Sterile Processing Lead Technician

Location : Sussex Campus Hospital

Status : Full Time 80 Hours

Shift : Variable

SALARY RANGE : 20.04 - 29.79HOURLY

General Summary :

Under general supervision of the Sterile Processing Department Supervisor or Manager, the Sterile Processing Lead Technician is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing and sterilization of instrumentation and equipment dispensed by the department following established infection control practices and guidelines. Provides a continuous flow of sterile / reusable supplies, equipment and surgical instrumentation which require centralized collection, disinfection, inspection, assembly, preparation, sterilization and monitoring to hospital areas through knowledge and implementation of regulatory guidelines and designated policies and procedures. Prioritizes daily work flow, resolves routine operating problems and performs daily duties as a technician. Must have a willingness to accept new ideas, work under stressful conditions and ensure quality and safe delivery of care to patients of all ages. Responsible for the overall coordination of an assigned surgical specialty and the instrumentation and equipment processed for that specialty. Assists with training new technicians. Has ability to prioritize and complete needed items with OR schedule and may act as charge role in absence of supervisor as required.

Department team members are authorized to have limited access to secured medication rooms to perform duties and responsibilities as defined in this job description. Any staff member requiring limited access to secured medication rooms must have a fully completed and signed Medication Security Agreement for Non-Licensed Personnel form on file and available upon request.

Responsibilities :

1. Competent and able to use all equipment necessary for sterilization safely and effectively including but not limited to sonic cleaner, washer / decontaminator, cart washer, high vacuum steam sterilizer, impulse heat sealer and sterrad. Inspect instruments, equipment, and containers for cleanliness and proper function.

2. Activate and monitor appropriate cycle for decontamination process for correct functioning of equipment and report any deviations to manager.

3. Support and assist the SPD manager in the daily operation of the department, including assisting nursing personnel in obtaining needed instruments, assign and coordinate daily activities of Sterile Processing area, assure high quality service is provided, coordinate with vendors as needed and perform special duties as assigned.

4. Supervise and direct other SPD departmental personnel in daily tasks and duties as required, prioritize and complete needed items from OR schedule; may act as manager / supervisor as the need arises.

5. Manage the daily distribution of instrument trays and make sure availability is correct for surgical cases at the Surgery Center and the Operating Room utilizing scanning tools and quality assurance improvements to ensure accurate tracking of instrumentation. Maintain accurate documentation and scanning of each instrument pan for decontamination and transport. Without supervision, accurately assembles basic instrument sets and surgical procedure trays according to procedures.

6. . Monitors accuracy of work, productivity, and adherence to policies and standards of all personnel. Monitors the flow or work in the unit and understands the importance of precisely following guidelines for sterilization and decontamination.

7. Verify all Quality Control measures are performed and documented properly by all personnel (i.e. biological, chemical, and mechanical monitoring) according to the standards set by The Joint Commission, AORN, and AAMI.

8. . Follow established protocols for receiving, cleaning, decontaminating, preparing and packaging, disinfecting or sterilizing, and storing medical and surgical supplies and equipment using the instrument tracking system according to department procedures. Review completed instrument trays for accuracy prior to wrapping and sterilization.

9. Direct distribution of surgical instruments from sterile processing areas to other areas within the hospital, process requests generated from clinicians for instruments and trays, and deliver requests in an accurate and timely manner.

10. Follow safety procedures and manufacturer's instructions when handling cleaning solutions, supplies, and equipment, and mixing solutions in the decontamination area.

11. Demonstrate understanding of basic principles of all types of sterilization methods used. Operates / maintains sterilizers according to the manufacturers' recommendations and determines when equipment needs maintenance or repair.

12. Monitor, interpret, and document results of physical, chemical and biological indicators for all types of sterilizers used in the sterile processing areas.

13. Inventory, receive, and restock materials used for supporting sterile processing services and materials (i.e., sterile wraps, peel packs, biological indicators, autoclave tape, detergents, enzymatic cleaners, sterile towels, etc.); request additional materials to maintain stock. Handle stock outs, critical levels and all emergency supply situations in a calm and professional manner.

14. Prepares all order requests as necessary for replacement parts for instruments and additional equipment as necessary or upon request from physicians / staff. Orders supplies through the Bayhealth purchasing systems.

15. Inspects instruments, containers and equipment for usability, gives defective items to manager and scans the items in quality tracking systems.

16. Maintains a clean, orderly and safe environment by adhering to Standard Precautions and Infection Control practices.

17. Assist SPD Manager with orientation, training and competency verification of new personnel. Serves as a leader, mentor, and preceptor to instruct and train other department staff in regards to the critical nature of the work done.

18. Responsible for daily open communication, coaching of staff and problem solving of the unit. Responsible for excellent interpersonal skills; provides a positive role model in time, attendance and performance and assists with improving the quality of sterile processing services.

19. Provides guidance and assistance to sterile processing technicians in completing work, ensuring that instruments, equipment and trays are assembled and sterilized properly. Performs the duties of the technician to ensure a high level of productivity and collaborates with manager based on fluctuating needs of the department.

20. Complies with Federal and State laws, regulatory and accreditation standards (AAMI), professional guidelines, standards of practice, and Bayhealth's policies and procedures.

21. All other duties as assigned within the scope and range of job responsibilities.

Required Education, Credential(s) and Experience :

• Education : High School Diploma or GED
• Credential(s) : Certified Registered Central Service Technician
• Experience : Required : Four years total Sterile Processing and / or Operating Room experience (three of which should be Sterile Processing)At least two years mentoring and training staff.Preferred : Three years' experience as Technician II, SPD.Prior Operating Room or Sterile Processing experience.Working knowledge of all Sterile Processing areas, equipment, instrumentation and supplies

Preferred Education, Credential(s) and Experience :

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