Sterile Processing Supervisor, Jewish Hospital, 10p-6:30a
UofL Health is a fully integrated regional academic health system with five hospitals, four medical centers, nearly 200 physician practice locations, more than 700 providers, the Frazier Rehab Institute and Brown Cancer Center. With more than 12,000 team members—physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists and other highly skilled health care professionals—UofL Health is focused on one mission: delivering patient-centered care to each and every patient each and every day.
About the role
The Sterile Processing Supervisor assists in providing the highest quality patient care by supervising Sterile Processing Technicians in the performance of job duties, and performing job duties of the Sterile Processing Technician when staffing shortages or workload require it.
Responsibilities
- Supervises and instructs Sterile Processing Technicians in the performance of job duties and daily work area assignments.
- Performs decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of reusable instruments, utensils, trays, carts, and equipment.
- Assembles case carts and handles pick-up and delivery of all reusable items to using areas.
- Monitors the sterilization process through mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators.
- Assists Sterile Processing Manager as needed and with performance improvement activities for the department.
- Provides support, training, and communication in accordance with AAMI, AORN, and CDC standards, as well as facility goals and policies.
- Maintains, supports, and coaches employees for decontamination, processing, assembly, and sterilization processes within all set standards and regulations.
- Evaluates employee job performance and initiates performance counseling as needed.
- Acts as a preceptor for new employees.
- Handles problems as they occur; manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs.
- Assigns daily work schedules and coaches technicians on quality errors in the absence of a supervisor.
- Monitors workflow, prioritizes work, and adjusts assignments to accommodate needs.
- Completes performance improvement assignments and assists with staff competency checks.
- Monitors all processing equipment and notifies appropriate repair personnel when malfunctions occur.
- Makes rounds throughout the hospital to deliver sterile and non-sterile instrumentation, supplies, and equipment, and to collect contaminated or credit items.
- Decontaminates all reusable instruments, sets, utensils, and equipment used throughout the Medical Center complex.
- Inspects, assembles, and packages all decontaminated reusable instruments, sets, utensils, and other items for sterilization.
- Operates all processing equipment used within the department.
- Supervises and instructs employees in performing job duties.
- Coaches staff on performance issues and works with SPD Manager on progressive discipline.
- Approves vacation requests, creates staff schedules, and reviews timecards.
- Completes employee evaluations on time.
- Ensures all direct reports are compliant with required training modules, TB requirements, and flu shots.
- Answers telephone promptly and assists callers with obtaining needed items.
- Procures surgical instrumentation and places into case carts for scheduled and non-scheduled procedures.
- Delivers scheduled case carts to the Surgery Department.
- Maintains responsibility for returned instrumentation and supplies (if unused and packaging integrity is intact).
- Contributes to the efficient operation of the department by performing dispatch, cleaning, decontamination, wrapping, packaging, sterilization, and monitoring duties safely.
- Contributes to maintaining supplies and sterile items for use throughout the hospital; keeps department clean, neat, and well organized.
- Prioritizes work and focuses on consistent throughput.
- Contributes to all official departmental business in a professional manner.
- Maintains compliance with all company policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
- Complies with HIPAA privacy and security requirements to maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED/equivalent (required).
- Three (3) years of experience in Sterile Processing (required).
- Double Certification by a nationally recognized program for Sterile Processing Technicians (e.g., CRCST or CSPDT AND CIS or SIS Certifications) (required).
- CHL or CSPM Certification must be obtained within 12 months from date of hire.
Skills
- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions.
- Knowledge and ability to assemble instrument sets from all surgical areas and other departments.
- Exceptional organizational skills and proficiency in problem-solving and follow-through.
- Effectively communicates with co-workers and all other hospital personnel.
- Able to decontaminate all reusable instruments, sets, and utensils according to acceptable sterile processing standards.
- Knowledgeable regarding biological monitoring.
- Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect regardless of their status or position.
- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, gathers relevant data, and attends to essential details; checks work for accuracy and quality.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to make and use connections throughout UofL Health to complete projects and maintain strong partnerships with other departments.
- Strong initiative and ability to gather and analyze information skillfully; brainstorms alternative resources and directions.
- Ability to break down complex tasks into manageable parts systematically and consider input from several sources.
- Flexibility and ability to continually look for ways to make appropriate adjustments and change conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deliver successful results.
- Ability to use instrument washer/decontaminator, sonic washer, cart washer, steam sterilizer, and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer.
- Adequate conversational English to take direction, understand job tasks, communicate with patients and co-workers, and follow safety guidelines and organizational policies.
- Ability to read and interpret written information; write routine reports and correspondence; speak effectively to groups of customers or employees.
- Ability to write clearly and informatively and present numerical data effectively.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office programs.
- Working knowledge of instrument management system and One Source.
- Knowledge of Premier (preferred).
- Capacity to learn other relevant systems and databases as needed.
Schedule
Third Shift
Additional Responsibilities
- Demonstrates a commitment to service, organization values, and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all times.
- Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all times.
- Adheres to organizational and department-specific safety standards and guidelines.
- Works collaboratively and supports efforts of team members.
- Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians, patients, residents, visitors, staff, and the broader health care community.
Core Expectations
At UofL Health, we expect all our employees to live the values of honesty, integrity, and compassion and demonstrate these values in their interactions with others and as they deliver excellent patient care by:
- Honoring and caring for the dignity of all persons in mind, body, and spirit.
- Ensuring the highest quality of care for those we serve.
- Working together as a team to achieve our goals.
- Improving continuously by listening, and asking for and responding to feedback.
- Seeking new and better ways to meet the needs of those we serve.
- Using our resources wisely.
- Understanding how each of our roles contributes to the success of UofL Health.