Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Major Responsibilities: Demonstrate the ability to ensure the quality and accuracy of departmental procedures by coordinating and monitoring daily activities within the department.
Coordinate all aspects of instrumentation, ordering, assembling and count sheets.
Assigns proper labeling and naming convention.
Seeks alternative instrumentation by working with vendors to ensure we have correct products.
Coordinate with operating room, team leads and supervisor to ensure that all trays are accurate and up to date.
Responsible for all aspects of the instrumentation tracking system.
Ensuring proper data and usage.
Coordinates repairs and replacement of damaged instruments and devices Initiates and reinforces positive interdepartmental communications to insure quality outcomes for patient care.
Assists in the ordering of inventory, instrumentation and maintains and updates equipment and case carts.
Functions as a Sterile Processing Technician when necessary and assist supervisor/manager with staffing and department needs as appropriate.
Coordinates mandatory in-services and education programs appropriate to the goals and needs of the department.
Attends inservices/seminars/workshops pertaining to Sterile Processing.
Works with educator to direct new associate department orientation.
Present inservices to staff concerning instrumentation, equipment and case cart assembly.
Precepts and documents orientee's evaluation/review process.
Assist Educator with the coordination of Sterile Processing students.
Quality Improvement - perform duties that strive for excellence in patient outcomes.
Collaborates with Supervisor/Manager/Educator in the revision of orientation programs.
Monitors compliance with all legal, safety and health regulations per System and Departmental guidelines to ensure quality patient care that meets all known standards.
Participates on Clinical/Service Improvement Teams.
Identifies and reports sentinel events to manager of effected department as well as to the Supervisor/Manager of Sterile Processing Department.
Assures that customers are receiving service in the most appropriate and cost effective setting.
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.
Provides feedback for associate performance reviews to supervisor/manager.
Serves as a resource to sterile processing staff and customers.
Accountability at Manager/Supervisor discretion for department during all SPD business hours.
Notifies supervisor/manager of any problems involving SPD/OR.
Acts as a troubleshooter to solve problems with SPD and the OR.
Troubleshoots and maintains inventory control with Instrument/Tray tracking system.
Runs appropriate reports as requested.
Develops staff by working with educator as preceptor and role model.
Supports the Nursing Divisions philosophy of Shared Governance and the goals of the patient care unit, Advocate Hospital and Advocate System.
Offers input to annual department goals.
Actively participates in councils to include unit and department level.
Supports staff to participate in councils and meetings.
Participates in the Interview process as needed.
Assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
Education Required: High School Diploma Experience Required: 3 to 5 Years of Sterile Processing Experience 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 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.