Sterile Processing Tech - Lead-Sterile Processing Department * Nights 40hrs/wk

Sterile Processing Tech - Lead

Sterile Processing Department * Nights 40hrs/wk

Shift: Nights

FTE status: 1

On-call: Yes

Weekends: No

General Summary:

The Lead Certified Sterile Processing Technician assumes responsibility for work assignments of Sterile Processing Technicians on their shift. The Lead Tech will supervise and coordinate the activities of the other technician's performance and be able to demonstrate all aspects of Sterile Processing Department (SPD), decontamination, assembly, sterilization, high level disinfection, sterile storage and distribution of instrumentation and medical supplies procedures in accordance with hospital policies. The position also acts as liaison to the SPD Manager, SPD team members and Surgery. Physical activity may involve lifting 20–50-pound instrument trays or sets, walking, pushing and pulling of carts and equipment. Demonstrate strong leadership skills. Occasionally works overtime, rotating weekends and holidays and must take on-call on a rotating basis for weekends and holidays.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High school diploma, (GED) or equivalent
• Current Sterile Processing Technician Certification is required
• Certification for Endoscope Reprocessing or Instrument Specialist required or obtained within 6 months of hire.
• 4 years' prior experience in Sterile Processing is required.
• Knowledge of sterile or aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of decontamination and sterilization principles.
• Must be accurate and willing to follow set rules and standards of practice.
• Able to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrates the UMH-West values of Teamwork, Caring and Integrity in their interactions with patients and fellow team members.
• Self-motivated, self-directed, and assumes responsibility for actions.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm, looks for ways to improve job and department. Is enthusiastic about the success of co-workers.
• Identifies functional instrument system problems and assists in the resolution of the problems.
• Informs SPD staff on instrument status daily and as needed.
• Demonstrates commitment to group goals, UMH-West Health's goals, missions & values and teamwork.
• Participate in the quality improvement plan as directed by the SPD Manager. Monitors quality issues and identifies them to the SPD Manager.
• Knowledge of computers and data entry.
• Must show proficiency in Critical Thinking Skills

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Oversees for work assignments of SPD Technicians on their shift and may be responsible for scheduling in response to ill calls.
2. Oversees for the workflow on their shift and ensures completion of all work
3. Precepts new employees during orientation. May delegate this responsibility to other staff members if necessary.
4. Helps in orientation of SPD staff on new systems and procedures in coordination with the SPD Manger and Surgical Service educator.
5. Prioritizes tasks, meets deadlines, and is responsible for work assignments of SPD technicians on their shift to ensure the completion of work. Communicates to the next shift what needs to be done for the next day's surgery schedule.
6. Demonstrates effective communication skills between staff members, SPD Manager and surgery department, when necessary. Demonstrates strong and effective leadership skills.
7. Rotates through all workstations efficiently and performs all SPD functions and assorted support duties. Develops and maintains effective interdepartmental and intradepartmental communication.
8. Accurately cleans and sorts all soiled instrumentation, drills, scopes and other medical equipment entering the decontamination area. Always adheres to Universal/Standard Precautions.
9. Operates the washer decontaminator, cart washer, ultrasonic cleaner, automated scope processor, all sterilizers, and computer.
10. Performs proper principles and strict techniques of sterilization. Keeps and maintains daily records of testing results of BI's and BOWIE-DICK tests. Makes the necessary follow up actions when needed.
11. Assembles and packages instrument sets according to count sheets, standards, and manufacturer's instructions. Inspects all instruments for good working condition. Uses appropriate chemical indicators for sterilization Maintains an error rate that is below 2.0% per month for tray accuracy.
12. Assists in additional duties as identified by SPD Manager and Director of Surgical Services.
13. Inventories stock and non-stock supplies and implants. Maintains appropriate par levels and orders, as needed stock and non-stock supplies.
14. Interacts with purchasing and vendors in SPD as necessary.
15. Adheres to the hospital policies and procedures. Incorporates hospital values into work practices. Adheres to Behavioral Standards and is a role model for these standards for all team members.
16. Provides input to SPD leadership in evaluating employees' performance as needed.
17. Performs other duties as assigned. These may include but are not limited to: Maintaining a current knowledge base of department processes, protocols and procedures, pursuing self-directed learning and continuing education opportunities, and participating in committees, task forces, and work groups as determined by management.