Sterile Processing Coordinator

Sonoma Valley Hospital•Sonoma, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision of the Director of Perioperative Services, the Sterile Processing Coordinator provides daily operational leadership and technical oversight for Sterile Processing Department (SPD) activities including decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, high-level disinfection, storage, inventory management, and case cart preparation. The Coordinator ensures safe, efficient, and compliant processing of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies in accordance with hospital policies, manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFU), regulatory requirements, and professional standards. Serves as the primary operational resource for SPD staff and collaborates with Surgical Services, nursing units, physicians, Infection Prevention, vendors, and other departments to support patient safety, procedural readiness, and continuous improvement. Collects and analyzes departmental performance data, identifies opportunities for improvement, implements process improvements, and communicates operational concerns and recommendations to leadership.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Minimum 3-5 years of sterile processing experience
Additional progressively responsible experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Certified Registered Central Services Tech - CRCST or IAHCSMM Required
Technical knowledge of infection control and asepsis principles
Extensive knowledge of sterilization and decontamination procedures
Knowledge of surgical and medical equipment and supplies
In-depth knowledge of sterilization practices, instrumentation and high level disinfection requirements, as well as requirements for TJC, CMS, Title XXII, AORN and ISSHM.
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to communicate utilizing computers
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from staff, physicians, regulatory agencies, or members of the healthcare community
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Demonstrated knowledge and interpersonal skills necessary to tactfully direct the efforts of diverse health professionals to meet patient needs
Demonstrated skills in written and verbal communication, continuous quality improvement and human relations required.
Communication and management skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and supervise staff in a designated unit.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree with a focus on leadership training preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages and controls the provision of quality medical and patient care services through the purchase, storage, distribution, proper preparation, maintenance, and sterilization of medical supplies and equipment.
Oversees the ordering of all supplies used in sterile processing (stock and non-stock) and meeting with sales reps to review product lines
Promotes and models excellent communication, problem solving, and teamwork within and between departments by keeping staff well informed, modeling crucial conversation skills, and utilizing collaborative decision making.
Supports and fosters strong staff morale in the department, and encourages as well as empowers others to achieve goals.
Maintains the work flow process of case carts, instruments, basins, etc.
Oversees and ensures the proper assembly, packaging, sterilization, sorting, inspection, maintenance, and handling of surgical instruments, equipment and supplies.
Maintains a complete and up-to-date list of tray makeup in Surgery, and the catalog and locator for all trays, packs, equipment and supplies.
Oversees preparation and setup of case carts.
Coordinates activities relating to surgical case carts and other SPD functions.
Advises others in proper material processing and handling in accordance with existing regulatory authority.
Trains new staff so that staff is well prepared and supported to handle their responsibilities, and provides ongoing Sterile Processing related education and development for all employees.
Participates in panel interviews of any new SPD hires, and provides feedback to Director of on SPD staff performance to build effective teams committed to organizational goals.
Oversees application of the stated goals and parameters of AORN and ISSHM as it relates to Sterile Processing, within the policies and procedures of SVH along with achievement of identified outcomes in a timely manner.
Collaborates on writing and updating all policies and procedures pertaining to sterile processing.
Promotes collaborative practice, performance-improvement activities and staff education to help ensure a consistently high standard of processed supplies, instruments and equipment.
Assures the safety of staff and department compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements.
Collaborates with OR Director so that the department will meet or exceed the standards established by CIHQ, Title XXII, American Operating Room Association (AORN), ISSHM and Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC).
Advocates for the needs of the sterile processing department staff, and assures they have the tools and equipment to do their jobs with excellence.
Serves as a technical expert to other department units regarding the cleaning, processing, assembly, sterilization and high-level disinfection practices, including process selection and monitoring throughout the hospital.
Participates in inter-disciplinary teams and committees as appropriate.