Technical Educator Sterile Processing

About the role

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care within the Northwestern Medicine system.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge and use of Tray Tracking computer system in assigned areas of the department.
• Instructs staff in the use of the Tray Tracking computer system as it relates to their job duties.
• Properly demonstrates and instructs staff to sterilize instruments, equipment, utensils, linen, and supplies using various types of sterilizers.
• Properly demonstrates and instructs staff to load sterilizers in the prescribed manner and set controls to specified time and temperature according to material and requirements of the items being sterilized.
• Properly demonstrates and instructs staff to complete appropriate manual and electronic documentation record prior to sterilization, read and initial autoclave graph to verify appropriate sterilization cycle to provide required records for regulatory agencies.
• Follows all departmental policies and procedures and ensures that staff complies with them.
• Assists in policy and procedure development, implementation, and review process.
• Identifies, follows, and instructs proper procedures for use of equipment in the department.
• Correctly operates and demonstrates abilities in operating all sterilization and decontamination equipment according to policy and procedures.
• Contacts Facilities when equipment failure occurs.
• Assists in establishing and maintaining department quality monitors related to sterilization, sterile technique, all products requiring sterilization, and sterile handling/storage within the department.
• Maintains the Tray Tracking computer system database.
• Demonstrates knowledge of supplies and equipment specific to patient population across the age span (children, adolescents, adults, and elderly).
• Demonstrates ability to educate staff and applies appropriate follow-up to ensure training assignments are complete.
• Applies knowledge of regulatory requirements to all training sessions.
• Works collaboratively with Resource Coordinators with staffing needs for subsequent shifts and makes necessary arrangements for coverage.
• Prepares work schedule for Sterile Processing Staff.
• Assists in planning, designing, and evaluation of training programs.
• Conducts training for processing employees regarding sterile processing and sterile handling techniques.
• Provides ongoing training and development for clinical competencies and mandatory education.
• Contributes to the development plans for all personnel.
• Integrates research and related literature into formal and informal education of others.
• Demonstrates clinical competence and consistently demonstrates accountability for staff education.
• Assumes responsibility for meeting mandatory requirements by development of programs, presenting programs, and evaluation of all educational programs in the department.
• Responsible for the initial orientation of new employees to each work assignment and total department operation.
• Completes the required orientation documentation for all new employees and provides feedback regarding progress of employees.
• Assists Resource Coordinators with rounds, when needed, to all areas of the department and Pods.
• Completes daily rounds documentation and enters QA into computer system.
• Communicates with all departments, operating room staff, and surgeons in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner.
• Uses established communication channels to resolve work-related problems.
• Provides on-call coverage during holidays and responds to all pages in a timely manner.
• On-call coverage includes communication to staff assignments for all shifts and being available for departmental coverage during staffing shortages.
• Maintains National or International Certification for Sterile Processing and Distribution.
• Assumes responsibility as a self-directed professional for own continuing education.
• Recommends changes to work processes or systems according to NMH strategies, regulatory requirements, industrial trends, technological developments, and competitive challenges.
• Provides coverage for the Resource Coordinator, as needed.
• Responsible for assigned special projects and other duties, as assigned by the Manager.
• Audits staff for accuracy and details per policy.
• Schedules educational offerings with vendors.
• Coordinates team's development and implementation of standards of care consistent with the Operating Room philosophy, goals, and objectives.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• National (CBSPD) or International (IAHCSMM) Certification.
• At least 2 years in a teaching position (equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of standing in a teaching position).
• Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation.
• Experience and in-depth knowledge in the use of all types of sterilization processes, decontamination, packaging and shelf life, including aseptic techniques and their applications to the various items processed.
• Minimum of 2-4 years supervisory, coordinator, or lead technician experience in Sterile Processing or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor Degree.
• Experience in adult education or willingness to enroll or continue classes which will assist in the development of educational plans and evaluation tools.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Benefits include:

• Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.
• Lifecycle benefits.