Supervisor Sterile Processing

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Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

About the Role

The Supervisor for the Sterile Processing Team functions under the direction of the Sterile Processing Manager to assist with the coordination and implementation of surgical instrument processing and work flow. This includes the processing of supplies and equipment, performing cleaning and sterilization duties, preparing surgical packs, supplies, linens and instruments in the central supply area. Works with the medical and nursing staff in assuring that operating rooms are adequately stocked with necessary equipment and supplies are prepared and present so that surgical cases operate efficiently and on-time. Serves as the "on the ground" oversight for daily work flow and assignments. The supervisor will assume all responsibility of a lead sterile processing tech but with the additional duties required for supervisor.

Responsibilities

Supervisor-Specific Responsibilities

• Supervises the Lead Sterile Processing Techs and Sterile Processing Techs to assure work flow and productivity demands are met for designated shift of responsibility.
• Directs and coordinates all instrument processing and case cart activities to assure quality control is maintained and supplies are delivered on time.
• Determines work assignments and schedules to achieve maximum efficiency.
• Coordinates instrument turnaround activities.
• Monitors department processes and sterilization practices and records to ensure that standards are met.
• In partnership with Sterile Processing Educator, provides education and orientation to Lead and SPTs.
• Provides input on employee evaluations.
• Participates in OR rounds with frequent and ongoing communication about surgical instrument needs. Maintains open dialogue with Surgical Services Leaders.
• Actively participates in partnership with the SP manager on action plans to guide a positive work culture as a means to promote a high level of team member engagement.
• Problem solves daily operational issues and elevates major issues to Managers as indicated.

Demonstrates Consistent Application of Aseptic/Sterile Techniques of all Instruments and Supplies

• Collects, receives, disinfects, and decontaminates instruments, supplies, and equipment according to hospital policies and procedures, AORN recommendations, AAMI guidelines, JCAHO, and other regulatory requirements and standards.
• Applies proper sterilization procedures in the operation of sonic washers, washer decontaminators, steam, and Steris sterilizers. Assures proper working condition of equipment and reports problems with equipment or maintenance needs.
• Handles and stores instruments, equipment, and supplies appropriately.
• Appropriately handles, scans barcodes, and stores sterile items in predetermined locations for future use.

Surgical Services Equipment Management

• Inspects surgical instruments and medical equipment and detects need for repair or replacement and assesses cleanliness, assembles, wraps, or containerizes instruments and equipment.
• Cleans, inspects, and maintains instruments/equipment and supplies to assure all equipment is maintained in good working condition and available on a 24-hour basis.
• Maintains all required regulatory documentation of sterilization records and surgical supplies such as quality control logs of sterilizing equipment.
• Maintains departmental policies and procedures related to safety, quality improvement, infection control, and other standards relative to surgical sterile processing. Documents accurately and legibly.
• Responds to requests from nursing staff and others by locating surgical instrumentation and supplies.
• Checks and stocks supplies, rotating stock by expiration dates.
• Acts as a liaison with individuals responsible for ordering supplies.
• Delivers and unloads supplies to appropriate areas and restocks supplies as needed.
• Coordinates instrument turnaround activities in conjunction with the Manager. Retrieves equipment needed for scheduled and emergent cases.
• Assists in emergency situations by assembling and returning needed equipment.

Communicates and Participates in Surgical Services Work Flow

• Communicates pertinent information related to instrumentation or supplies to the appropriate team member which may include management, physicians, staff, or sales representatives.
• Reports to leadership any unusual occurrences such as problems, accidents, safety, quality, or patient experience concerns.
• Consistently promotes patient experience through positive behaviors when interacting with patients, visitors, physicians, and other team members.
• Assures the privacy, comfort, and safety needs of patients are not interrupted in relation to the delivery or setup of supplies or equipment.
• Attends departmental staff meetings as required.
• Communicates frequently with SPTs to assure proper workflow and availability of supplies.

Lead-Specific Responsibilities

• Maintains daily schedule of all SPTs with Manager to assure adequate staffing levels are maintained to meet surgical processing demands.
• Serves as a resource to other SPT and surgical services team members requiring sterile processing, supplies, instruments, and other needs.
• Serves as the Performance Improvement representative for SPT service lines in collecting data to develop reports on efficiency and effectiveness of SPT processes and identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Assists Sterile Processing Educator with the orientation and training of new SPT employees and assists with ongoing education of SPTs.
• Assists or leads the Sterile Processing Manager with surgical processing staff meetings and attends Surgical Services Staff Meetings.
• Acts as a general liaison within SPTs and other team members of surgical services.
• Communicates frequently with surgical services leaders to assure workflow and supplies are meeting operational demands. Monitors and maintains data on productivity and process effectiveness.

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all Wellstar policies and procedures.