Sterile Processing Technician - Educator

SUMMARY:

Plans, organizes, and coordinates the development and implementation of the education curricula with any department that uses or cares for items that require sterile or high-level disinfection (HLD). Services as education coordinator and manages communication for implementations, special projects, process teams and competency assessments. Documents training programs and caregiver completion/competency validation. Delivers training. Prepares and performs necessary audits to ensure safe patient care is provided in departments where sterilization or high-level disinfection occurs. Is the Subject Matter Expert on sterilization and high-level disinfection for the community/network.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Develops, coordinates, and integrates staff education, training, competencies, professional practices and quality audit processes in the inpatient, ambulatory and local affiliated clinics to assure caregivers involved with sterilization and high-level disinfection in the organization are oriented to their positions.

·         Assesses, designs, develops, administers, and measures technical and performance requirements/skills for all instrument and scope processing across the organization and in partnership with system colleagues.

·         Researches and coordinates multiple and complex education programs and training using evidence-based practice to meet needs of departments and the system. Will include coordination of vendor supplied training.

·         Develops collaborative relationships with local Sterile Processing training programs.

·         Maintains ongoing review of new technologies and instrumentation selections that reduce costs, improve quality of sterilization services, and improve safety for patients and caregivers.

·         Addresses the following: gaps in processes, information on new technology, continuous quality improvement, a leader checklist for annual competencies, formal mentoring for new caregivers, in-services on new equipment and provides representation on the Surgical Site Infection Committee.

·         Documents training in learning management system using standardized templates, forms, and agreements.

·         Exhibits excellence in customer service through appropriate attitude and interaction with all staff.

·         Adheres to and supports team members in exhibiting TMC values of integrity, community, compassion, and dedication. 

·         Adheres to TMC organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values policies and standards.

·         Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:  High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.  Completion of a Scrub Technician program preferred.

EXPERIENCE:  Three (3) years of sterile processing experience, preferably in an acute care setting. Knowledge of all regulatory standards of CMS.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: One of the following certifications required:  Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

·         Knowledge and skills required to operate all sterilizing equipment.

·         Knowledge and ability to initiate and complete instrument sets, case carts and power equipment.

·         Knowledge of medical products and general supplies used in hospital settings.

·         Knowledge of infection control and universal precautions when reprocessing patient care equipment.

·         Knowledge of instrumentation.

·         Skill in preparing orders and delivering supplies and equipment to units or OR.

·         Skill in organizing supplies for quick viewing and access.

·         Skill in organizing work for efficiency while pulling and delivering instrumentation.

·         Skill in basic computer applications and keyboarding.

·         Ability to sterilize a variety of equipment and supplies.

·         Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

·         Ability to respond to needs in a fast-paced environment.

·         Ability to listen and accurately interpret others’ communication or instructions to take appropriate action; ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.  

·         Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers; ability to read a clock and accurately document time.

·         Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

·         Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

·         Ability to act as resource for staff in SPD and OR regarding identification and assembly of specialty instruments and trays.