SPD Lead Tech

Responsibilities

• Receives soiled, used, and/or contaminated equipment, surgical instruments, scopes, and supplies from Operating Rooms, patient care units, and specialized areas.
• Disassembles items as needed before choosing appropriate cleaning method.
• Identifies items in need of repair upon receipt and ensures information is maintained during cleaning process.
• Selects and utilizes appropriate manual cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination, including but not limited to instrument brushes, enzymatic detergent, flushing devices, ultrasonic bath, leak testers, etc.
• Selects and utilizes appropriate automated cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination; this includes loading and selecting appropriate cycles on automated washers.
• Documents all work performed utilizing instrument tracking software.
• Inspects and assembles all equipment, instruments, scopes, and instrument sets following product recipe, verifies items are functional, free of debris and required per instrument recipe.
• Documents items missing from instrument set, escalating set to SPD Supervisor or Designee for further guidance.
• Selects appropriate packaging method, including any sterilization accessories (corner protectors etc.) ensures all external indicators and/or labels are securely affixed to item.
• Transports items to sterilization as needed.
• Interprets package labeling to select appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle, options include Steam, Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma, or others as required.
• Inspects packages to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are securely affixed to items, returns non-satisfactory products to instrument room.
• Selects appropriate packaging method, including any sterilization accessories (corner protectors etc.) ensures all external indicators and/or labels are securely affixed to item.
• Loads sterilizer as appropriate to ensure cycle completion; includes biological testing as appropriate.
• Utilizes patient specific pick lists to accurately gather surgical instruments and disposable supplies requested by attending surgeon or another Peri-Operative representative.
• Documents case cart build process in instrument tracking software, continuously updating the record as items are fulfilled to maintain integrity of needs list.
• Inspects items during the pick process to ensure package integrity remains intact, package is within expiration date, and substitutions are appropriate.
• Communicates unmet surgical supply requests to leadership for resolution assistance.
• Returns supplies not used after surgical procedures to their proper stock location.
• Wears personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and at all times.
• Maintains cleans work area by wiping area with antibacterial agent upon work completion or as needed.
• Rotates in all areas in sterile processing demonstrate best practice and share knowledge.
• Instructs, monitors, and evaluates staff on the proper care and handling of surgical instruments and the principles of sterility set by specific policies, use of all washers, sterilizers, and record keeping systems.
• Effectively communicates all pertinent information relating to the responsibilities of each shift and collaborate with department supervisors and OR personnel for resolution of issues.
• Anticipates daily and next day requirements relating to surgical instrumentation, equipment, and supplies to ensure all needs are met and anticipate work load on all shifts.
• Monitors surgical kit assembly and case-cart setups to insure completeness and accuracy.
• Resolves potential equipment and supply conflicts or shortages with satisfactory substitutions.
• Educates staff on proper care and handling of surgical instruments and the principles of sterility set by specific policies, use of all washers, sterilizers, and record keeping systems.
• Effectively documents and communicates supply conflicts and shortages with appropriate CPD and Nursing staff.
• Interprets and appropriately documents results of sterilizer testing.
• Escalates positive results as appropriate for intervention.
• Documents arrival and cleaning process utilizing asset tracking software.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or Central Services Technician National Certification (CRCST).
• Three (3) years of Central Processing experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of Central Processing experience.

Skills & Abilities

• Efficient in the operation of all equipment within the department.
• Knowledgeable with general and specialty instrumentation.
• Able to listen to instruction, and translate it into an activity and reproduce what is taught.
• Able to be extremely conscientious with regard to procedures.
• Able to follow guidelines, refraining from short cuts where technique is involved.
• Able to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks and handle changing environment and assignments.
• Able to speak and hear effectively and meet telephone and customer service standards.
• Computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office and Instrument Tracking systems.
• Knowledge of the hospital, infection control and medical terminology.