Area Director Sterile Processing

Atrium Health; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Atrium Health's SPD leadership role oversees Wake Market locations, directing sterile processing operations across collection, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution.

You will recruit and develop SPD managers, present data to senior leaders, collaborate with surgeons and staff to improve workflows, ensure policy compliance, and lead education through the SPD Academy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Sterile Processing Certification required within one year of hire.
• Minimum of three years' hospital experience.
• Strong communication, leadership, and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversees SPD leadership across all Wake Market locations to meet performance and quality goals.
• Manages decontamination, sterilization, and inventory of OR SPD and Central Services.
• Leads recruitment, hiring, and development of SPD managers and staff.
• Presents data to senior leadership and collaborates with clinicians to improve workflows.
• Plans facility improvements and capital equipment needs with Perioperative leadership.
• Ensures compliance with CMS, TJC, AAMI, AORN, and APIC standards.
• Directs staff scheduling, budgeting, and performance reporting.
• Implements training and education through the SPD Academy.

Skills

Oral & written communication

Decision making

Interpersonal skills

Instrumentation & sterilization

Surgical procedures knowledge

Planning & organization

Coaching & leadership

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field

Master's degree in public health or healthcare management (preferred)

Job description

Major Responsibilities

Oversees SPD leadership across all Wake Market locations, ensuring the achievement of operational performance and quality objectives. Manages the entire spectrum of SPD activities, including the collection, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, high-level disinfection, distribution, and inventory management of equipment, supplies, and sets handled by OR SPD and Central Services. Accountable for recruiting, hiring, and leading SPD Managers, providing site leadership and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Presents applicable and relevant sterile processing information and data to senior leadership, physicians, clinicians, and staff in timely and efficient manner. Proactively works with personnel including surgeons, Clinical Coordinators, administration and clinical staff to improve processes and workflow related to OR SPD and Central Services.

Participates with Perioperative Leadership in major project initiatives and makes decisions on behalf of the Market in support of such initiatives. Participates in planning and makes recommendations for facility improvements and capital equipment needs.

Recommends and manages modifications to established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection prevention standards as applicable to OR SPD and Central Services. Represents the Wake Market as part of the Southeast Region performance improvement task force.

Analyzes inventory reports and surplus inventory lists to determine the need for improvement in control methods and directs the initiation of corrective measures to restore satisfactory inventory balance and investment. Provides proactive recommendations to tray configuration changes and changes to instrumentation inventory levels.

Utilizes instrument tracking system to effectively manage the flow of work within the department, evaluate employees, and track inventory data.

Ensures optimal sterile processing performance through quality control and quality assurance of all OR SPD and Central Services activities and equipment. Assures Market standards of operation and policies are compliant with regulatory and professional agencies, including but not limited to CMS, TJC, AAMI, AORN and APIC. Recommends equipment changes, upgrades and additions to meet manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) for all items processed.

Maintains continued education and proficiency in the field of Sterile Processing operations and equipment through education, literature and seminars. Serves as a technical expert regarding product reprocessing, decontamination, and sterilization for the Medical Center. Demonstrates correct department processes and procedures to staff.

Directs the SPD Academy and education programs to ensure adequate, efficient and effective staffing at all Market locations.

Develops and maintains a comprehensive departmental orientation for new staff. Routinely coordinates training and competency validation for all staff. Ensures staff work is performed within prescribed technical and safety standards. Provides or coordinates instructions and in-service on new products, procedures and equipment to maintain patient and staff safety. Ensures staff attends technical and mandatory training/education.

Oversees scheduling of staff and work to ensure cases have instrumentation when needed. Develops, monitors and adheres to labor and expense budgets. Maintains reports in appropriate cycles for department performance and staff attendance.

Provides on-going and effective communication with physicians, hospital/clinic department management, staff and vendor representatives. Represents OR SPD and Central Service departments by attending appropriate department meetings.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education

A bachelor's degree in nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field

Certification / Registration / License

Sterile Processing Certification required within one year of hire

Work Experience

Minimum of three years' experience in a hospital or equivalent patient care setting, is required

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrates exceptional oral and written communication skills, ensuring clear and effective information exchange.
• Exhibits robust decision-making abilities, with a proven capacity to analyze complex situations and solve problems efficiently.
• Cultivates and maintains essential interpersonal relationships within the surgical services environment, fostering collaboration and teamwork.
• Possesses comprehensive expertise in instrumentation, processing, sterilization, and case cart management.
• Holds a solid understanding of surgical procedures and the necessary instruments for high-volume operations.
• Demonstrates exceptional planning and organizational abilities, capable of managing substantial workloads effectively.
• Skilled in coaching, counseling, and enhancing the functional and supervisory skills of team members.
• Maintains composure and performs effectively under emergency and stressful conditions.
• Adept at conversing and interacting with various healthcare professionals, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.
• Exhibits strong analytical skills and proficiency in budgeting, contributing to efficient resource management.
• Boasts a documented track record of success in the field of Sterile Processing, demonstrating expertise and reliability.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Clean, well-lit, comfortable climate
• Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries
• Works with confidential information
• Subject to stressful conditions
• Handles absentee replacement on short notice
• Moderate noise environment
• Handles emergency or crisis situations
• Subject to many interruptions
• Occasionally subject to irregular hours

Preferred Job Requirements

Education

Master's degree in public health, Healthcare Management, or a similar discipline is preferred

Experience

At least one year of progressive leadership experience as a clinical educator or quality process expert, specifically in sterile processing

DISCLAIMER

All responsibilities and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only responsibilities to be performed by an employee occupying this job or position. Employees must follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by their leaders.