Lead Sterile Processing Technician

BRIDGEWATER AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER

JOB TITLE: Lead Sterile Processing Technician DEPARTMENT: Sterile Processing Department (SPD) JOB SUMMARY- The Lead Sterile Processing Technician must be certified from a nationally recognized certificate program in sterile processing, certified as an Endoscope Preprocessor, certificate as a Healthcare Leader in SPD preferred.

Responsible for disassembling, cleaning, decontamination, processing and sterilization of all instruments used by the Center following established infection control practices. Must be conscientious with regard to procedures and capable of working under pressure and interacting professionally with other departments within the center.

In addition to all duties of the Senior Sterile Processing Technician, the Lead assumes responsibility of supervising and investigating all areas of the department, to include training all employees in their scope of responsibilities. Evaluates and monitors work flow practices. Maintains instrument inventory and assists in formulating new policies and procedures.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS- Must be a high school graduate. Minimum of four years of hospital and or ASC experience as Central Sterile Technician, or graduate of Operating Room technician program. CPR certification within 1st year. Prior supervisory experience preferred. Demonstrates necessary clinical competency. Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally, and in writing. Physically and emotionally capable of performing responsibilities of position.

JOB REQUIREMENTS- Must be physically able to lift, stand and walk for long periods of time. Must have good communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to work under physical and mental stress. Must have good understanding of anatomy, surgical procedures and instrumentation. Must have understanding of aseptic technique. Demonstrate knowledge of instrumentation sterilization parameters, able to read print outs and verify sterility, incubate and read biological read outs. Knowledge of how to use and record high level disinfectants. Ability to operate steam sterilizers, Sterrad and other High Level Disinfecting units, instrument washers, ultra sonic washers, leak testers and insole scan laparoscopic/arthroscopic/endoscopic instrumentation. Need to be able to identify Instrumentation, prioritize work load, wear and work in appropriate PPE and must be able to handle high stress and high volume situations. Basic Leadership functions, ability to create count sheets, Good communication skills. The ability to give instructions to staff. Demonstrates emotional stability, self- motivation, and the ability to make independent decisions and to suggest alternative solutions to problems encountered. Demonstrates ability to work in a team approach with other members of nursing, anesthesia and business staff. Demonstrates concern and caring attitude towards all patients.

JOB BEHAVIORS - Demonstrates ability to work as a team member and to communicate directly and professionally. Must adhere to Center’s Code of Conduct Policy. Is flexible, reliable, productive, patient-oriented, and self-motivated. Portrays The Center and peers in positive light to others. Avoids being involved in gossip spreading or conversations that promote discord of staff members. Maintains professional conduct and appearance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: - Insures proper operation of autoclave units on a daily basis.

• Runs biological and chemical tests at beginning of day, records results in appropriate log book.

• Inspects washer decontaminator, steam and sonic cleaners for visible signs of malfunction.

• Processes all contaminated instruments returned to Decontamination Room.

• Uses knowledge of sterilization principles to correctly wrap or package items for sterilization.

• Processes all items appropriately using washer decontaminator and/or sonic cleaner and steam.

• Knowledgeable regarding handling and care of instruments and tray preparation

• Performs tray assemblage, proper packing and preparation of all applicable supplies for sterilization.

• Properly loads, operates and cleans all sterilizers.

• Collects all data from biological and chemical testing –saves and stores for required time.

• Participates in departmental performance improvement activities.

• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (QI) activities. Maintains all QA documentation; initiates and generates corrective actions when deficiencies occur; generates daily, weekly and monthly reports relating to QA and production. Delegate work load to improve performance, service, and quality.

• Responsible for prioritizing work load.

• Maintains all count sheets using tracking software along with trouble shooting the software issues.

• Maintains all departmental IFU’s and SDS manuals.

• Maintains receiving and vendor pickup of loaner trays.

• Responsible for training new staff and ensuring all staff retain CEU for re- certification.

• Keeping department head informed of all essential task and potential problems throughout each work day.

• Adhere to dress code, appearance must be neat and clean.

• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times

• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner

• Performs other related duties as may be assigned

• At times when requested by the administration working hours may change and shift may start at earlier, or finish later.

• May be required to assist throughout the facility as necessary.

• Will be responsible for inventory control of the assigned service, and report to Materials Manager.