Sterile Processing Tech - Educator/Quality Control

Works under the supervision of the Manager-OR Support/SPD. Performs all the duties of the Registered/Certified Sterile Processing Technologist. Meets the educational and informational needs of new employees and experienced staff in the Sterile Processing Department. Responsible for coordination and implementation of SPD Quality Control Program and ensures quality metrics are met to provide safe, high quality care. Responsible for ensuring annual competency of sterile processing technicians in addition to education for staff development as needed.

• Successfully performs all duties of the Registered Sterile Processing Technician.
• Is an active and participating member of the departmental/specialty team committees and attends as needed.
• Education: Meets the education and informational needs of new caregivers and experienced caregivers. Maintains accurate records of required competencies and education.
• Assists in monitoring new caregiver progress during orientation. Meets with caregiver and manager: provides feedback, formulates goals, and evaluates progress.
• Facilitates SPD education; prepares and presents SPD based information, metrics, and data
• Participates in SPD quality improvement programs receiving and communicating input; develops appropriate solutions to identified SPD problems, assists with implementation, continual readiness, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.
• Schedules and coordinates new and yearly in-services
• Utilizes critical thinking to recognize and resolve problems. Participates in facility roundings to create action plans for process improvement.
• Audits instrument sets and develops process improvement education
• Serves as a role model and clinical practice resource for members of the department
• Is familiar with the surgical procedures performed
• Identifies, coordinates, and evaluates education needed for successful change management. Assists staff to effectively use new technology or instrumentation-provides introduction, training, and evaluation. Provides continuous feedback through weekly quality control rounding.
• Other duties as assigned

• H.S. Diploma - Required

• 3 Years - Must be able to perform the duties of this position within a specified time set by the Manager - Preferred

• Certified Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST) - Continued employment will be contingent upon maintaining registration. - Required Upon Hire

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Speaking clearly.
• Able to communicate by voice with co-workers, representatives, customers.
• Precise hand/eye coordination with surgical instrumentation.
• Able to assemble surgical instrumentation.
• Manipulate small items and equipment.
• Must possess fine motor skills to handle micro instrumentation.
• Answer telephone.
• Ability to learn keyboard skills.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong work ethic, team player, supportive, able to work under pressure, flexible, focused.
• Must have positive attitude and outgoing personality.
• Can work independently.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Moving carts, instruments, equipment, supplies, etc.
• Assembling instrumentation, supplies, etc.
• Standing for long periods of time, up to 4 or more hours at a stretch.
• Operation of instrumentation and equipment.
• Walking, filling case carts.
• Pushing and pulling carts and other equipment.
• Able to lift and carry instrument sets and other equipment of up to 60 pounds.
• Able to reach above head to put instrument sets on shelf.
• Able to safely remove instrument sets from shelves without damage.
• Able to reach, climb on stool, stoop, kneel down.
• Ability to take departmental calls with 20 minute response time.

Essential Mental Abilities

• Manipulate numbers.
• Differentiate and count instruments.
• Ability to interpret data from various sources in the department.
• Able to comprehend surgical procedures, instrumentation, sequence of events.
• Short and long-term memory.
• Concentration and alertness for extended periods of time.
• Follow rules and instructions.
• Able to go from situation to situation or area to area in department.
• Follow policies and procedures of department with minimal to no supervision.
• Organizational skills.

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Visual skills i.e. able to distinguish one instrument from another.
• Tactile, feel, distinguish colors.
• Hearing, i.e., another person wearing a mask.

Exposure to Hazards

• Blood and body fluids, chemical compounds in SPD, EtO, and toxic chemicals for disinfecting.
• Sticks and cuts from needles and knives.
• Wet floors.
• Pathogens from cleaning and disinfecting instrumentation and equipment.

Other Skills and Abilities