Sterile Processing Tech

WVU Medicine; Kentucky; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia University Health System seeks a Sterile Processing professional to coordinate instrument and case cart support for the daily operating room schedule.

Role requires coordination with Perioperative Services/HVI, strong knowledge of sterile processing standards, and the ability to lead changes in processing practices. Transportation of instruments and collaboration with OR staff are essential for uninterrupted patient care.

Qualifications

• Experience in sterile processing operations and instrument management.
• Certification options listed in job description must be obtained within one year of hire.
• Two years in a sterile processing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops systems with Perioperative Services to meet daily OR instrument needs.
• Engineers logistics of case carts and supplies for point of use.
• Liaises between SPD and Perioperative Services to ensure uninterrupted support.
• Participates in daily rounds with Perioperative/HVI charge nurses.
• Keeps up to date with schedules and instrument classifications.

Skills

Sterile processing

Surgical instrumentation

Quality auditing

Education

CRCST certification

CSPDT certification

CSIS certification

CER certification

Surgical tech program graduate

Tools

Healthcare information systems

Job description

Welcome! We’re excited you’re considering an opportunity with us! Below, you’ll find other important information about this position.

Serves as a liaison between Sterile Processing Department and Perioperative Services/HVI to assure smooth, uninterrupted daily instrumentation, tray, and case cart support. Facilitates continuous communications and performance improvement as it relates to all surgical instruments, implants, supplies, and equipment provided through the case cart system. Requires maximum coordination with surgical and procedural specialties. Performs practice gap analysis comparing current practice to best practice to lead change initiatives. Recommends and implements new or updated processing standards. Assists with facilitation of construction/renovation of processing areas.

Minimum Qualifications

• EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE: Must hold current certification in ONE of the following: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) OR Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) through Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) OR Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS) through Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) OR through Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). OR Graduate of a surgical tech and/or certified central service tech program AND must obtain one of the above certifications within one year of hire.
• EXPERIENCE: 1. Two (2) years’ experience in a sterile processing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE: 1. Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) certification
• EXPERIENCE: 1. Three (3) years’ experience in a sterile processing environment.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. Develops systems with Perioperative Services/HVI and Sterile Processing Department to insure that the supply, instrument, and equipment needs of the daily operating room and procedural schedules are met.
• 2. Engineers logistics of case carts, equipment, and supplies to insure that all are correct and at “point of use” when needed, and coordinates the search for missing items.
• 3. Serves as a liaison between Sterile Processing Department and Perioperative Services/HVI to assure smooth, uninterrupted daily instrumentation, tray, and case cart support.
• 4. Anticipates the needs of the surgical team and participates in daily rounds with Perioperative/HVI charge nurses.
• 5. Keeps up to date with the procedural schedules, paying special attention to cancellations and additions specifically case classifications as well as scheduling questionnaires for patient specific instrumentation/implants.
• 6. Coordinates the acquisition of needed items from system hospitals and vendors in collaboration with College Coordinators in case of critical shortages or steam outages.
• 7. Implements PI and quality monitoring including regulatory auditing. Trends audit results to provide input into identified training needs and practice changes.
• 8. Performs practice gap analysis comparing current practice to best practice to lead change initiatives.
• 9. Assists Perioperative Services/HVI and SPD in the capital and operational budget planning for instrumentation and trays. Assists with reduction of missing instruments and replacement costs.
• 10. Provides recommendations on the storage and deletion of supplies on top tracks, carts, etc.
• 11. Monitors Sterile Processing service quality, timeliness, and productivity. Monitors procedural compliance and conducts random performance audits of completed trays and case carts to ensure work products meet standards.
• 12. Conducts and trends formal quality review of case carts and instrumentation each day.
• 13. Recommends and implements new or updated processing standards.
• 14. Proactively identifies instrumentation conflicts or needs. Leads the coordination of resolutions. Documents actions taken and any budgetary impact.
• 15. Performs or coordinates in‑services for new instrumentation and equipment. Delete monitored by supervision.
• 16. Tracks instrumentation repairs and coordinates/receives loaners. Requires the publishing of a tracking sheet.
• 17. Responds to immediate physician or Perioperative/HVI staff members’ needs. Develops and implements permanent solutions in conjunction with SPD Manager, OR/HVI Managers, SPD Educator, and College Coordinators. May require the use of piloted work or processing changes and the obtainment of outcome/benchmark data.
• 18. Acts as a liaison in the absence of the Manager/Supervisor to assign/delegate work assignment to SPD staff and discipline when necessary. Directs SPTs, RCSTs, and CRCSTs to ensure work completion matches known and potential patient care needs of a trauma center.
• 19. Assists with facilitation of construction/renovation of processing areas.

Physical Requirements

• 1. Must be physically capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• 2. Must be capable of lifting up to 60 pounds and pushing loaded carts weighing in excess of 200 pounds.
• 3. Must possess visual/oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
• 4. Must be able to discern and distinguish colors.

Working Environment

• 1. Must be able to work in a high stress environment.
• 2. Must complete vision screening test for near and far vision. Must screen 20/40 or better or will be referred to the Eye Center.
• 3. Must be able to prioritize work tasks to demonstrate completion of those tied to urgent/emergent patient care needs.

Skills and Abilities

• 1. Must have strong background knowledge of surgical and procedural environments and governing practice standards including the need for excellent personal hygiene to reduce the risk of work product contamination.
• 2. Must have strong background knowledge of sterile processing environment, including packaging systems, sterilization process, care and handling of instrumentation and equipment.
• 3. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must demonstrate verbal and written proficiencies to utilize written high level disinfection/sterilization guidelines and manufacturers’ instructions for use (IFU’s).
• 4. Must have working knowledge of information systems, preferably in the health care setting.
• 5. Must demonstrate ability to independently plan, organize, and set priorities in routine and/or emergency situations.
• 6. Knowledge of automated materials management and OR/procedural scheduling information system applications.

Additional Job Description

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 0 Shift: Day (United States of America) Exempt/Non-Exempt: United States of America (Non-Exempt) Company: BARNS Barnesville Hospital Cost Center: 72 BARNS Nursing Operating Room Address: 639 West Main Street Barnesville Ohio

Equal Opportunity Employer West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively “WVUHS”) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.

The West Virginia University Health System is West Virginia’s largest health system and largest private employer, providing care to communities across West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The integrated academic health system includes 25 hospitals and five institutes, with more than 3,500 licensed beds, 4,000 clinicians, 39,000 employees, and $8.5 billion in annual operating revenues. Anchoring the system in Morgantown, West Virginia, are WVU Hospitals, an 880-bed academic medical center, and the 150-bed WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital. Together, the Health System’s hospitals, clinics, and specialty programs provide a comprehensive continuum of care, ranging from community-based primary and specialty services to highly complex, quaternary care and post-acute care.