Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

82d

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician, Lead assists the OR staff in the organization and daily function of the operating room in accordance with established federal, state, accreditation standards and facility policies and procedures. Responsible for instrument decontamination, sterile processing, instrument care, safe handling procedures and documentation related to those activities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• 2 years as a Sterile Processing Technician required.
• Certification required as CSPDT (CBSPD) or CRCST (HSPA).
• Additional certification preferred in at least one of the areas below: Sterile Processing Management - C.S.P.M or Healthcare Leadership – CHL, Sterile Processing Department Technician - C.S.P.D.T or Registered Central Service Technician – CRCST, Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist - C.S.I.S or Instrument Specialist – CIS, Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (GI Scope) - C.F.E.R or Endoscope Reprocessor - CER.
• Knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology.
• Knowledge and understanding of a variety of OR procedures' surgical instruments including working parts and proper inspection.
• Aptitude for troubleshooting in a high-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assists the operating room staff in preparing the O.R. suite for surgery by assisting in instrument preparation.
• Works cooperatively with OR and Central Sterile to jointly resolve issues or develop better services for surgical implementation.
• Supports staff by ensuring communication with Central Sterile and OR staff helps ensure all instruments are available for surgery.
• Facilitates action required to obtain additional instruments during surgery.
• Verifies that required instrumentation has been sterilized and is available for next-day, call or weekend cases.
• Addresses issues in communication/procedures by proactively reviewing OR schedule and suggesting modifications to ensure clear and precise communication and actions with all affected departments.
• Responds to problem calls from OR.
• Transports sterilized instrumentation to the O.R. area as needed.
• Documents and sends broken instrumentation out for repair.
• Completes documentation as required for instrument sets, etc (Case Cart, Post Case, and Tray Audits).
• Assists in prioritizing processing of instruments and equipment for surgical procedures to facilitate turnover of cases.
• Anticipates instrument needs for following day and assures sterile processing completion.
• Acts as HLD Specialist. Performs/assists with daily quality testing on equipment in SPD.
• Assists supervisor in day-to-day activities to include answering phones and daily staff assignment sheet.
• Communicates closely with staff members concerning instrument requirements and availability.
• Documents broken instrumentation.
• Verifies that required instrumentation has been sterilized and is available for next-day, call or weekend cases.
• Tracks and monitors IUSS loads and documentation.
• Tracks and monitors tray errors.
• Aids with exporting Quality Events for reporting.
• Maintains SPM tracking system which includes updates instrumentation, create new products, update count sheets.
• Orients and mentors new staff.
• Shares knowledge with co-workers through open communication and continuous upgrading of skills.
• Conducts random audits on trays assembled by new staff.
• Conducts first stage re-education with techs on tray errors.
• Performs real time in-services with SPD staff.
• Serves as a professional role model to staff.
• Provides positive leadership.
• Applies and enforces regulations, standards, and hospital policy and procedures pertaining to all areas of sterile processing.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees