GENERAL SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for overseeing, performing and coordinating the following activities: inspecting, assembling, packaging, sterilization, distributing, transporting, decontaminating and storage of surgical instrument trays and surgical supplies. Supervises activities of other, participating in the sterilization process, ensuring quality and safety. Keeps abreast of surgery sterile processing industry standards and advises. Responsible to ensure compliance with standards. Responsible for completion, coordination and compliance of mandated sterilization.

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT:

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to abide by and promote the Mission and Core Values of the Spirit of Mercy.

CORPORATE POLICY STATEMENT:

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to comply with Mercy’s mission, values, and standards of conduct, policies, procedures and related practices.

HIPAA SECURITY COMPLIANCE: Security Access: High “Incumbent has access to restricted or confidential patient information and must comply with the terms of the Mercy Medical Center Security Policies as it applies to their job role.”

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Coordinates and supervises the operation of the daily activities which support the surgery schedule in collaboration with interdepartmental team members, as well as supporting the reprocessing and sterilization needs of the entire hospital

· Provides oversight regarding all sterilization/decontamination/ reprocessing issues and standards.

· Reviews and recommends policy/procedure revisions necessary for delivery of quality services to all departments and to remain in compliance with regulatory agencies. Assists in the development or monitoring of all regulatory agency guidelines.

· Ensures safe work habits, compliance with safety rules and regulations as well as adheres to safety policies and procedures.

· Participates in developing and maintaining departmental staffing plan for all areas supervised, detailing appropriate employee classifications and qualifications consistent with the department’s operational plan, projected volumes, and other relevant indicators.

· Continuously monitors and improves the department’s performance based on, but not limited to, the department’s quality plan and customer/employee/patient satisfaction data.

· Supervises assigned staff.

· Provide and/or coordinate necessary education, orientation and support to the team with support from the RN Educator.

· Counsels and monitors performance of staff. Completes performance evaluations for team members.

· Conducts interviews with perspective employees, utilizing team interviewing techniques, and works with Human Resources in hiring new personnel.

· Assists in the clinical area as necessary, maintaining a high level of visibility and interaction with staff.

· Coordinates equipment and supply needs to ensure availability as necessary.

· Attends department meetings, management meetings and others as assigned. Conducts regular staff meetings.

· Submits requests for and maintains records of new and consignment instruments and service on existing instruments as needed. Works with Sales Representative.

· Maintains record keeping on sterilization/decontamination process. Accurately and legibly fills out all mandated sterilization documents prior to sterilization of every load.

· Monitors principles and practices of decontamination and cleaning of medical equipment, instruments, stainless steel utensils and glass equipment according to industry standards.

· Knowledgeable of all surgical instruments, their names, usage and care.

· Collaborates with manager in the maintenance of department policies and procedures.

· Uses the surgery schedule to verify needed instruments for the following day’s cases

· Uses computer skills to maintain and update instrument lists (Impress Superuser).

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Completion of CBSPD or CST certification within one year of hire.

· Two years’ experience in sterile processing or in an operationg room preferred.

· Ability to read, write, understand and speak English.

· Ability to deal effectively with people.

· Work requires the analytic ability necessary to prioritize own workload.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS: (Constant = 67-100% of workday, Frequent = 34-66% of workday, Occasional = 33% or less of workday)

CONSTANT

· Fingering, grasping, reaching and feeling: to sort surgical instruments quickly and accurately.

· Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time while performing duties.

· Repetitive motion:

· Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks and to deliver supplies to and from OR

FREQUENT

· Pushing and pulling: Sterilizing cars with up to 30 pounds of force.

· Talking/hearing: Expressing or exchanging ideas and information by means of the spoken work, both by phone and in person.

· Lifting: 25 pounds of strays on instrument from table to cart.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:

If a patient is unable to function independently, a mechanical/assistive device and/or additional personnel must be utilized. If an object requires lifting >50 lbs., additional equipment/personnel must also be utilized.

Heavy work: Exerting up to 65 lbs push/pull (force to move frequently, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

occasionally, and lifting up to 40 lbs. frequently, and lifting up to 20 lbs constantly, to move patient and/or objects.

VISUAL ACUITY REQUIREMENTS:

· Ability to read and prepare written documentation.

· Ability to utilize computer terminal copies fax and printers.

· Ability to work with small, delicate instruments and recognize shapes of many kinds of surgical instruments, as well as visually inspecting for improper function or needed repairs.

· Good hand-eye coordination.

· Peripheral vision necessary.

INTELLECTUAL/EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Adaptability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.

· Ability to maintain both a high standard of courtesy and cooperation in dealing with co-workers and visitors and satisfactory job performance despite the stress of a hospital work environment.

· Ability to make generalizations, evaluations or decisions based on measureable or verifiable criteria.

· Ability to perform under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual or dangerous situations, or situations in which working speed and sustained attention are vital aspects of the job.

· Ability to accept responsibility for the direction, control or planning of an activity.

· Adaptability to situations requiring the precise attainment of set limits, tolerances or standards.

· Ability to function with minimal direction.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS:

· Standard medical and nursing equipment, special equipment or office equipment found in the assigned area.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

· The worker may be subject to hazards: includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to mechanical parts, electrical current, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.

· Employees in this job classification have been identified as having the likelihood of occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, therefore, are included in OSHA Exposure Control Plan with all its specifications for preventing contact with the above materials. Employees in the job classification have also been identified as having the likelihood of exposure to sharps, glass containers, and hazardous chemicals.

· The worker may be subject to moderately high noise levels.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
 

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.