Sterile Processing Supervisor - Mercy Lorain Hospital

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Supervisor for Sterile Processing will plan, direct, and coordinate all activities related to procurement, processing, inventory, storage, and distribution of supplies and equipment for Surgical Services. This Includes 24-hour responsibility for departmental functions including management of personnel. They will provide Central Processing services for ancillary support areas as needed. The Supervisor demonstrate the philosophy, mission, and values of the hospital during all interactions with patients, families, staff and others. The Supervisor will act in accordance with sterility per the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), The Joint Commission (JCAHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and state standards of practice.

Essential Job Functions

• Facilitates communication between different departments within the hospital (e.g., Central Processing Staff and the Operating Room Staff and Physicians, etc.)

• Prioritizes department activities during oversight of the Sterile Processing area (e.g., decontamination, sterilization, and equipment and/or supply management as it relates to sterile processing).

• Participates in departmental goals and objectives. Participates in the planning and development of short-term departmental objectives providing evaluations and recommendations.

• Assigns and/or directs completion and accuracy of operating room (OR) case carts or instrument distribution per facility processes.

• Manages daily staffing assignments, monthly responsibility summary, employee counseling, and performance reviews.

• Facilitates communication between Central Processing Staff and the Operating Room Staff and Physicians.

• Directs the requisitioning, sorting, labeling, and issuing of surgical supplies and equipment.

• Oversees decontamination, assembly, sterilization, handling, and storage and special charging of supplies and equipment.

• Consults with Inventory Clerks and OR Team Leaders and adjusts inventory to ensure adequate supply levels are kept on hand.

• Oversees documentation of sterilization records and recalls on all positive biological readings.

• Assists with analyzing departmental needs, new products, equipment, techniques, and services and makes recommendations to Director.

• Demonstrates knowledge of the operation of washer, disinfector, Sterrad, Steris, steam sterilizers, and case cart washer according to proper procedures. This includes preparing, loading, operating, unloading and cleaning.

• Demonstrates knowledge of age specific instrumentation and age-appropriate interactions with customers.

• Oversees preparation of surgical case carts.

• Supervises staff and operations supporting the reprocessing of reusable instruments and equipment in Central Sterile and overseeing the cleaning, packaging, sterilization, and distribution of reusables.

• Coordinates staff education and training related to sterile processing procedures.

• Monitors FTE and productivity and adjusts staffing accordingly. Develops work schedules and assignments.

• Maintains accurate documentation of sterilization logs and bacteriological indicators.

• Manages and facilitates functions and staff related to surgical purchasing and sterile processing, if needed.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) (required)

Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) (required)

Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS), Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) (preferred)

Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) (preferred)

Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL), HSPA (Required within 1 year of hire)

Education

High School Diploma or GED (required)

Work Experience

3 years’ experience (required)

5 years' experience (preferred)