Sterile Processing Manager, Full-Time

The Sterile Processing Manager is responsible for managing the processes and staff associated with cleaning, packaging, sterilizing, and storing supplies, instruments, and equipment used in the facility, in accordance with policy and procedure.

Requirements

• Demonstrated understanding of sterilization principles
• Experience in sterile processing functions
• Sterile processing certification preferred
• Sterile processing department supervisory/management experience
• Ability to effectively interact and communicate with a variety of healthcare professionals

Responsibilities

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

• Guides and directs sterile processing staff regarding proper sterilization techniques and use of equipment.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of sterile processing procedures, products, and equipment used in a surgical and endoscopy setting (i.e., AORN Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines, AAMI).
• Interviews, orients, assigns work schedules, supervises, evaluates, and manages performance of sterile processing department personnel.
• Utilizes sterile processing technician(s) and/or OR staff (in concert with OR Director/Charge RN/Team Lead) to ensure hospital sterile processing staff needs are adequately covered.
• Maintains familiarity with regulatory agency requirements (i.e., CMS, DNV, and OSHA) regarding sterile processing, employee safety, and infection control. Assesses the environment on an ongoing basis and makes recommendations to ensure optimal safety and departmental compliance.
• Identifies departmental operational needs, monitors equipment maintenance, and manages appropriate levels of equipment and supplies associated with sterilization processes.

Technical Responsibilities

• Adheres to the hospital’s decontamination, cleaning, and sterilization process policies and procedures for instruments, equipment, and implants.
• Cleans each item according to manufacturers' instructions.
• Inspects instruments for damage and defects; lubricates items as required.
• Determines that each item is in good working condition.
• Sorts and arranges items into proper trays utilizing instrument count sheets.
• Wraps trays and individual items according to established policy and procedure.
• Accurately labels each item with name, load number, date, and initials.
• Maintains accurate records of sterilization cycles for each sterilizer.
• Correctly operates washer decontaminators, sterilizers, ultrasonic washer, Sterad, and other equipment for processing items.
• Positions items correctly in sterilizer and selects proper cycle.
• Checks indicators for proper functioning.
• Performs required monitoring tests on all sterilizers.
• Accurately documents all test results.
• Notifies OR Director and Infection Preventionist of any deficiencies in the sterilizing process and completes any necessary documentation.
• Maintains availability of supplies for continuity of recording throughout the sterilization process.
• Cleans sterilizers according to established policies and procedures.
• Flushes sterilizers in the morning as recommended by manufacturers.
• Maintains inventory levels and accurate records.
• Performs weekly inspections of wrapped sterilized items.
• Checks for package integrity of wrapped sterilized items and reprocesses items as necessary.
• Places items in the correct location.
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies for the sterile processing area.
• Maintains and updates the instrument tray count sheets.
• Maintains the instrument processing area in an organized manner.
• Follows proper procedures regarding exposure to Category I tasks and universal protocol standards.
• Wears personal protective equipment (i.e., gloves, face shield with a mask for eye protection, and an impervious gown) during decontamination of instruments and equipment.
• Follows proper procedure for handling hazardous waste materials.
• Assists Materials Management staff with receiving inventory, as needed.
• Assists the operating room staff with turnover between cases, when necessary, by removing contaminated instruments.
• Assists with any other duties, as needed.
• Conducts and attends staff meetings and participates in required training.

Physical Demands

• Demonstrates ability to stand and/or walk at least five hours a day.
• Demonstrates ability to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis.
• Demonstrates ability to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to move quickly in response to physician and patient needs, occasional overhead and low reaching, bending, and the ability to exert force of up to 50 lbs. occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. constantly.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.