Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Hours of Work :

1600-0030

Days Of Week :

MON - FRI

Work Shift :

Job Description :

Job Summary

• Category B: Employee with patient care impact.
• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Job Purpose: Receives, fills and delivers supply orders, processes and sterilizes instrument trays. Cleans and inspects patient equipment, gathers instruments and supplies for surgical case carts. Operates equipment as well as some computer systems, inventories and restocks departmental supplies and special carts.
• Supports the mission, vision, values and strategic goals of Methodist Health System.

Age Specific Care Considerations

• Adults: 18+ years - 35 years
• Adults: 35+ years - 65 years
• Adults: 65+ years
• Children A: 18+ months - 3 years
• Children B: 3+ years - 5 years
• Children C: 5+ years - 12 years
• Children D: 12+ years - 18 years
• Infants: 0 - 18 months

Education

• Graduate of an approved Sterile Processing Technician program or
• Surgical Technologist program or
• “On the Job” training in a hospital based training program

Licenses and/or Certifications (Required)

• CRCST Certification by HSPA or CBSPD
• CIS Certification By HSPA (must obtain with six months of hire date)

Related Work Experience and Other Skills

• 1 year direct instrumentation experience
• Ability to be trained to perform computer functions
• Ability to make fast and accurate judgments when necessary
• Able to develop and maintain good working relationships with all levels of staff, patients and family members
• Able to organize work and work area with time constraints in a fast paced environment
• Able to professionally and effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Knowledge of instrument processing
• Must be familiar with the care and handling of a variety of instruments including powered and endoscopy equipment
• Knowledgeable of supply distribution

Job Roles

Sterile Processing Technician Lead will work under the direction of the SPD Supervisor & Manager and will be responsible for the daily operations and workflow of the shift. This position will perform duties independently, work proficiently without supervision and serve as a resource for all aspects of sterilization processing of surgical instrumentation.

• Observe others in the department and are responsible for assuring work completion and staff members are meeting department standards/best practice
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in instrument handling and sterilization
• Provide education on sterilization, instrumentation, and equipment
• Demonstrate experience, training, initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness in problem solving
• Prioritize tasks, assist the manager in preparing reports and ordering supplies, and ensure that the department's customer service is exceptional.
• Serves as the customer service liaison with OR staff, surgeons, and other departments that SPD provides service to in order to resolve issues and enhance relationships
• Documents pertinent data in a concise manner
• Responsible for the preparation of sterile instruments and supplies through cleaning, packing, sterilizing and storing procedures
• Understands principles of sterilization techniques and operates sterilization equipment
• Assists in departmental cost containment efforts
• Responsible for equipment distribution and maintenance
• Assumes department leadership role in the absence of SPD Supervisor.
• Adheres to hospital and department policies and guidelines.

• Assembles Case Carts with instruments and supplies as indicated by the surgery schedule per individual hospital requirements.
• Assembles, inspects and packages instruments and equipment.
• Cleans and inspects instruments and equipment according to manufacturing requirements
• Supports performance improvement efforts of the department.
• Notifies supervisor, manager or director of any variances in sterile processing, loads or equipment.          
• Inventories and restocks special carts. Inventories and restocks supplies.
• Makes daily rounds to collect and distribute patient care equipment throughout hospital as required.        
• Operates and monitors sterilization equipment.  
• Serves as a resource for orientation and ongoing education for Sterile Processing Department staff.
• Applies appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication techniques at all times.

Other duties as assigned

Methodist Richardson Medical Center