The Sterile Processing supervisor assists in providing the highest quality patient care by supervising Sterile Processing Technicians in the performance of job duties and performing job duties of the Sterile Processing Technician when staffing shortage or workload require it. The Sterile Processing supervisors responsibilities include but are not limited to: supervising and instructing Sterile Processing Technicians in the performance of job duties and daily work area assignments; decontamination inspection assembly packaging and sterilization of reusable instruments utensils trays carts and equipment; assembly of case carts; pick-up and delivery of all reusable items to using areas; monitoring of the sterilization process; assisting Sterile Processing Manager as needed; assisting with performance improvement activities for the department. Provides support training and communication in accordance with Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Associates of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and CDC standards and facilities goals and policies. Maintains supports and coaches employees as necessary for decontamination processing assembly and sterilization processes within all set standards and regulations. Evaluates employee job performance and initiates performance counseling as needed.
Essential Functions:
Acts as a preceptor for new employees
Handles problems as they occur; manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to request for service and assistance
Assigns daily work schedule and coaches technicians on quality errors in the absence of a supervisor
Monitors workflow prioritizes work and adjusts assignments to accommodate need
Completes performance improvement assignment as assigned and assists with staff competency checks
Monitors all processing equipment and notify appropriate repair person when a malfunction occurs
Makes rounds throughout the hospital to deliver sterile and non-sterile instrumentation supplies and equipment and to collect contaminated or credit instrumentation supplies and equipment
Decontaminates all reusable instruments sets utensils and equipment used throughout the Medical Center complex
Inspects assembles and packages all decontaminated reusable instruments sets utensils and other items for sterilization
Operates all processing equipment used within the department
Monitors the sterilization process through mechanical chemical and biological indicators
Supervises and instructs employees in performing job duties
Coaches staff on performance issues that arise in the department and works with SPD Manager on progressive discipline
Approves vacation requests creates staffs schedule and reviews timecards
Other Functions:
Completes employee evaluations on time
Ensures all direct reports are compliant with KNOW modules TB requirement Flu Shot etc.
Answers telephone promptly and assists caller with obtaining items needed
Procures surgical instrumentation and places into case carts for scheduled and non-scheduled procedures
Delivers scheduled case carts to the Surgery Department
Maintains responsibility for returned instrumentation and supplies (if applicable) that is unused and the integrity of packaging has not been compromised
Contribute to the efficient operation of the department.
Performs dispatch cleaning and decontamination wrapping and packaging sterilization and monitoring duties in a safe manner to prevent injury to self patients visitors or other hospital personnel
Contributes to maintaining supplies and sterile items for use throughout the hospital; keeps department clean neat and well organized
Prioritizes work and focuses on consistent throughput
Contributes to all official departmental business in a professional manner
Maintains compliance with all company policies procedures and standards of conduct
Complies with HIPAA privacy and security requirements to maintain confidentiality at all times
Performs other duties as assigned
Education:
High school diploma or GED/ equivalent (required)
Experience:
Three (3) years of experience in Sterile Processing (required)
Certification:
Double Certification by a nationally recognized program for Sterile Processing Technicians (i.e. CRCST or CSPDT AND CIS or SIS Certifications) (required)
CHL or CSPM Certification must be obtained within 12 months from date of hire
Job Competency:
Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions
Knowledge and identification to assemble instrument sets form all surgical areas and other departments.
Must display an exceptional level of organizational skills and proficient in problem solving and follow through
Effectively communicates with co-workers and all other hospital personnel
Able to decontaminate all reusable instruments sets and utensils according to acceptable sterile processing standards
Knowledgeable regarding biological monitoring
Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect regardless of their status or position
Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness gathering relevant data while attending to essential details; checks work for accuracy and quality.
Must have strong relationship building skills and the ability to make and use connections throughout UofL Health to complete projects and maintain strong partnerships with other departments
Must have strong initiative and be able to gather and analyze information skillfully and be able to brainstorm alternative resources and directions
Must be able to break down complex tasks into manageable parts in a systematic detailed way and considers input from several sources
Must have great flexibility and the ability to continually look for ways to make appropriate adjustments and changes
conclusions
Must have the ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deliver successful results
Ability to use instrument washer/decontaminator; Sonic washer; Cart washer; Steam sterilizer Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer
Language Ability:
Adequate conversational English is required to ensure the individual be able to take direction from management understand how to complete job tasks communicate adequately with patients and co-workers as necessary understand and follow safety guidelines and organizational policies
Able to read and interpret written information; to write routine reports and correspondence and to speak effectively to groups of customers or employees of organization
Ability to write clearly and informatively and to present numerical data effectively
Reasoning Ability:
Must have ability to define problems collect data establish facts and draw valid
Ability to identify and understand issues problems and opportunities; determines course of action; develops appropriate solutions
Computer Skills:
Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office programs
Working knowledge of instrument management system and One Source
Knowledge of Premier preferred
Must have the capacity to learn other relevant systems and databases as needed
Additional Responsibilities:
Demonstrates a commitment to service organization values and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all times
Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all times
Adheres to organizational and department specific safety standards and guidelines
Works collaboratively and supports efforts of team members
Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians patients residents visitors staff and the broader health care community
UofL Health Core Expectation:
At UofL Health we expect all our employees to live the values of honesty integrity and compassion and demonstrate these values in their interactions with others and as they deliver excellent patient care by:
Honoring and caring for the dignity of all persons in mind body and spirit
Ensuring the highest quality of care for those we serve
Working together as a team to achieve our goals
Improving continuously by listening and asking for and responding to feedback
Seeking new and better ways to meet the needs of those we serve
Using our resources wisely
Understanding how each of our roles contributes to the success of UofL Health
Required Experience:
Manager
UofL Health provides comprehensive care at our UofL Health – UofL Hospital location in Louisville Ky. Learn more about UofL Health – UofL Hospital and the various services we provide.