Sterile Process Lead - Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery

SCA Health•Mokena, IL

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Lead coordinates daily sterile-processing workflows to collect, clean, decontaminate, disinfect, and/or sterilize surgical instruments, trays and packs, reusable medical devices, and patient-care equipment according to established standards and procedures. The role supports safe and effective care by maintaining a safe sterile-processing environment, ensuring equipment functions properly, and addressing quality issues in a timely manner. The Lead encourages the professional development of the team and ensures facility resources are used appropriately while avoiding wasteful practices. The position supports the facility’s ideology, mission, goals, and objectives; follows facility policies and procedures; recognizes patient rights and responsibilities; and participates in committees, meetings, in-services, and other activities. It works with the infection prevention nurse or practitioner regarding sterile-processing practices, maintains inventory and records, keeps the central processing area clean and orderly, and communicates professionally with patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED equivalent.
Sterile-processing or operating-room experience required.
Certified as CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) or CRST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician).

Nice To Haves

Ability to learn new skills in a timely manner, absorb details, and apply learned skills.
Ability to read, comprehend, and follow organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to adapt to changing situations under pressure.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Basic computer skills, including keyboarding, mouse use, and data entry into practice-management and EHR systems.
Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, complete assignments within allotted time, and maintain standard workflow.
Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others.
Ability to maintain composure during challenging interpersonal interactions.
Verbal and written communication, active-listening, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to accept, implement, and evaluate change.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily sterile-processing processes and workflow for surgical instruments, trays, packs, reusable medical devices, and patient-care equipment.
Follow infection-control standards and sterilization policies and procedures, including manufacturer instructions and guidelines.
Clean, disinfect, and sterilize items; sort and arrange items into appropriate trays; and label items with names and expiration dates as appropriate.
Operate sterilizers, ultrasonic washers, and other processing equipment; position items correctly, select the proper cycle, seek assistance when needed, and check equipment indicators.
Perform required biological and chemical monitoring tests on sterilizers and maintain logs and recording supplies.
Maintain inventory levels and accurate records; check for outdated items and package integrity, replacing items as necessary.
Receive, stock, package, and distribute medical instruments.
Dispose properly of biohazardous substances, chemicals, medical waste, and unusable equipment and supplies.
Maintain adequate sterile-processing supplies and update instrument tray inventory lists.
Document counts of instruments loaned to or returned from outside sources.
Maintain a clean and orderly central processing area, including shelves, counters, and equipment.
Collaborate with ASC team members to update and maintain surgeon preference cards.
Encourage team professional development and use facility resources appropriately while avoiding wasteful practices.
Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers; interact respectfully and answer the phone as needed.
Participate in facility committees, meetings, in-services, and activities, and support the facility’s mission, goals, and objectives.