are central to all we do
We treat others as we would like to be treated
We nurture those around us, and treat all with dignity and
compassion
We communicate safely, openly and with respect to promote clear
understanding
Our attitude of excellence inspires success, competence,
confidence and innovation
The position of Trainee/Technician - CSU encompasses the following major functions or key result areas:
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Decontamination of instruments and specialty trays
Maintenance of equipment / instruments
Assembly / packing / wrapping of instrument sets
Sterilisation process (steam sterilisation, Ethylene Oxide sterilisation / aeration, and endoscopy
sterilisation)
Inventory / storage and distribution of sterilised items
Infection control practices
Treaty of Waitangi
Health and Safety
The outcome requirements of the above key responsibility areas are outlined below:
Key Responsibility Area
Expected Outcomes
Decontamination of
instruments and
specialty trays
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Maintenance of
equipment /
instruments
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Utilises Standard Precautions whilst working in any “dirty”
area
The Central Sterile Instrument Technician will be
responsible for decontamination, cleaning, sterilisation, and
storage of instruments, instrument trays, equipment, and
supplies according to the prescribed procedures and aseptic
technique
Performs manual cleaning and decontamination for heat and
moisture sensitive devices to make safe for employee’s
handlings these items without personal protective equipment
Operates Mechanical washing equipment, including
ultrasonic cleaner in accordance with departmental policies
and procedures.
Able to prioritise urgently required equipment for processing.
All equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturer’s
guidelines and CSU policies
Ensures all equipment used is in good working order
Inspects instruments to ensure they are in good working
condition
Identify and process damaged instruments according to
departmental procedure
Key Responsibility Area
Expected Outcomes
Assembly / packing /
wrapping of instrument
sets
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Sterilisation process
(Steam sterilisation,
Ethylene Oxide
sterilisation / aeration,
endoscopy sterilisation)
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Inventory / storage and
distribution of sterilised
items
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Infection control
practices
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Treaty of Waitangi
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Health & Safety
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Inspects instruments for cleanliness to prevent a nosocomial
(healthcare facility acquired) infection.
Performs packaging tasks accurately and efficiently and in
accordance to department policies and procedures and/or
the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Loads and operates sterilisation equipment, heat sealers,
biological indicator incubators and all other equipment used
in the sterilisation process.
Maintains required documentation of all sterilisation loads
Consistently maintains endoscopy equipment - including
cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, and ensuring
equipment sterility.
Ensure wards / departments and Theatre have adequate
supplies of all items
CSU policies for packing and checking are adhered to at all
times
The processing and logging of implants and loan sets of
instruments is accurate and timely.
Responsible for stocking of supplies & instruments
Complete Incident Reporting in line with organisational
guidelines
Demonstrates compliance with departmental Hand hygiene
requirements
Demonstrates compliance with departmental Protective
Personal Equipment procedures
Contribute to the promotion of the principles of Treaty of
Waitangi and the involvement if Maori within the decision
making process for their health and independence, within
District Health Board management processes and
procedures
Include the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi within all
aspects of the role and its outcomes
Ensure that consultation and engagement processes include
appropriate mechanisms to meet the need of Maori in a
culturally appropriate and safe manner
Attend the Northland District Health Board Treaty of
Waitangi Training
Ensure compliance with designated responsibilities detailed
in Northland District Health Board’s Health and Safety Policy
Promote an environment of physical, occupational, cultural,
ethical and legal safety
Observe safe work practices, rules and instructions relating
to work, and be pro-active in hazard management
Willingly co-operate in the achievement of all health and
safety goals and initiatives by:
 Practising and observing safe work methods;
 The use of safety equipment;
 Reporting unsafe conditions or equipment; and
 Reporting and documenting all accidents or incidents
Variation of Duties
Duties and responsibilities described above should not be construed as a complete and exhaustive list as
it is not the intention to limit in any way the scope or functions of the position. Duties and responsibilities
can be amended from time to time either by additional, deletion or straight amendment by the
Trainer/Manager Central Sterilising Unit to meet any changing conditions, however this will only be done
in consultation with the employee.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
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Good numeric and literacy skills
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Completion of Certificate in Sterilising
Technology
Has completed an HSNO course
Experience
Essential
Desirable
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Effective application of Infection Control
principles.
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Experience working in a sterilising unit
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Working knowledge of policies and
procedures relating to sterilisation
processes
Customer service experience
Awareness and Understanding of
Essential
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Well developed understanding of
Occupational Health and Safety
principles and their application in the
workplace
Desirable
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The Treaty of Waitangi and its application
to the health setting
Privacy Act (1993) and Health
Information Privacy Code (1994)
Health and Safety in Employment Act
(1992)
Health and Disability Commissioner
(Code of Health and Disability Services
Consumers’ Rights) Regulations (1996)
New Zealand Council of Healthcare
Standards
Skills & Personal Attributes
Skills
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Strong attention to detail
Accuracy and precision in both technical and clerical aspects of the job
Effective communication
Effective time management
Basic computer competency (eg. Microsoft Word and Excel).
Ability to follow clear guidelines and set procedures
Organized and methodical methods of working
Good motor co-ordination, manual dexterity and finger dexterity
Ability to stand for long periods of time with repeated bending at the knees and waist
Proactive in problem-solving, using initiative and improving work methods/procedures
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Able to prioritise, organize and manage a wide variety of tasks
Personal Attributes
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Keen to learn new skills and share knowledge
Responsible and accountable for own performance
Enjoy working with a team
Professional in appearance, attitude and presentation
Physically fit and able to lift up to 16kg
Able to work effectively when under pressure
Adaptable and flexible; open to new ideas and concepts
Ability to conquer job challenges through critical and creative thinking
Relates well to others, both co-workers and customers
Performance Development Review
An initial review of performance will be conducted after three months, with an annual review thereafter.
An individual Development Plan will be developed to reflect the contribution this position is expected to
make towards achieving the team’s objectives and measures. Key result areas will be developed and
agreed at this time.
Authorised by:
Signature:
Date:
Acceptance
Acceptance of the position implies acceptance of this position description.
Position Title:
Signature of employee:
Date: