Supervisor, Sterile Processing

Sterile Processing Supervisor

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Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

Job Summary:

The Supervisor for the Sterile Processing Team functions under the direction of the Sterile Processing 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. Works 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. Serves as the "on the ground" oversight for daily work flow and assignments. The supervisor will assume all responsibility of a lead sterile processing tech but with the additional duties required for supervisor. This will include responsibilities such as supervising the SPT and Lead SPT in the instrument processing area and assuring that case carts are processed according to regulatory guidelines and readily available for use. Coordinate schedules, monitor employee productivity and quality of output and participate in OR rounds to assure instrument demands are met.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Supervisor Specific Responsibilities:

• Supervises the Lead Sterile Processing Techs and Sterile Processing Techs to assure work flow and productivity demands are met for designated shift of responsibility
• Directs and coordinates all instrument processing and case cart activities to assure quality control is maintained and supplies are delivered on time
• Determines work assignments and schedules to achieve maximum efficiency
• Coordinates Instrument turn around activities.
• Monitors department processes and sterilization practices and record to ensure that standards are met.
• In partnership with Sterile Processing Educator, provided education and orientation to Lead and SPTs.
• Provides input on employee evaluations
• Participates in OR rounds with frequent and ongoing communication about surgical instrument needs. Maintains open dialogue with Surgical Services Leaders
• Actively participates in partnership with the SP manager, action plans to guide a positive work culture as a means to promote a high level of team member engagement.
• Problems solves daily operational issues and elevates major issues to Managers as indicated
• Demonstrates Consistent Application of Aseptic/Sterile Techniques of all Instruments and Supplies:
• 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
• Applies proper sterilization procedures in the operation of sonic washers, washer decontaminators, steam, and steris sterilize. Assures proper working condition of equipment and reports problems with equipment or maintenance needs.
• Handles and stores instruments, equipments and supplies appropriately
• Surgical Services Equipment Management:
• Inspects surgical instruments and medical equipment and detects need for repair or replacement and suspects of cleanliness, assemble, 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 request 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 actives in conjunction with the Manager. Retrieves equipment t equipment needed for scheduled and emergent cases.
• Assist in emergency situation by assembling and returning needed equipment
• Communicates and Participates in Surgical Services Work Flow
• Communicates and pertinent information related to instrumentation or supplies to the appropriate team member which may include management, physicians, staff or sales representatives.
• Reports to the 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
• Assure 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.
• Lead Specific Responsibilities:
• Maintains daily schedule of all SPTs with Manager to assure adequate staffing levels are maintained to meet surgical processing demands
• Serves as resource to other SPT and surgical services team members requiring sterile processing, supplies, instruments and other.
• Serves as the Performance Improvement representative for SPT service lines in collecting data to develop reports on efficiency and effectiveness of SPT process and identifies opportunities for improvement
• Assist Sterile Processing Educator with the orientation and training of new SPT employees. And assist with ongoing education of SPTs.
• Assist or lead S 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 General or GED General or Associates Other-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

Additional License(s) and Certification(s):

Must currently hold one of the below certifications. Upon Hire Required

Required Minimum Experience:

Minimum 2 years previous sterile process experience Required

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.

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