Coordinator, Sterile Processing

Cass Regional Medical Center; Harrisonville (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville, MO is seeking a Sterile Processing Coordinator to ensure high-quality care in the Sterile Processing Department. This role includes supervising Sterile Processing Technicians, training new staff, maintaining sterilization equipment, and ensuring compliance with hospital policies.

Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma, relevant certification, and experience in sterile processing or operating room operations. The role requires excellent customer service skills and meticulous attention to detail to maintain sterilization standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2 years of sterile processing or operating room technician experience preferred.
• Certified Surgical Tech required within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Ensure quality care is followed in the Sterile Processing Department.
• Supervise and train new employees.
• Maintain quality performance and logs for sterilizers.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Attention to detail

Initiative

Independent action

Planning skills

Ability to work with OR staff

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2 years of sterile processing or operating room technician experience

Certified Surgical Tech, CRCST, CIS, or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Harrisonville, MO 64701

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Certification

Job Shift: Day

Primary Purpose

The role of the Sterile Processing Coordinator is to ensure quality care is followed per policy and procedure in the Sterile Processing Department. Supervises and directs the functions of the Sterile Processing Technicians and assists in training of new employees. Assists with stocking all supplies and maintaining PAR levels. Maintains quality performance and logs for all biological and chemical monitoring of various sterilizers, including steam and Sterrad. Leads the team and works alongside central processing technicians in performing all duties related to sterilization records, ensuring hospital policies and TJC standards are met; sets up, delivers, picks up, decontaminates and maintains medical equipment, procedural trays and carts; sterilizes supplies and instruments. Responsible for cost-effective inventory control and standardization of designated inventories; secures appropriate equipment repairs. Assists with proper instrumentation for daily cases. Supervises staff to be flexible and responsive to rapid instrumentation turnovers during the day.

Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities

Provides input into policies associated with the job’s purpose and essential responsibilities. Completes assigned responsibilities within established hospital, unit specific guidelines, policies and procedures, standards, protocols, etc.

Routine Decision Making

Determines causes of operating errors and decides what to do about it. Examines and detects imperfections in instruments and malfunctions with sterilization equipment; uses relevant information and judgment to determine compliance with laws, regulations, or standards; prioritizes instrument sterilization with surgery’s daily cases.

Formal Supervisory Responsibility

Supervises work performed in the department and provides feedback to ensure quality standards are met.

Required Knowledge

Previous surgical instrumentation/equipment decontamination and sterilization with familiarity of various instrument sterilization methods.

Required Skills and Ability

• Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, initiative, and ability to take independent action.
• Excellent planning skills and capability to establish and maintain outstanding working relationships.
• Ability to work in conjunction with the OR staff to provide timely sterile products and maintain consistency and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing Department while practicing excellent customer service.
• Follows established policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental and infection control guidelines.
• Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.

Unusual Working Conditions

Working with sharp surgical equipment; risk of blood and/or body fluid contamination.

Education and Certification/Registration Required for the Position

High school diploma or equivalent required. 2 years of sterile processing or operating room technician experience preferred.

Certified Surgical Tech (NCCT), Certified Registered Central Service Technical (CRCST), Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) or equivalent.

Certified Sterile Processing Tech required within 12 months through Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) or Certified Reg Central Service Tech through International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) within 12 months or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) within 12 months of hire.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks

A. Receive and Decontaminate Instruments

(30% of time)

• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment at all times while on duty.
• Retrieves contaminated supplies and delivers sterile supplies to where needed.
• Handles instruments carefully preventing damage to delicate instruments.
• Undertakes manual and mechanical cleaning of instruments to remove contaminants according to manufacturer’s guidelines and established policies and procedures.
• Applies a detail orientation in the examination of instruments and equipment to ensure they are clean; identifies broken or damaged instruments prior to sterilization and removes from service; reports to Surgery Manager/Director for repair or replacement in a timely manner.

B. Prepare and Assemble Instruments

(40% of time)

• Monitors surgery schedules daily, identifying general, specific and potential instrument needs for all cases.
• Performs appropriate cleaning of all sterilization instruments and equipment.
• Selects and uses appropriate packaging and wrapping materials and container systems for method of sterilization and aseptic presentation.
• Ensures filters are properly installed in container systems prior to sterilization at all times.
• Labels sterilized items and container systems with proper sterilization information and initials of preparer at all times.
• Sets correct cycle parameters and utilizes correct process indicators per steam or chemical sterilization.
• Loads, operates all equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions at all times.
• Performs correct biological monitoring and testing per method of sterilization.
• Recognizes positive and negative test results of biological monitoring; communicates failed monitoring in a timely manner to department and Surgery Manager/Director.
• Unloads and distributes sterilized instruments daily.

C. Operate and Maintain Steris Equipment

(10% of time)

• Observes gauges and equipment operation to detect malfunctions with every load.
• Requests service for a defective sterilizer or washer equipment and reports to Surgery Manager/Director; reports to Surgery Manager/Director if there will be a delay in sterile surgical instruments.
• Monitors and maintains appropriate records to remain compliant with applicable regulatory agencies, as well as reporting if needed.
• Inspects and cleans sterilizers on a routine basis; ensures removal of all waste matter from equipment and carts.

D. Ensure Department Policies and Procedures are Followed

(20% of time)

• Maintains accurate monitoring records.
• Uses and interprets chemical and biological indicators.
• Participates in performance improvement activities; attends in-service vendor instrument presentations for proper sterilization guidelines.
• Undertakes continuous education and trains in all areas of sterile processing, including decontamination, cleaning, assembly, wrapping, sterilization, and storage processes within all set professional standards and regulations.
• Performs other Central Services or Surgical duties as assigned by Surgery Manager/Director.

Physical Demands

Requires lifting and carrying of equipment up to 25 pounds; involves walking, standing, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching, and repetitive arm movements. Exposure to body fluids and hazardous chemicals; use of PPE necessary.

Working Conditions

Work predominantly indoors; may involve exposure to wet, humid, and noisy environments; requires safe handling of sharp instruments and compliance with infection control procedures.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment; women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.