Sterile Processing Tech Lead

Scheduled Hours: Full Time; 10-hour shifts. Thursday through Sunday 11:00 am to 9:30 pm.

Education/Experience Required:

• High School Diploma
• 3 to 5 Years of Sterile Processing Experience
• Current Certification as a Central Service Tech

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Excellent Communication Skills
• Proficient Computer Skills Including Reports
• Ability to Delegate Assignments Efficiently
• Must be able to make prompt and effective decisions
• Ability to instruct/teach others
• Ability to work in a Stressful Environment
• Ability to Work with Diverse Staff
• Ability to Act in a Lead Capacity Experience in Operating Sterilizers and Monitoring Equipment
• Current Certification as a Central Service Tech

Major Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate the ability to ensure the quality and accuracy of departmental procedures by coordinating and monitoring daily activites within the department
  • 1)Provide appropriate staffing levels as indicated by case load and department needs, follows staffing plans.
  • 2)Assigns staff to work area according to staff levels and departmental needs.Seeks alternate staffing as needed in the event of illness or absence.
  • 3)Perform daily Rounding with Team Leads of the Operating Room including the planning of daily operations, troubleshooting issues and communicating.
  • 4)Coordinates the flow of work within the Sterile Processing Department.
  • 5)Initiates/monitors break and lunch schedules; staff assignments and work schedules.
  • 6)Assures timelines of instrument processing, turn around, and case cart assembly.
  • 7)Initiates and reinforces positive interdepartmental communications to insure quality outcomes for patient care.
  • 8)Monitors and assists with turnover time activities.
  • 9)Assists in the ordering of inventory, instrumentation and maintains and updates equipment and case carts.
  • 10)Functions as a Sterile Processing Technician.
• Coordinates mandatory inservices and education programs appropriate to the goals and needs of the department.
  • 1)Attends inservices/seminars/workshops pertaining to Sterile Processing.
  • 2)Directs and controls new associate department orientation.
  • 3)Present inservices to staff concerning instrumentation,equipment and case cart assembly.
  • 4)Documentation in orientee's evaluation/review process.
  • 5)Assists with Budget Planning Operational, Capital Expenditures.
  • 6)Assist with the corrdination of Sterile Processing students.
• Quality Improvement - perform duties that strive for excellence in patient outcomes.
  • 1)Collaborates with Manager in the revision of orietation programs.
  • 2)Monitors compliance with all legal, safety and health regulations per System and Departmental guidelines to ensure quality patient care that meets all known standards.
  • 3)Participates on Clinical/Service Improvement Teams.
  • 4)Identifies and reports sentinel events to manager of effected department as well as to the Manager of Sterile Processing Department.
  • 5)Assures that customers are receiving service in the most appropriate and cost effective setting.
  • 6)Initiates quality improvement strategies to ensure high quality outcomes.
• Facilitates the development of critical thinking skills. Assists manager with operational duties, performance improvement and Rapid Improvement Events.
  • 1)Provides feedback for associate performance reviews to manager.
  • 2)Develops staff by educating, coaching, mentoring, and role modeling.
  • 3)Serves as a resource to sterile processing staff and customers.
  • 4)Full accountability for department during all SPD business hours.
  • 5)Meets at least weekly with Sterile Processing Manager.
  • 6)Notifies manager of any disciplinary problems involving SPD associates.
  • 7)Acts as a troubleshooter to alleviate problems with physicians and or nurses.
  • 8)Reviews and edits employee timecards in Advocate Works.
  • 9)Troubleshoots and maintains inventory control with Instrument/Tray tracking system. Runs appropriate reports as requested.
• Supports the Nursing Divisions philosophy of Shared Governance and the goals of the patient care unit, Advocate Hospital and Advocate System.
  • 1)Offers input to annual department goals.
  • 2)Actively participates in councils to include unit and department level.
  • 3)Supports staff to participate in councils and meetings.
  • 4)Participates in the Interview process.
  • 5)Assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• 1. Heavy lifting (Approximately 40-50 lbs) 2. Frequent Contact with Blood and Body Fluids 3. TB Testing Yearly 4. Hepatitis Testing at Hire 5. Ability to respond quickly to emergency situation with full motor function 6. Strength and dexterity to handle sterilization equipment and supplies 7. Ability to physically respond to fire, trauma, and disaster 8. Flexibility of work hours to meet the needs of the department 9. May be exposed to hazardous materials

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.