Sterile Instrument Technician Lead

About the role

This position oversees the provision of sterile trays, medical instruments, packs and supplies for surgical patients on a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week basis. The Sterile Instrument Technician Lead manages daily activities in the operating room and ensures that daily needs lists are prioritized and met. They perform quality assurance activities, monitor and document processes, assist with mentoring and training new technicians, and collaborate with department leadership to identify best practices.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with sterile instrument teams to prioritize and meet daily needs
• Perform quality assurance activities and documentation
• Mentor, train, and role model for new Sterile Instrument Technicians
• Assist with department key performance indicators
• Participate in interviewing, training employees, planning, assigning, and directing workflow
• Provide feedback to leadership on sterile instrument technician performance evaluations
• Escalate performance complaints to leadership and resolve issues
• Relocate equipment to increase work efficiency, update packs and trays with management approval
• Maintain control of patient equipment, manage supplies, and motivate staff
• Assemble/restock implant systems (where applicable)
• Assist in the OR with questions about instrumentation and proper use
• Accurately maintain comprehensive quality assurance standards related to sterilization and infection control
• Track and retrieve instruments and supplies loaned interdepartmentally

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two years' experience as a Sterile Processing Technician
• CRCST certification from IAHCSMM or equivalent

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of sterilization techniques, decontamination, prep and pack, storage requirements and distribution procedures
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently without supervision
• Skills to function as a member of a team and perform duties that facilitate patient care
• Working knowledge of medical instruments and equipment
• Knowledge of medical terminology and perform basic mathematical functions
• Understanding of patient equipment and its proper use/function
• Ability to safely handle items contaminated with possibly infectious material
• Ability to work with pressurized sterilizers
• Ability to utilize proper telephone etiquette
• Critical thinking skills
• Conflict management skills
• Fine motor skills