Sterile Processing Tech

Technical Expert For Complex Instrumentation Processing

Serves as technical expert for complex instrumentation processing. Responsibilities require diligent inspection of instrumentation and selection of appropriate processing techniques for both new technology and infrequently used instrumentation. This role mentors new staff on how to work with very complex, multi-part instruments that may be comprised of many different materials and require special cleaning and inspection processes. Role serves as expert for special sterilization processes ensuring compliance with rigid infection control requirements. Serves as an expert resource to other SPD technicians and healthcare providers to assure instrumentation use standards are maintained. Participates in performance improvement work teams to enhance departmental efficiencies, customer service, and quality service. Identifies and collaboratively works with manager/supervisor to correct any waste in production processes. Provides input into instrumentation handling management.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
• Maintains CRCST and CIS status via required yearly continuing education units (CEU's).

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Serves as technical expert for complex instrumentation processing. Requires diligent inspection of instrumentation and selection of appropriate processing techniques for both new technology and infrequently used instrumentation
• Coordinates perioperative/HVI room instrument and equipment needs utilizing the procedural schedules. Includes the coordination of room needs based on specific physician or patient needs.
• Coordinates suitable substitutes for specific instrumentation. Communicates critical level inventory to manager, supervisor, or coordinator.
• Performs all high-level disinfection and sterilization work processes consistently following departmental policies and procedures, national standards, regulatory requirements, and manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU's). Identifies and works to resolve processing variation. Collaboratively works with manager/supervisor to identify and correct any waste in production processes.
• Mentors new staff on how to work with very complex, multi-part instruments that may be comprised of many different materials and require special cleaning and inspection processes. Serves as a competent observer for the department's new hire and annual competency programs. May present expert knowledge at in-service presentations/cross-training programs.
• Prepare and updates procedural manuals and reference materials, under the direction of the department manager, supervisor, or educator.
• By serving as expert for special sterilized processes, guides and assists SPTs/RCSTs in performing daily activities including reprocessing of instruments, trays, and scopes as well as pulling of case carts following rigid infection control requirements.
• Maintains daily sterilization records and conducts departmental quality control audits.
• Responds to instrument and equipment requests from physicians and procedural staff. Response may require knowledge of alternative product choices, operational budget expenses, and internal/external resources including vendor and contract specifics.
• Participates in performance improvement work teams to enhance departmental efficiencies, customer service, and quality service.
• Operates safely and efficiently all sterilization and decontamination equipment, in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Inspects, assembles, and sterilizes surgical/house instrumentation in accordance with departmental policy and procedure.
• Restocks accurately Surgical Services including the Outpatient Service's and Labor & Delivery's specialty carts and top track.
• Stages and delivers case carts, stocking carts and equipment via clean cart lift as well as OR service elevator.
• Identifies and trends as needed missing and damaged instrumentation/equipment. Collaboration with SPD Manager, Supervisor, Quality Instrumentation Coordinators, and Coordinators may be required to address issues as well as hardwire resolutions.
• Answers, records, and responds to all requests via phone and/or in person in a courteous and professional manner. Telephone requests are to be answered according to WVU Medicine Behavioral standards.
• Receives and returns unexpired items to inventory in accordance to set policy and procedure.
• Assesses work areas to promote both patient and employee safety.
• May present expert content related to new technology and work processes at scheduled in-services. Provides input into instrumentation handling management.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be physically capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Must be capable of lifting up to 60 pounds and pushing loaded carts weighing in excess of 200 pounds.
• Must possess visual/oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
• Must be able to discern and distinguish colors.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work in a high stress environment
• Must complete vision screening test for near and far vision. Must screen 20/40 or better or will be referred to the Eye Center.
• Must be able to prioritize work tasks to demonstrate completion of those tied to urgent/emergent patient care needs.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to operate computers with training
• Must understand and practice excellent personal hygiene.
• Must demonstrate English verbal and written proficiencies to utilize written high-level disinfection/sterilization guidelines and manufacturers' instructions for use (IFU's).
• Knowledge of automated materials management and OR/procedural scheduling information system applications.

Additional Job Description:

Rotating weekends and holidays shift is firm 11pm to 730am

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Shift: Night (United States of America)

Exempt/Non-Exempt: United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company: WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

Cost Center: 615 WVUH Sterile Processing

Address: 1 Medical Center Drive Morgantown West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.