Sterile Processing Tech Lead - CommonSpirit Health

At CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy our focus is patient-centered care. Our level I trauma center and academic medical center campus is designed to heal the body mind and spirit of every person in a more comfortable less stressful hospital environment. Our full range of medical services includes trauma services heart and vascular care emergency services surgery maternity cancer care and diagnostic imaging.

Inventory Control 

• Maintains established inventory of supplies and instruments; ensures staff are stocking supplies in proper order (FIFO).
• Regularly audits inventory activity and initiates appropriate inventory adjustments in a timely manner.
• Assists in the maintenance of inventory controls that will maximize space utilization.
• Demonstrates product knowledge and expertise; is a valuable resource for clinical staff and other pertinent departments.

Team Coordination

• Participates in mentorship, training, and orientation of Sterile Processing Technicians; works actively with peers to achieve department goals.
• Provides clear communication, both oral and written.
• Relays job expectations; will address concerns or issues in an objective manner.
• Responsible for communicating back to SPD Manager when issues/concerns arise relative to team members’ performance.
• Assures prudent use of resources and efficiently maintains instruments and processing supply inventory.
• Conducts trainings and provides in-service to employees in assigned work areas as it pertains to OSHA, Joint Commission, Fire & Safety, etc.
• Coordinates staff scheduling needs to ensure adequate coverage within the department.
• Assists in monitoring timekeeping/attendance activities; when necessary, will communicate any discrepancies/issues to SPD Manager. 

Competencies of Instruments, Equipment

• Performs random or planned inspections of instruments sets, case carts, and other duties as assigned.
• Ensures instrument sets are complete prior to sterilization, and documents missing items that are not replaced in instrument sets.
• Understands the basic use of instrumentation; and, has complete knowledge for identifying surgical instrumentation.
• Retains accurate audit logs of all providers’ instruments processed and ensures items are returned to Sterile Processing.
• Ensures instrument/equipment cleaning procedures are being followed according to manufacturer instructions.
• Ability to assemble no less than 35-40 instrument sets per day.
• Uses care in operating all equipment and carts.
• Proactive in training or assisting Central Supply staff when/as required.
• Works independently with little to no oversight during designated shift as Charge.

Competencies of Safety 

• Takes personal action to maintain a clean, attractive work area/environment; sinks and sterilizer drains remain clean.
• Attend in-service programs; maintains compliance and knowledge of general safety, fire safety, hazard communication, emergency codes.
• Has strong knowledge and understanding when it comes to department safety guidelines, policies, and procedures including (but not limited to):
1. Regulatory compliance through patient and Environment of Care (EOC) rounding;  
2. Infection control policies/procedures such as hand washing, containment of infections agents/materials, etc.
3. Ensures that unauthorized staff refrain from entering designated work areas and to notify Security when/as needed.
• Demonstrates understanding of basic principles for all types of sterilization methods used at SVIMC; operates/maintains sterilizers according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Reviews sterilization test results and documentation for accuracy.

Required:

High School Diploma, GED, Metropolitan Test, or equivalent.

Minimum of three years’ experience in Sterile Processing to including monitoring inventory, familiarity with tracking systems, purchasing, computer systems, decontamination, and sterilization controls.
Minimum of two years’ instrumentation control.
Sterile Processing Technician Certification (CRCST).
Ability to read, write, and comprehend written material and perform accurate arithmetic computations of moderate complexity.

Demonstrate positive guest and staff relations; ability to work independently without supervision.