Position Summary: 

The SPD Navigator is responsible for facilitating flow of instrumentation through the Sterile Processing Department; ensuring compliance with IFUs, AAMI best practice standards, and regulatory requirements; developing and promoting standard work; participating in orientation as appropriate and facilitating with measuring competencies of staff. The Sterile Navigator will provide quality processed instrumentation, materials and equipment for patient care. The main functions of this position include: demonstrating knowledge and proper cleaning / care, handling, assembly, and sterilization of equipment and supplies based on IFUs, AAMI best practice standards, and regulatory requirements; team work participation with staff members; achieving the turn-around plans / priority processing; and maintaining a clean work environment within the department.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Education or GED required. Associates or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Surgical Technician, Licensed Practical Nurse or other relevant clinical surgical experience i.e. Certified Ophthalmology Assistance etc. preferred. Sterile Processing Certification required within 18 months of hiring to maintain employment. 

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of three years’ experience in Sterile Processing or the Operating Room. Prior Leadership experience preferred. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

A. Clinical Practice

Facilitates Sterile Processing workflow within the department based on patient needs and organizational prioritizes. Identifies priority items  Communicates with other departments as appropriate regarding priority items.  Participates in maintaining and communicating the priority list. Facilitates the flow of priority items Communicates with staff to maximize the utilization of SPD equipment so that equipment is not setting idol.  Oversees/ supports all areas of department and staff to ensure compliance throughout the entire reprocessing process.  Oversees daily departmental production.  Performs all departmental functions described in SPD Tech I and SPD Tech II Job descriptions.  Collaborates with other departments to facilitate the flow through the department to meet patient care needs. Participates in critical conversations with SPD staff members, Operating Room staff and providers. Understands appropriate escalation procedures.  Utilizes lean management principles in streamlining workflow. Participates in establishing standards of practice based on AAMI standards. Serves as a role model for professional communication skills during interactions with other health team members. Maintains clinical skills and competence related to clinical practice and staff development. Collaborates with SPD and OR Leadership regarding needs (equipment/ Supplies) to facilitate the flow of instrumentation through the department.  Collaborates with vendors to facilitate the flow of needed equipment/ instrumentation. Oversees/ maintains Electronic Inventory Management System (SPM).  Facilitates compliance with aseptic technique, safety practice and regulatory standards.  Conducts and educates on Immediate Use Steam Sterilization instrumentation procedures.  Coordinates the repair/ replacement of damaged instrumentation and equipment.  Supports and assists clinical staff with instrumentation and equipment.  Completes and oversees daily staff assignments, staff schedule, vacation requests and acts as timekeeper in electronic database.  Facilitates the transportation of surgical instrumentation to clinical sites within and outside of Robert Packer Hospital. Presents daily change of shift huddle information to all Sterile Processing staff and maintains LEAN performance board documentation. 

B. Education and Development

Participates in the development of Standard Work / Job Breakdown instruction sheets based on best practice (AAMI standards, OSHA standards, AORN standards, and other regulatory requirements). Acts as an agent of change theory in matters related to practice. Assists and provides feedback in the hiring/ training of staff, completing competencies and collaborates with SPD Educator on appropriate training schedule.    Assists in the development and oversight of staff competencies and compliance with standard work as necessary or requested. Maintains records of educational programs, activities and departmental production.  Assists staff with patient education through role modeling and serving as a resource person to discuss educational plans and techniques. Provides mentoring, coaching and counseling to staff members. Actively supports and demonstrates RPH mission, vision and values. Supports an environment that actively works to achieve and sustain employee satisfaction at Tier 1 level (or comparable employee survey measurement process).  Strives to attain and maintain exceptional patient/customer satisfaction. Remains fiscally responsible and strives to meet budgetary targets. Collaborates with SPD Leadership to anticipates, monitors, and adjusts human and material resources appropriate to activity level.

C. Regulatory Requirements / Performance Improvement

Meets regulatory requirements. Demonstrates and enforces compliance with hospital, State, and Federal guidelines. Demonstrates and integrates population specific care for the adolescent/adult/geriatric patient, and appropriate standards of care and practice. Focuses on performance improvement. Utilizes lean management principles. Participates in establishing goals, activities to meet goals, and measurement for success in alliance with the overall organizational goals. Participates in interdisciplinary work teams to enhance flow and patient care outcomes.

OTHER DUTIES:

It is understood that this description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and that other duties may be assigned as necessary in the performance of this position.

Pay Range $20.44-$32.39/hr