Sterile Processing Tech Lead

At CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy, our focus is patient-centered care. Our level I trauma center and academic medical center campus is designed to heal the body, mind, and spirit of every person in a more comfortable, less stressful hospital environment. Our full range of medical services includes trauma services, heart and vascular care, emergency services, surgery, maternity, cancer care, and diagnostic imaging.

Inventory Control 

• Maintains established inventory of supplies and instruments; ensures staff are stocking supplies in proper order (FIFO).
• Regularly audits inventory activity and initiates appropriate inventory adjustments in a timely manner.
• Assists in the maintenance of inventory controls that will maximize space utilization.
• Demonstrates product knowledge and expertise; is a valuable resource for clinical staff and other pertinent departments.

Team Coordination

• Participates in mentorship, training, and orientation of Sterile Processing Technicians; works actively with peers to achieve department goals.
• Provides clear communication, both oral and written.
• Relays job expectations; will address concerns or issues in an objective manner.
• Responsible for communicating back to SPD Manager when issues/concerns arise relative to team members’ performance.
• Assures prudent use of resources and efficiently maintains instruments and processing supply inventory.
• Conducts trainings and provides in-service to employees in assigned work areas as it pertains to OSHA, Joint Commission, Fire & Safety, etc.
• Coordinates staff scheduling needs to ensure adequate coverage within the department.
• Assists in monitoring timekeeping/attendance activities; when necessary, will communicate any discrepancies/issues to SPD Manager. 

Competencies of Instruments, Equipment

• Performs random or planned inspections of instruments sets, case carts, and other duties as assigned.
• Ensures instrument sets are complete prior to sterilization, and documents missing items that are not replaced in instrument sets.
• Understands the basic use of instrumentation; and, has complete knowledge for identifying surgical instrumentation.
• Retains accurate audit logs of all providers’ instruments processed and ensures items are returned to Sterile Processing.
• Ensures instrument/equipment cleaning procedures are being followed according to manufacturer instructions.
• Ability to assemble no less than 35-40 instrument sets per day.
• Uses care in operating all equipment and carts.
• Proactive in training or assisting Central Supply staff when/as required.
• Works independently with little to no oversight during designated shift as Charge.

Competencies of Safety 

• Takes personal action to maintain a clean, attractive work area/environment; sinks and sterilizer drains remain clean.
• Attend in-service programs; maintains compliance and knowledge of general safety, fire safety, hazard communication, emergency codes.
• Has strong knowledge and understanding when it comes to department safety guidelines, policies, and procedures including (but not limited to):
• Regulatory compliance through patient and Environment of Care (EOC) rounding;  
• Infection control policies/procedures such as hand washing, containment of infections agents/materials, etc.
• Ensures that unauthorized staff refrain from entering designated work areas and to notify Security when/as needed.
• Demonstrates understanding of basic principles for all types of sterilization methods used at SVIMC; operates/maintains sterilizers according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Reviews sterilization test results and documentation for accuracy.

Required:

-High School Diploma, GED, Metropolitan Test, or equivalent.

-Minimum of three years’ experience in Sterile Processing to including monitoring inventory, familiarity with tracking systems, purchasing, computer systems, decontamination, and sterilization controls.
-Sterile Processing Technician Certification (CRCST).
-Ability to read, write, and comprehend written material and perform accurate arithmetic computations of moderate complexity.

-Demonstrate positive guest and staff relations.

-Ability to work independently without supervision.

Preferred:

-Minimum of two years’ instrumentation control.