Lead Sterile Processing Tech - CVOR

Job Summary

The Lead Sterile Processing Technician functions under the direction of the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager to assist with the coordination and implementation of surgical instrument processing and work flow. This includes the processing of supplies and equipment, performing cleaning and sterilization duties, preparing surgical packs, supplies, linens and instruments in the central supply area. The lead technician will work in concert with the medical and nursing staff in assuring that operating rooms are adequately stocked with necessary equipment and supplies are prepared and present so that surgical cases operate efficiently and on-time.

The lead technicians will serve as a working technician with all of the direct assignments as a Sterile Process technician with additional duties required for Lead status. This includes acting as a liaison between the SPTs and other operating room team members, serving as the resource, participating in performance improvement (PI) initiatives, troubleshooting daily operational issues impeding work flow, orientation of SPT staff and other duties as assigned. The Lead SPT will oversee designated service lines with frequent and ongoing communications to management, physicians, nurses and other operating room staff.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Collects, receives, disinfects, and decontaminates instruments, supplies and equipment according to hospital policies and procedures, AORN recommendations, AAMI guidelines, JCAHO and other regulatory requirements and standards
• Demonstrates consistent application of aseptic/sterile techniques on all instruments and supplies
• Applies proper sterilization procedures in the operation of sonic washers, washer decontaminators, steam, and steris sterilizers; assures proper working condition of equipment and reports problems with equipment or maintenance needs
• Handles, scans bar codes, and stores sterile items in predetermined locations for future use
• Inspects surgical instruments and medical equipment and detects need for repair or replacement and suspects of cleanliness; assembles, wraps or containerizes instruments and equipment
• Cleans, inspects, and maintains instruments/equipment and supplies to assure all equipment is maintained in good working condition and available on a 24-hour basis
• Maintains all required regulatory documentation of sterilization records and surgical supplies such as quality control logs of sterilizing equipment
• Maintains departmental policies and procedures related to safety, quality improvement, infection control and other standards relative to surgical sterile processing; documents accurately and legibly
• Responds to requests from nursing staff and others by locating surgical instrumentation and supplies
• Checks and stocks supplies, rotating stock by expiration dates
• Acts as a liaison with individuals responsible for ordering supplies
• Delivers and unloads supplies to appropriate areas and restocks supplies as needed
• Coordinates instrument turnaround activities in conjunction with the Manager; retrieves equipment needed for scheduled and emergent cases
• Assists in emergency situations by assembling and returning needed equipment
• Communicates pertinent information related to instrumentation or supplies to the appropriate team member which may include management, physicians, staff or sales representatives
• Reports to leadership any unusual occurrences such as problems, accidents, safety, quality or patient experience concerns
• Consistently promotes patient experience through positive behaviors when interacting with patients, visitors, physicians and other team members
• Assures the privacy, comfort and safety needs of patients are not interrupted in relation to the delivery or set up of supplies or equipment
• Attends departmental staff meetings as required
• Communicates frequently with SPTs to assure proper work flow and availability of supplies
• Assists SP Supervisor or Manager with surgical processing staff meetings and attends Surgical Services Staff Meeting
• Acts as a general liaison within SPTs and other team members of surgical services
• Communicates frequently with surgical services leaders to assure work flow and supplies are meeting operational demands; monitors and maintains data on productivity and process effectiveness
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct

Required Minimum Education

High School Diploma / GED General or Associates Other / Related Field-Preferred

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s)

All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated. CRCST - Cert Reg Central Service Tech or CSPDT - Cert Sterile Proc & Dist Tech

Required Minimum Experience

Minimum 2 years previous sterile process experience Required. Must have CV instrumentation knowledge.

Required Minimum Skills

• Demonstrates expert knowledge in surgical supply processing, surgical instruments and sterile technique
• Must have excellent communication skills
• Should be highly organized with ability to set priorities and make adjustments as needed based on daily demands
• Ability to work with all levels of care providers
• Must be self-directed and self-motivated with strong customer service skills
• Must be able to understand, speak and write English well to communicate with surgical services team