Sterile Processing Educator III Wilmington

Responsibilities

• Maintains a comprehensive SPD education program, including onboarding, orientation, annual competencies, certification preparation, and continuing education.
• Develops structured learning pathways across all sterile processing functions.
• Identifies educational needs through in-services, staff interaction, and operational observation, and develops targeted training programs.
• Applies adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies to enhance learning outcomes.
• Develops and delivers in-services, workshops, certification courses, and simulation-based training.
• Conducts initial and ongoing assessments of individual technician skill level in collaboration with department leadership.
• Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new hires, supporting onboarding and skill development.
• Leads and maintains a formal preceptor program, including coaching and evaluation of preceptors.
• Supports staff in obtaining and maintaining certifications (e.g., CRCST, CIS, CER), including teaching certification courses when applicable.
• Ensures availability of continuing education resources (CEUs) and monitors certification compliance to prevent lapses.
• Performs observational and educational quality checks of instrumentation, sterilization processes, and case cart assembly to identify knowledge and performance gaps.
• Collects and trends data related to tray errors, missing instruments, and documentation issues, and collaborates with leadership to address findings.
• Develops and implements targeted education plans based on identified gaps, audit findings, and system priorities.
• Collaborates with the SPD Leadership and Manager to align education with regulatory requirements and quality improvement initiatives.
• Routinely works across shifts to ensure consistent education and competency validation for all staff.
• Provides technical assistance and hands-on training for complex surgical instrument sets and specialty service lines.
• Supports perioperative staff, including surgical technologists and nurses, with instrument-related education and troubleshooting.
• Facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration to improve instrument handling and workflow efficiency.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of staff competencies, training activities, and certification status.
• Conducts audits of training and competency records to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Assists with Infection Prevention rounding and survey readiness activities, supporting Joint Commission and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Ensures all education and competency programs align with AAMI, AORN, HSPA, and organizational standards.
• Serves as a liaison between SPD, organizational educators, perioperative teams, and clinical staff to improve service quality and communication.
• Promotes departmental initiatives and education strategies.
• Assists with coordination of workflow and departmental operations as directed by the Manager.
• Supports a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the department.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (Healthcare, Education, or related field preferred).
• Five years Sterile Processing or Operating Room experience required.
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) required.
• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS), Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) preferred.
• Prior experience in education, training, or precepting required.