Coordinator, Sterile Processing

## Description

**Dimension and Description**

**Primary Purpose:** The role of the Sterile Processing Coordinator is to ensure that quality care is followed per policy and procedure in the Sterile Processing Department. Supervises and directs the functions of the Sterile Processing Technicians and assist in training of new employees. Assist with stocking all supplies and maintaining PAR levels. Quality performance and maintenance logs for all biological and chemical monitoring of various types sterilizers to include, steam and Sterrad. Leads the team and works alongside central processing technicians in performance of all duties related to sterilization records; insuring hospital policies and procedures and TJC standards are met; the set-up, delivery , pick up , decontamination and maintenance of medical equipment, procedural trays and carts; sterilization of supplies and instruments. Is responsible for the cost-effective inventory control and standardization of designated inventories for the facility. Responsible for securing appropriate repairs on needed equipment. Assist with proper instrumentation is available for daily cases. Ability to supervise staff to be flexible and responsive to rapid instrumentation turnovers for cases during the day.

**Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities**: Formally responsible for providing input into policies associated with the job's purpose and essential responsibilities. Complete 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. Must be able to examine and detect imperfections in instruments and malfunctions with sterilization equipment. Must be able to use relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations or standards. Must be able to prioritize instrument sterilization with surgery’s daily cases.

**Formal Supervisory Responsibility**: Supervises work performed in department. 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.

**Required Skills and Ability:** Must possess excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, initiative and ability to take independent action, excellent planning skills, and be capable of establishing and maintaining outstanding working relationships. Able 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) or Certified Registered Central Service Technical (CRCST) or 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 Decontaminates instruments, per manufacturer’s instructions and departmental policies and procedures. (30% of time)**

1. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment at all times while on duty.
2. Retrieves contaminated supplies and delivers sterile supplies to where needed
3. Handles instruments carefully preventing damage to delicate instruments.
4. Undertakes manual and mechanical cleaning of instruments to remove contaminants according to manufacturer’s guideline’s and established policies and procedures.
5. Applies a detail orientation in the examination of instruments and equipment to ensure they are clean and 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. Prepares and assembles instruments per method of sterilization. (40% of time)**

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

**C. Operates and maintains Steris Equipment; keep records of loads completed, items of loads and maintenance procedures. (10% of time)**

1. Observes gauges and equipment operation to detect malfunctions with every load.
2. Requests service for a defective sterilizer or washer equipment and report to Surgery Manager/Director. Report to Surgery Manager/Director if there will be a delay in sterile surgical instruments.
3. Monitor and maintain appropriate records to remain compliant with applicable regulatory agencies, as well as reporting if needed.
4. Inspects and cleans sterilizers on a routine basis. Ensures to remove all waste matter from equipment and carts

**D. Ensures department policies and procedures are followed. (20% of time)**

1. Maintains accurate monitoring records.
2. Uses and interprets chemical and biological indicators.
3. Participates in performance improvement activities. Attend in-service vendor instrument presentations for proper sterilization guidelines.
4. 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
5. Performs other Central Services or Surgical duties as assigned by Surgery Manager/Director.

**ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS**

TYPE OF WORK (Check One)

Sedentary Work: Lifting 10# maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers and small tools. Jobs are sedentary; if walking and standing are required only occasionally.

Light Work: Lifting 20# maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10#. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree or pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

x Medium Work: Lifting 100# maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25#.

Heavy Work: Lifting 100# maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50#.

Very Heavy Lifting: Lifting objects in excess of 100# with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 50# or more.

**PHYSICAL DEMANDS (Check those which apply)**

x Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling).

x Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in hands or arms or on the shoulders

x Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (including slapping, striking, kicking, and treadle actions).

x Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking).

x Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, ropes, and the like, using the feet and th