Sterile Processing Educator

Sterile Processing Educator

The Sterile Processing Educator will be accountable for coordinating education in the Sterile Processing Department. The role includes assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating education and training of the Sterile Processing Staff at OUH and OUH Ambulatory Surgery Center. This individual will also be accountable for ensuring professional development, coordination and research/evaluation on new products and equipment and in-services for Sterile Processing and OR staff.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the departmental orientation and onboarding of new hires. Plans, implements and promotes the education and training of staff members to ensure professional development. Evaluates, reviews and reports the staff's ability to provide clean, sterile and accurate instrument sets.
• Provides educational programs for the Sterile Processing staff and facilitates evaluations/questionnaires of staff members' competencies and education levels and remediates/re-trains as needed.
• Escalates any educational needs that cannot be met by staff members that have been educated and given sufficient training to the Manager of Sterile Processing and/or Director of OR.
• Educator will work closely with the Perioperative Services Educators to utilize the available resources from vendors to content experts within Perioperative Services.
• Provides quality assurance programs and the support necessary for the staff in the field of Sterile Processing.
• Educator will work with staff to help fill any gaps in education/remediation as needed and participate in PIPs as a preceptor, if needed.
• Ensures that the department meets all the regulations, standards and guidelines consistent with AAMI, AORN, The Joint Commission, CMS, CDC, OSHA and FDA requirements as well as the hospital's policies and procedures.
• Represents Sterile Processing through consultation on interdepartmental and interdisciplinary committees and task forces.
• Completes required continuous training and education for department and ensures staff are up to date on HealthStream and Impress training. Educator will maintain the department's competency level and keep those records in the employee files.
• Maintains and updates professional knowledge by actively participating in professional seminars and organizations.
• Conducts needs assessments using a variety of strategic tools.
• Assists learners in the assessment of needs and identification of outcomes.
• Develops/coordinates education plans related to initial and ongoing competency validation.
• Work in Sterile Processing Department to assemble, decontaminate or sterilize sets if not actively training staff or developing educational program.
• Works closely with Infection Control.
• Attends Infection Prevention Meetings
• Maintains IUSS compliance including tracking and validation of forms.
• Tracks and maintains compliance of autoclave records.
• Prepares and presents monthly reports of IUSS to Instrument/Supply meeting to validate ordering of instrumentation

General Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High School Diploma or GED is required.

Experience: 5 or more years of experience in Sterile Processing required. Experience as a preceptor or Sterile Processing Instructor preferred.

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required:

• Current Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association required upon hire.
• Technician certification from either the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) required.
• Advanced certifications (CHL, CIS) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of maintenance and sterilization of medical supplies and equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable sanitation and hygiene standards.
• Knowledge of proper safety practices of steam and gas plasma sterilization.
• Knowledge of simple record keeping principles and practices.
• Skill in understanding and following verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Effective customer service skills.
• Able to read, spell and do simple math.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to communicate effectively across multiple tiers of the organization.
• Must have good presentation, communication and written skills.
• Ability to be creative and innovative in program development.
• Must be able to work independently and research material when developing education sessions.

OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.