Area Director Sterile Processing

Major Responsibilities

• Oversees SPD leadership across all Wake Market locations, ensuring the achievement of operational performance and quality objectives.
• Manages the entire spectrum of SPD activities, including the collection, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, high-level disinfection, distribution, and inventory management of equipment, supplies, and sets handled by OR SPD and Central Services.
• Accountable for recruiting, hiring, and leading SPD Managers, providing site leadership and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Presents applicable and relevant sterile processing information and data to senior leadership, physicians, clinicians, and staff in timely and efficient manner.
• Proactively works with personnel including surgeons, Clinical Coordinators, administration and clinical staff to improve processes and workflow related to OR SPD and Central Services.
• Participates with Perioperative Leadership in major project initiatives and makes decisions on behalf of the Market in support of such initiatives.
• Participates in planning and makes recommendations for facility improvements and capital equipment needs.
• Recommends and manages modifications to established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection prevention standards as applicable to OR SPD and Central Services.
• Represents the Wake Market as part of the Southeast Region performance improvement task force.
• Analyzes inventory reports and surplus inventory lists to determine the need for improvement in control methods and directs the initiation of corrective measures to restore satisfactory inventory balance and investment.
• Provides proactive recommendations to tray configuration changes and changes to instrumentation inventory levels.
• Utilizes instrument tracking system to effectively manage the flow of work within the department, evaluate employees, and track inventory data.
• Ensures optimal sterile processing performance through quality control and quality assurance of all OR SPD and Central Services activities and equipment.
• Assures Market standards of operation and policies are compliant with regulatory and professional agencies, including but not limited to CMS, TJC, AAMI, AORN and APIC.
• Recommends equipment changes, upgrades and additions to meet manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) for all items processed.
• Maintains continued education and proficiency in the field of Sterile Processing operations and equipment through education, literature and seminars.
• Serves as a technical expert regarding product reprocessing, decontamination, and sterilization for the Medical Center.
• Demonstrates correct department processes and procedures to staff.
• Directs the SPD Academy and education programs to ensure adequate, efficient and effective staffing at all Market locations.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive departmental orientation for new staff.
• Routinely coordinates training and competency validation for all staff.
• Ensures staff work is performed within prescribed technical and safety standards.
• Provides or coordinates instructions and in-service on new products, procedures and equipment to maintain patient and staff safety.
• Ensures staff attends technical and mandatory training/education.
• Oversees scheduling of staff and work to ensure cases have instrumentation when needed.
• Develops, monitors and adheres to labor and expense budgets.
• Maintains reports in appropriate cycles for department performance and staff attendance.
• Provides on-going and effective communication with physicians, hospital/clinic department management, staff and vendor representatives.
• Represents OR SPD and Central Service departments by attending appropriate department meetings.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education: A bachelor's degree in nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.

Certification / Registration / License: Sterile Processing Certification required within one year of hire.

Work Experience: Minimum of three years' experience in a hospital or equivalent patient care setting, is required.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrates exceptional oral and written communication skills, ensuring clear and effective information exchange.
• Exhibits robust decision-making abilities, with a proven capacity to analyze complex situations and solve problems efficiently.
• Cultivates and maintains essential interpersonal relationships within the surgical services environment, fostering collaboration and teamwork.
• Possesses comprehensive expertise in instrumentation, processing, sterilization, and case cart management.
• Holds a solid understanding of surgical procedures and the necessary instruments for high-volume operations.
• Demonstrates exceptional planning and organizational abilities, capable of managing substantial workloads effectively.
• Skilled in coaching, counseling, and enhancing the functional and supervisory skills of team members.
• Maintains composure and performs effectively under emergency and stressful conditions.
• Adept at conversing and interacting with various healthcare professionals, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.
• Exhibits strong analytical skills and proficiency in budgeting, contributing to efficient resource management.
• Boasts a documented track record of success in the field of Sterile Processing, demonstrating expertise and reliability.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Clean, well-lit, comfortable climate
• Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries
• Works with confidential information
• Subject to stressful conditions
• Handles absentee replacement on short notice
• Moderate noise environment
• Handles emergency or crisis situations
• Subject to many interruptions
• Occasionally subject to irregular hours

Preferred Job Requirements

Education: Master's degree in public health, Healthcare Management, or a similar discipline is preferred.

Experience: At least one year of progressive leadership experience as a clinical educator or quality process expert, specifically in sterile processing.