DescriptionRequired Four (4) years working in a Surgical Services Department associates degree. Bachelors Degreepreferred. The sterile processing educator provides expertise to ensure that SPD personnel are properly trained and operating within the standards/guidelines of excellence set forth by the industry such as IAHCSMM AAMI AORN CDC etc... Participates in continuous quality improvement plans and develops appropriate training utilizing behavioral objectives lesson plans and validation testing to ensure the Sterile Processing department personnel receive the necessary education to perform their job duties. Is responsible for quality assurance related to sterile processing and develops competency checklists for the staff.
Responsibilities- Job Duties
- Coordinates orientation and training for new employees in the following skills 1) decontamination and cleaning 2) inspection assembly and packaging 3) sterilization processes 4) biological monitoring 5) records keeping 6) care and handling 7) storage & distribution 8) equipment operation 5) handling of sharps and contaminated waste 6) infection control practices and vendor management.
- Coordinates training based on standard operating procedures/polices with use of objectives lesson plans teaching tools training schedules testing methods and evaluation tools.
- Coordinates additional training needs of SPD personnel and keeps management informed of training progress.
- Develops coordinates and maintains a schedule for continuing education and inservice training to enhance quality of care.
- Performs audits of staff training records/files to ensure compliance with governing guidelines.
- Assists with securing resources to ensure requirements can be met for staff development and certification.
- Collaborates with clinical and nonclinical leaders to guide quality assurance process improvements and staff technical skill development.
- Maintains documentation and competencies relative to ongoing changes in sterilization practices equipment and/or manufacturer recommendations.
- Maintains own clinical expertise by remaining current with the latest trends in field through participation in jobrelevant seminars and workshops attendance at professional conferences and affiliations with national and state professional organizations.
- Assists staff in identifying their learning needs and plans learning activities to meet those needs based on technical interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
- Performs data collection and performance improvement activities. Modifies education programs as needed based on data findings.
- Acts as a clinical resource for improvement of departmental processes and standards and in the most effective delivery of excellent customer service.
- Attends meetings as required and participates on committees as directed. Strives to improve the quality of meetings by taking an active role in meeting topics.
- Hands on; able to perform the job duties of a sterile processing technician.
- Quality and Patient Safety
- Ensures that high quality health care services are provided to patients by maintaining infection control techniques and monitoring situations which could lead to breaches in technique.
- Utilizes all equipment supplies facilities and resources in a prudent and efficient manner in order to ensure efficient departmental operations and the provision of highquality health care services.
- Observes and adheres to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures and follows all safety quality assurance and infection control standards.
- Collaboration and Partnership
- Participates in educational programs inservice meetings and training sessions in an effort to share his/her own expertise with others and further the quality of education and personal growth provided to new personnel volunteers and interning students.
- Other Duties As Assigned
- Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
QualificationsFour (4) years working in a Surgical Services Department
Associates degree. Bachelors Degreepreferred
Knowledge of sterilization practices medical instruments and operating room procedures.
Woking experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office; ability to learn additional software as required
CSPDT or CRCST certification must be completed within 1 year.