Lead Sterile Processing Tech - CVOR

Wellstar Health System•Marietta, GA

About The Position

The Lead Sterile Processing Technician works under the direction of the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager to help coordinate surgical instrument processing and workflow. The role performs the direct duties of a Sterile Processing Technician, including processing supplies and equipment, cleaning and sterilizing instruments, and preparing surgical packs, supplies, linens, and instruments in the central supply area. The Lead Technician works with medical and nursing staff to ensure operating rooms have the equipment and supplies needed to support efficient, on-time surgical cases. Additional lead responsibilities include serving as a resource and liaison between Sterile Processing Technicians and other operating room team members, participating in performance improvement initiatives, troubleshooting operational issues, orienting staff, and overseeing designated service lines. The role communicates regularly with management, physicians, nurses, and other operating room staff. The position applies aseptic and sterile techniques and follows hospital policies, AORN recommendations, AAMI guidelines, JCAHO requirements, and other applicable standards. It uses sterilization and decontamination equipment, maintains instruments and supplies, documents sterilization records, manages inventory, and supports scheduled and emergent surgical cases. The job requires certification and knowledge of cardiovascular operating room (CVOR) instrumentation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; an associate degree in another or related field is preferred.
CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) or CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) certification is required upon hire.
At least 2 years of previous sterile processing experience.
Knowledge of CV instrumentation.
Expert knowledge of surgical supply processing, surgical instruments, and sterile technique.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to understand, speak, and write English well enough to communicate with the Surgical Services team.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to set priorities and adjust them to daily demands.
Ability to work with all levels of care providers.
Self-directed and self-motivated, with strong customer service skills.

Responsibilities

Collect, receive, disinfect, and decontaminate instruments, supplies, and equipment according to applicable policies, recommendations, guidelines, and regulatory standards.
Apply appropriate sterilization procedures using sonic washers, washer decontaminators, steam sterilizers, and Steris sterilizers; check equipment condition and report problems or maintenance needs.
Handle, scan barcodes for, and store sterile items in designated locations; handle and store instruments, equipment, and supplies appropriately.
Inspect, clean, assemble, wrap, containerize, and maintain surgical instruments and medical equipment; identify items needing repair or replacement.
Maintain sterilization records, quality-control logs, and other required regulatory documentation accurately and legibly.
Maintain departmental policies and procedures related to safety, quality improvement, infection control, and sterile processing standards.
Respond to requests from nursing staff and others by locating surgical instrumentation and supplies.
Check and stock supplies, rotate stock by expiration date, coordinate with supply-ordering personnel, and deliver and restock supplies in appropriate areas.
Coordinate instrument turnaround with the Manager and retrieve equipment for scheduled and emergent cases; assist in emergencies by assembling and returning needed equipment.
Communicate relevant instrumentation and supply information to management, physicians, staff, sales representatives, and other appropriate team members.
Report unusual occurrences, problems, accidents, and safety, quality, or patient-experience concerns to leadership.
Promote a positive patient experience and protect patients’ privacy, comfort, and safety when delivering or setting up supplies and equipment.
Attend required departmental and Surgical Services staff meetings and assist the Supervisor or Manager with surgical processing staff meetings.
Serve as a liaison between Sterile Processing Technicians and other Surgical Services team members, and communicate frequently with technicians and leaders to support workflow and supply availability.
Monitor and maintain data on productivity and process effectiveness.
Orient Sterile Processing Technician staff, serve as a resource, participate in performance improvement initiatives, and troubleshoot daily workflow issues.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.