Quality Assurance Specialist - Central Sterile Reprocessing

Overview

Supporting the Central Sterile Reprocessing operations, the QA Specialist has responsibility to monitor and improve the processes used in the CSR Department and audit the machines and printouts to ensure process compliance. The QA Specialist will have responsibility to lead quality audit teams across all shifts to identify and correct problems related to instrument sets and Case Carts. This role will also have responsibility to audit High Level Disinfection procedures within the department as well as at satellite areas (all clinics and affiliates) and to ensure that all D-H polices and best practices regarding instrument reprocessing are being followed.

Responsibilities

Provides the technical expertise regarding standards and best practices in the field of sterile reprocessing especially as it relates to all appropriate regulatory agencies who govern those standards.

Develops audit contents and leads audit teams across all shifts. Responsible for analyzing the audit results and providing supporting leadership on corrective action efforts.

Monitors all CSR quality systems and performs necessary audits including auditing practices and instrument sets in Decontam, Assembly, Sterilization, Storage, and Case Picking.

Audits the flow of instruments from CSR, through surgical procedures in the MOR and back to CSR Decontam, making recommendations for improvement throughout the process.

Actively participates in service failure investigations, identifying root causes, developing and leading implementation of corrective actions, and conducting post-implementation reviews within the department.

Maintains proper documentation for the washers and sterilization testing and operating processes.

Performs auditing of high level disinfection processes for all applicable external departments at D-H and affiliates. Responsible for the systematic measurement, auditing and reporting of performance results and internal improvements in quality.

Collaborates with CSR front line staff and supervisors to resolve issues associated with processes within CSR (work flow, equipment restrictions, etc.)

The QA Specialist is expected to complete formal training (problem solving and project work) through the Value Institute achieving Green Belt status.

Assists with instrument reprocessing as directed.

Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Sterile Reprocessing Technician is required, with a minimum of 3 years of directly applicable experience in Sterile Reprocessing.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of measurement and continuous improvement concepts and applications are essential.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of software products such as Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Previous experience in management of projects, policy and procedure writing, and interaction with information systems preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (written & oral) required.
• Some travel (within NH region) required.
• Yellow belt certification preferred. Expected to complete formal training through the Value Institute and achieve Green Belt status.

Required Licensure/Certifications

• CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution) or IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management) required.