Lead Sterile Processing Technician (Nights)
Work Arrangement:
Requisition Number: 268922
Regular or Temporary: Regular
Location:
Durham, NC, US, 27710
Personnel Area: DUKE HOSPITAL
Date: Aug 14, 2026
At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that
changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No
matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health
together.
About Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North
Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States.
The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it
features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a
regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
Hiring Incentives
$5,000 Commitment Bonus for eligible Lead Sterile Processing Technicians -
Paid in two equal installments over 12 months (every six months).
Shift Information:
Monday - Friday: 11pm - 7:18am, after orientation.
General Description of this Role
The Sterile Processing Technician, Lead assists the OR staff in the
organization and daily function of the operating room in accordance with
established federal, state, accreditation standards and facility policies
and procedures. Responsible for instrument decontamination, sterile
processing, instrument care, safe handling procedures and documentation
related to those activities.
Duties and Responsibilities of this Role
The Sterile Processing Technician, Lead will be responsible for performing the
responsibilities outlined in any/all of the categories below.
Operating Room Liaison:
Assists the operating room staff in preparing the O.R. suite for surgery
by assisting in instrument preparation.
Works cooperatively with OR and Central Sterile to jointly resolve issues
or develop better services for surgical implementation.
Supports staff by ensuring communication with Central Sterile and OR staff
helps ensure all instruments are available for surgery.
Must be able to resolve issues or offer alternatives when necessary.
Facilitates action required to obtain additional instruments during
surgery.
Verifies that required instrumentation has been sterilized and is
available for next-day, call or weekend cases.
Addresses issues in communication/procedures by proactively reviewing OR
schedule and suggesting modifications to ensure clear and precise
communication and actions with all affected departments.
Responds to problem calls from OR.
Transports sterilized instrumentation to the O.R. area as needed.
Documents and sends broken instrumentation out for repair.
Completes documentation as required for instrument sets, etc (Case Cart,
Post Case, and Tray Audits).
Responds to problem calls from OR.
Meets with and works with OR staff and surgeons as required.
Site Lead:
Assists in prioritizing processing of instruments and equipment for
surgical procedures to facilitate turnover of cases.
Anticipates instrument needs for following day and assures sterile
processing completion.
May assist the operating room staff in preparing the O.R. suite for
surgery by assisting in instrument preparation.
Acts as HLD Specialist. Performs/assists with daily quality testing on
equipment in SPD.
Assists supervisor in day-to-day activities to include answering phones
and daily staff assignment sheet.
Communicates closely with staff members concerning instrument requirements
and availability.
Verifies that required instrumentation has been sterilized and is
available for next-day, call or weekend cases.
Documents broken instrumentation. Completes documentation as required for
instrument sets, etc (Case Cart, Post Case, and Tray Audits). May assist
in sending broken equipment out for repair.
Manages needs list for tray inventory.
Makes sure bio's are processed and ready in a timely manner.
SPM/Quality Auditor:
Verify sterilization documentation for accuracy.
Track and monitor IUSS loads and documentation.
Track and monitor tray errors.
Check in vendor trays for the next day cases.
Aids with exporting Quality Events for reporting.
Maintains SPM tracking system which includes by not limited to: updates
instrumentation, create new products, update count sheets.
Aids in completing in services for new products or processes.
Aids in locating trays to place new inventory received.
Liaison between the Clinic Leads and Sterile Processing to ensure
instrument inventory is accurate.
Preceptor:
Orients and mentors new staff.
Shares knowledge with co-workers through open communication and continuous
upgrading of skills.
Conducts random audits on trays assembled by new staff.
Conducts first stage re-education with techs on tray errors.
Performs real time in-services with SPD staff.
Performs Sterile Processing Technician job responsibilities when needed.
Serves as a resource by guiding new and current team members to
appropriate resource materials.
Assist with annual competency checklist.
All roles:
Provides a safe environment for patients and staff through identifying/
correcting/reporting health and safety hazards.
Performs special projects.
May assist Supervisor with department supply orders to include
participating in facilitating timely ordering of instrumentation, supplies
and implants.
Willingly accepts assignments and performs effectively on a daily basis.
Always communicates in a professional manner.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the application/use of
instrumentation.
Follows standard precautions using PPE as required.
Serves as a professional role model to staff.
Provides positive leadership.
Applies and enforces regulations, standards, and hospital policy and
procedures pertaining to all areas of sterile processing.
Maintains knowledge of operation of all equipment in sterile processing
and reports malfunctions to appropriate personnel immediately.
Responds in a timely manner via phone, text and email as needed and
performs needed follow up.
Functions in SPD duties on an as needed bases, including but not limited
to assembly, sterilization, and decontamination of instrument trays for
ORs.
May cover areas in Supervisor's absence.
Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
Required Qualifications for this Role
Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Employees hired into this job code before 2/18/19 are not required to have
high school diploma or equivalent
Experience
2 years as a Sterile Processing Technician required.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
Certification required as CSPDT (CBSPD) or CRCST (HSPA).
Additional certification preferred in at least one of the areas below:
Sterile Processing Management - C.S.P.M or Healthcare Leadership – CHL
Sterile Processing Department Technician - C.S.P.D.T or Registered Central
Service Technician – CRCST
Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist - C.S.I.S or Instrument
Specialist – CIS
Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (GI Scope) - C.F.E.R or Endoscope
Reprocessor - CER
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology.
Knowledge and understanding of a variety of OR procedures' surgical
instruments including working parts and proper inspection.
Aptitude for troubleshooting in a high-paced environment.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment
opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender,
gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin,
race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions),
sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation,
creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust
exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our
perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this
exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and
welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all
voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold
these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include
essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental
abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable
accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh
