Sterile Processing Coordinator - Sterile Processing

Major Responsibilities:

Select, orientate, develop, evaluate and maintain a highly motivated staff.

• Participates with the interview of candidates, recommends the most appropriate and experienced candidates.
• Assists Business Manager with coordinating activities of Sterile Processing tech and recognize potential for growth.
• Sets up daily work assignments to compensate for fluctuation of the work flow. Approves overtime to cover for shortages, keeping the manager informed.
• Monitors the activities of associates and other ancillary staff in the Sterile Processing Department (SPD), having responsibility for an effective and efficient operation.
• Assists the manager in updating and creating job descriptions for the department.
• Notifies the manager of any problems that occur during the shift.
• Is responsible to communicate ideas for revision of policy and/or procedure to the manager.
• Works with the manager for any disciplinary problems with associates according to the hospitals and systems policy and procedures.
• Communicates with Clinical Engineering and outside vendors for supplies and repair calls on equipment.

Supervision of support personnel to assure efficient utilization of staff activities.

• Prepare work schedule to assure appropriate staff coverage.
• Coordinate daily assignments, make adjustments to accommodate work flow.
• Adhere to hospital and departmental policies; document any actions taken.
• Tracks work flow and productivity utilizing CSIQ and daily management board.
• Facilitates communication of work assignments and motivates associate to provide a high standard of service.
• Checks the surgery schedule; communicates instrumentation priorities to the shift.

Ensures all required instrumentation/supplies are present on each case cart.

• Monitor all sterilizing, decontamination, cleaning, processing, storage and delivery of supplies.

Implementation of quality improvement ideas to enhance operation and team function.

• Identifies and discusses with the manager the process improvement ideas that will become the team focus.
• Presents process improvement suggestions, with action plan to associates after approved by the manager.
• Assists in revision of policy and/or procedures.
• Monitors quality assurance indicators and reports findings to the manager.
• Assists with the interpretation of the associate satisfaction results and develops initiatives for improvement.

Oversees inventory of supplies.

• Maintains adequate par levels of all case cart supplies; assures that appropriate inventories are maintained for the operating room.
• Oversees all instruments, maintains par levels, orders as necessary.
• Assists in the preparation for the inventory process.

Adheres to quality control standards.

• Ensures that all procedures are followed for safe use of all equipment.
• Promotes patient safety by reporting of issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives.
• Monitors equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly and communicates malfunctions to Building Operations and/or Clinical Engineering.

Assists Business Manager with budget management, performance and fiscal oversight of all areas of responsibility.

Collaborative inter-departmental working relationship with OR , OB, ED, Endo, Distro and other departments to interpret and handle the problems that occur.

• Communicates with the liaison, OR personnel and other departments to interpret and handle the problems that occur.

Education/Experience Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 4 years of previous Sterile processing and/or Operating Room experience plus 2 years Lead or Managerial experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Speak clearly write legibly, and ability to pronounce medical supply and equipment names.
• Basic computer competency.
• Ability to use sterilization and monitoring equipment.
• Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPDT) or Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) required.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Low Temperature/Hydrogen Peroxide Exposure Heavy lifting (approximately 30-40 lbs.)
• Frequent contact with blood and body fluids.
• TB testing yearly. Hepatitis testing at hire.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations with full motor function.
• Strength and dexterity to handle sterilization equipment and supplies.
• Ability to rotate to any shift; work weekends and holidays to facilitate adequate operation of department.
• Ability to physically respond to fire, trauma disaster and ETO codes.
• Ability to be on call for emergency situations.
• Ability to handle any type of confrontations, be it SPD associates or with other ancillary department associates.
• Ability to prioritize many problem situations at one time.
• To effectively maintain and organize work flow.
• Ability to rotate shift hours based on the needs of the department.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.