Supervisor, Sterile Processing

Sterile Processing Supervisor

UofL Health is a fully integrated regional academic health system with five hospitals, four medical centers, nearly 200 physician practice locations, more than 700 providers, the Frazier Rehab Institute and Brown Cancer Center. With more than 12,000 team members—physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists and other highly skilled health care professionals—UofL Health is focused on one mission: delivering patient-centered care to each and every patient each and every day.

The Sterile Processing supervisor assists in providing the highest quality patient care, by supervising Sterile Processing Technicians in the performance of job duties, and performing job duties of the Sterile Processing Technician when staffing shortage or workload require it. The Sterile Processing supervisor's responsibilities include, but are not limited to: supervising and instructing Sterile Processing Technicians in the performance of job duties, and daily work area assignments; decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of reusable instruments, utensils, trays, carts, and equipment; assembly of case carts; pick-up and delivery of all reusable items to using areas; monitoring of the sterilization process; assisting Sterile Processing Manager as needed; assisting with performance improvement activities for the department. Provides support, training and communication in accordance with Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Associates of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), and CDC standards and facilities goals and policies. Maintains, supports and coaches employees as necessary for decontamination, processing, assembly and sterilization processes within all set standards and regulations. Evaluates employee job performance and initiates performance counseling as needed.

Essential Functions:

• Acts as a preceptor for new employees
• Handles problems as they occur; manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to request for service and assistance
• Assigns daily work schedule and coaches technicians on quality errors in the absence of a supervisor
• Monitors workflow, prioritizes work, and adjusts assignments to accommodate need
• Completes performance improvement assignment as assigned and assists with staff competency checks
• Monitors all processing equipment and notify appropriate repair person when a malfunction occurs
• Makes rounds throughout the hospital to deliver sterile and non-sterile instrumentation, supplies and equipment, and to collect contaminated or credit instrumentation, supplies and equipment
• Decontaminates all reusable instruments, sets, utensils, and equipment used throughout the Medical Center complex
• Inspects, assembles, and packages all decontaminated reusable instruments, sets, utensils, and other items for sterilization
• Operates all processing equipment used within the department
• Monitors the sterilization process through mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators
• Supervises and instructs employee's in performing job duties
• Coaches staff on performance issues that arise in the department and works with SPD Manager on progressive discipline
• Approves vacation requests, creates staffs schedule, and reviews timecards

Other Functions:

• Completes employee evaluations on time
• Ensures all direct reports are compliant with KNOW modules, TB requirement, Flu Shot, etc.
• Answers telephone promptly and assists caller with obtaining items needed
• Procures surgical instrumentation and places into case carts for scheduled and non-scheduled procedures
• Delivers scheduled case carts to the Surgery Department
• Maintains responsibility for returned instrumentation and supplies (if applicable) that is unused, and the integrity of packaging has not been compromised
• Contribute to the efficient operation of the department.
• Performs dispatch, cleaning and decontamination, wrapping and packaging, sterilization and monitoring duties in a safe manner, to prevent injury to self, patients, visitors or other hospital personnel
• Contributes to maintaining supplies and sterile items for use throughout the hospital; keeps department clean, neat, and well organized
• Prioritizes work and focuses on consistent throughput
• Contributes to all official departmental business in a professional manner
• Maintains compliance with all company policies, procedures and standards of conduct
• Complies with HIPAA privacy and security requirements to maintain confidentiality at all times
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education:

High school diploma or GED/ equivalent (required)

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience in Sterile Processing (required)

Certification:

Double Certification by a nationally recognized program for Sterile Processing Technicians (i.e. CRCST or CSPDT AND CIS or SIS Certifications) (required)

CHL or CSPM Certification must be obtained within 12 months from date of hire

Job Competency:

Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions

Knowledge and identification to assemble instrument sets form all surgical areas and other departments.

Must display an exceptional level of organizational skills and proficient in problem solving and follow through

Effectively communicates with co-workers and all other hospital personnel

Able to decontaminate all reusable instruments, sets, and utensils according to acceptable sterile processing standards

Knowledgeable regarding biological monitoring

Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect regardless of their status or position

Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, gathering relevant data while attending to essential details; checks work for accuracy and quality.

Must have strong relationship building skills and the ability to make and use connections throughout UofL Health to complete projects and maintain strong partnerships with other departments

Must have strong initiative and be able to gather and analyze information skillfully and be able to brainstorm alternative resources and directions

Must have the ability to break down complex tasks into manageable parts in a systematic, detailed way and considers input from several sources

Must have great flexibility and the ability to continually look for ways to make appropriate adjustments and changes

Must have the ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deliver successful results

Ability to use instrument washer/decontaminator; Sonic washer; Cart washer; Steam sterilizer, Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer

Language Ability:

Adequate conversational English is required to ensure the individual be able to take direction from management, understand how to complete job tasks, communicate adequately with patients and co-workers as necessary, understand and follow safety guidelines, and organizational policies

Able to read and interpret written information; to write routine reports and correspondence and to speak effectively to groups of customers or employees of organization

Ability to write clearly and informatively and to present numerical data effectively

Reasoning Ability:

Must have ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

Ability to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities; determines course of action; develops appropriate solutions

Computer Skills:

Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office programs

Working knowledge of instrument management system and One Source

Knowledge of Premier, preferred

Must have the capacity to learn other relevant systems and databases, as needed

Additional Responsibilities:

Demonstrates a commitment to service, organization values and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all times

Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all times

Adheres to organizational and department specific safety standards and guidelines

Works collaboratively and supports efforts of team members

Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians, patients, residents, visitors, staff and the broader health care community

UofL Health Core Expectation:

At UofL Health, we expect all our employees to live the values of honesty, integrity and compassion and demonstrate these values in their interactions with others and as they deliver excellent patient care by:

Honoring and caring for the dignity of all persons in mind, body, and spirit

Ensuring the highest quality of care for those we serve

Working together as a team to achieve our goals

Improving continuously by listening, and asking for and responding to feedback

Seeking new and better ways to meet the needs of those we serve

Using our resources wisely

Understanding how each of our roles contributes to the success of UofL