Sterile Processing Instrument Coordinator - University of Maryland Medical System

Renowned as the academic flagship of the University of Maryland Medical System, our Magnet®-designated facility is a nationally recognized, academic medical center with opportunities across the continuum of care.  Come join UMMC and discover the atmosphere where talents and ideas come together to enhance patient care and advance the science of nursing.  Located in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards, you won’t find a more vibrant place to work! 

Using UMMC guidelines assures, via active inventory management, that all needs for the processing and sterilization of surgical instrumentation is managed daily on behalf of perioperative services with supervision by assigned Perioperative CSP Director or designee. In addition to providing direct operational supervision, this position serves as a liaison between perioperative service staff members and physicians to assist in the management of instrument/tray acquisition and promote adherence to established policies and procedures as they relate to sterilization practices.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be constructed as an exhausted list of all job duties performed by personnel as classified.

1. In coordination with the assigned Perioperative Services Manager, monitors and ensures daily operational compliance with the standards governing sterile processing activities from such agencies as Joint Commission, OSHA, AORN, federal, state, and local ordinances.
   • Assists in the incorporation of standards into a comprehensive CSP developmental quality assurance program.
   • Assists CSP Educator in monitoring of department staff training and orientation for all instrumentation and set assembly. Ensures all staff are knowledgeable as to applicable standards, procedures and safety requirements.
2. May provide direct clinical supervision of activities performed by Sterile Processing Staff.
3. Communicates with the Perioperative Management Team, Service Line Coordinators, physicians and staff members to ensure that needs identified are budgeted, purchased, accounted for within inventory and placed into proper sets.
4. In coordination with the Perioperative Management Team, assists with the maintenance, inventory, and implementation of newly acquired and existing instrument trays/sets, instruments, and supplies. Collaboratively works with the appropriate perioperative staff to maintain accurate instrument count sheets and make revisions as necessary.
5. Ensures that the policies and procedures as they relate to decontamination, disinfection and sterilization of instruments are maintained appropriately and are consistent with the standard of care. Assists with the collection of quality control indicators as it relates to perioperative customer services, staff productivity, and infection control.
6. Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with perioperative staff and physicians.
7. Assists with and/or coordinates educational programs designed for the development and implementation of newly acquired instrumentation and sterilization processes. Acts as a vital resource link between the sterile processing and perioperative staff to enhance communication regarding new practices, programs and sterile processing issues.
8. Provides input for clinical product evaluations with regard to benefit versus cost.
9. May provide input and assist department Management with employee performance evaluations.
10. Assists CSP Educator with the ongoing education of new and existing sterile processing staff via staff meetings, in-services and orientation in collaboration with department Management.
11. Maintains current knowledge and awareness in the field of surgical instrumentation and processing services by participating in educational and informational programs.
12. Assists with and offers support for future processing services from all corporate entities, including incorporation of implants, endoscopes, and case cart programs.
13. Supports all corporate entities as a vital clinical resource regarding sterile processing services.
14. Performs sterile processing activities during periods of staffing shortages as required.

1. Certification as Surgical Technologist or Central Sterile Processing Tech.
2. Minimum of five years’ experience in OR or CSP service delivery, and three years supervisory experience within the CSP environment. Associates degree in surgical technology or equivalent preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills from within a Central Sterile Processing, Perioperative Services or similar environment.
2. Proficient computer skills including knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office preferred.
3. Ability to work independently with both co-workers and subordinates to problem solve.
4. Familiarity with AORN and IAHCSM infection control and sterility standards.

Working Conditions

1. Weekend, shift work, holiday and overtime as required. Assists with the 24 hour coverage to the institution via staff supervisory matrix.
2. Work is performed in a well-lighted, temperature-controlled environment.
3. There is the potential for exposure to infectious diseases from exposure to contaminated instrumentation and equipment. Work in this environment requires the observance and practice of UMMS policies for universal precautions and OSHA/MOSHA standards.
4. Ability to stand and walk approximately 30% of the time during an eight hour shift. Ability to lift 50 pounds and push carts weighing over 200 pounds.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Implements policies, procedure, and standards consistently in the performance of assigned duties.
4. Develops effective working relationships and maintains good communication with other team members.
5. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge

.