Sterile Processing Tech

About the role

Serves as a liaison between Sterile Processing Department and Perioperative Services/HVI to assure smooth, uninterrupted daily instrumentation, tray, and case cart support. Facilitates continuous communications and performance improvement as it relates to all surgical instruments, implants, supplies, and equipment provided through the case cart system. Requires maximum coordination with surgical and procedural specialties. Performs practice gap analysis comparing current practice to best practice to lead change initiatives. Recommends and implements new or updated processing standards. Assists with facilitation of construction/renovation of processing areas.

Responsibilities

• Develops systems with Perioperative Services/HVI and Sterile Processing Department to insure that the supply, instrument, and equipment needs of the daily operating room and procedural schedules are met.
• Engineers logistics of case carts, equipment, and supplies to insure that all are correct and at “point of use” when needed, and coordinates the search for missing items.
• Serves as a liaison between Sterile Processing Department and Perioperative Services/HVI to assure smooth, uninterrupted daily instrumentation, tray, and case cart support.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgical team and participates in daily rounds with Perioperative/HVI charge nurses.
• Keeps up to date with the procedural schedules, paying special attention to cancellations and additions specifically case classifications as well as scheduling questionnaires for patient specific instrumentation/implants.
• Captures procedural compliance and conducts random performance audits of completed trays and case carts to ensure work products meet standards.
• Monitors Sterile Processing service quality, timeliness, and productivity.
• Monitors procedural compliance and conducts random performance audits of completed trays and case carts to ensure work products meet standards.
• Conducts and trends formal quality review of case carts and instrumentation each day.
• Recommends and implements new or updated processing standards.
• Proactively identifies instrumentation conflicts or needs. Leads the coordination of resolutions.
• Documents actions taken and any budgetary impact.
• Provides recommendations on the storage and deletion of supplies on top tracks, carts, etc.
• Performs or coordinates in-services for new instrumentation and equipment.
• Responds to immediate physician or Perioperative/HVI staff members’ needs.
• Develops and implements permanent solutions in conjunction with SPD Manager, OR/HVI Managers, SPD Educator, and College Coordinators.
• May require the use of piloted work or processing changes and the obtainment of outcome/benchmark data.
• Acts as a liaison in the absence of the Manager/Supervisor to assign/delegate work assignment to SPD staff and discipline when necessary.
• Directs SPTs, RCSTs, and CRCSTs to ensure work completion matches known and potential patient care needs of a trauma center.
• Assists with facilitation of construction/renovation of processing areas.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications: Must hold current certification in ONE of the following: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) OR Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) through Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) OR Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS) through Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) OR through Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). OR Graduate of a surgical tech and/or certified central service tech program AND must obtain one of the above certifications within one year of hire.
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) certification EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years’ experience in a sterile processing environment. Three (3) years’ experience in a sterile processing environment.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong background knowledge of surgical and procedural environments and governing practice standards including the need for excellent personal hygiene to reduce the risk of work product contamination.
• Strong background knowledge of sterile processing environment, including packaging systems, sterilization process, care and handling of instrumentation and equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of information systems, preferably in the health care setting.
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and set priorities in routine and/or emergency situations.
• Knowledge of automated materials management and OR/procedural scheduling information system applications.