Sterile Processing Educator

Job Summary

Serves as department educator who collaborates with departmental leadership to ensure and facilitate proper educational support to sterile processing. Ensures all sterile processing technicians and students are properly trained and operating within the guidelines set forth by various industry standards and regulations, but not limited to IAHCSMM, CBSPD, AORN, AAMI, FDA, CDC, OSHA, and hospital policies. Responsible for completing competencies and educational in-services for the department. This role acts as a liaison to promote sterilization, decontamination, and assembly processes. Collaborates with multidisciplinary team members in an ongoing process of evaluation, education, and coaching of technical staff and students.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Minimum Years of Experience: 3 Years of Sterile Processing Experience in a Healthcare Setting to include Hospital, Surgery Center, or a Contracted Engagement for Healthcare Facility
Substitutable Education & Experience (Optional): Consideration will be given to candidates who have successfully completed an Associate’s Degree in Surgical Technology, Healthcare, Science, or a Related Field and have 1 Year of Sterile Processing Experience in a Healthcare Setting in lieu of 3 Years of Experience
Required Certifications/Licensure: Current Certification in specialty of focus from International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD);

Certification as Instrument Specialist (IAHCSMM or CBSPD) must be obtained and maintained within 12 months of entry into role;

Certified Flexible Scope Re-processor or Endoscope Re-processor (IAHCSMM or CBSPD) must both be obtained and maintained within 18 months of entry into role.
Required Training: Experience with Surgical Tracking System Software platforms;

Demonstrated computer literacy skills including working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook systems from Microsoft;

Must possess strong knowledge in the care and handling of bloodborne pathogens, universal precautions, and safety hazards in regards to bloodborne pathogens safety.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for implementing all education and competencies in decontamination, assembly, sterilization processes and standard precautions for the department.
• Ability to work with minimal guidance from management to perform job functions on daily basis.Practice will be in accordance with laws and regulations and will adhere to established policies, procedures, and practice guidelines.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement activities to ensure the provision of upon safe and efficient patient care.
• May assist in coordinating/facilitating the clinical rotations of the students within the Sterile Processing department under the direction of leadership.
• Assist leadership in the development of new and ongoing educational deliverables for the department:
  • Ensures the sterile processing department is meeting all required regulations,     standards, and guidelines consistent with AAMI, AORN, DNV, CMS, CDC, OSHA, and FDA requirements.
  • Effectively collaborates with management team in all training assignments, based on the needs of the department.
  • Conducts orientation and training of new employees by utilizing different orientation tools provided.
  • Responsible for hands-on employee training and continuous assessments of skills and     knowledge retention utilizing the new hire orientation check off and departmental     competencies.
  • Implements monthly and weekly education plans for individual employees, such as those training in orientation and those needing skill re-education, as well as coordinates on-site training provided by outside vendors.
  • Participates in staff huddles and meetings to provide educational updates:    
  • Represents Sterile Processing in any required interdepartmental or interdisciplinary projects/committees/task forces.    
  • Supports the organization's vision, mission and values and adheres to Lexington’s mission, values and Service Expectations.
  • Communicate SPD information and updates to a variety of audiences.
  • Records all CEU credit opportunities and keeps up with online etrain modules:
  • Provides updates to SPD technicians on obtaining and maintaining CEU credits. ii. Help facilitate study sessions and CEU offerings for the team.
  • Communicate and interact with departmental leadership at least weekly to provide updates.   
  • Documents all items completed within an agenda and ensure to share updates as needed with leadership.    
  • Adjust schedule to work with all employees on all shifts to ensure training needs are met and supported.
  • Conducts audits of staff training records and assists in employee file audits when necessary, and with approval of leadership.
  • Takes part in the hospital accreditation surveys when prompted and can assist prepping the sterile processing staff with quality audits and mock survey preparation.

Duties & Responsibilities

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• During times of need or gaps in standard duties, may perform as a Sterile Processing Technician when education responsibilities are not required.
• All responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the mission, vision, strategic imperative, and standards of LMC.
• Performs all other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives the department.