Supervisor Sterile Processing

This position is responsible for operational management of an assigned shift. This includes knowledge of hospital and departmental standards, policies and procedures, infection control practices, decontamination, assembly and sterilization of instruments, best practices according to regulatory agencies and organization of department activities to assure the needs of the customers are met. Adheres to practicing the following guidelines: Consults all federal and state recommended practices included but not limited to AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation), AORN (Association for Perioperative Registered Nurses), TJC (The Joint Commission), CMS (Centers for Medicaid & Medicare services), and APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) guidelines and recommended practices.

• Education: High School Diploma or GED, required.
  4 Year / Bachelors Degree, preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of two years of SPD / OR experience, required.
  Prior leadership experience, preferred.
• Licensure/Certification: SPD Certification, preferred.
• Additional Skills (required): Ability to successfully complete generic and department-specific skills validation and competency testing. Knowledge of microbiology and sterilization principles. Demonstrates effective and appropriate customer relations skills, verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, interpersonal relationship skills, conflict resolution skills and critical thinking skills.
• Additional Skills (preferred): Demonstrates evidence of and a desire to continue developing leadership characteristics and behaviors.
• Work schedule: Monday thru Friday 2:15pm to 10:45pm

Essential Functions
•Operational Management: Assesses, prioritizes and organizes tasks to be accomplished on assigned shift. Exercises authority as needed to direct activities to meet the department needs. Uses initiative to resolve issues with appropriate action and follow through. Responds timely and appropriately to inquiries and complaints. Assures that information is relayed to appropriate personnel and/or department and follows up as necessary. Reports to Sterile Processing Manager in a timely manner, any update of shift activities, concerns, issues, and follow-through. Adapts to changes or unusual circumstances to provide cooperation and minimize disruption to working environment. Monitors productivity, attendance and behavior of employees. Works at establishing a good rapport and working relationships inter/intra departmentally. Reviews surgical schedule and collaborates with Clinical Coordinators and OR Supervisor to assure availability of instrumentation. Recognizes and suggests opportunities for improvement. Completes and adjusts schedules/assignments to assure department needs are met. Communicates in a positive professional manner. Completes and provides shift reports to oncoming shift. Attends and participates in committees as assigned. Projects an image of professionalism in communication, appearance and conduct.
•Staff Education: Participates in the orientation of new employees. Participates in completing competencies and provides input to the manager for performance reviews. Attends weekly staff meetings and reviews minutes with staff. Conducts a minimum of one educational program per month. Provides ongoing coaching and mentoring to staff in collaboration with the nurse manager. Encourages staff to stay current, ask questions, identify issues and facilitate a positive working environment. Shows sensitivity to differences of individuals and removes barriers to learning. Utilizes unassigned time by directing staff and completing tasks specific to improving the operation of the department.
•Customer Service: Identifies the customer, their needs and expectations. Effectively communicates with customer, issues, follow-up measures and changes. Coordinates with OR, changes in schedule and instrumentation needs. Assures that sterile processing standards provide that same level of care to all patients. Is sensitive to customers needs and requests. Assists customer in locating instruments.
•Quality: Maintains knowledge of best practices and serves as a role model to staff and customers. Completes decontamination, assembly and sterilization responsibilities following policy, procedures, and work instructions. Remains current with all national and state regulatory standards and participates in assuring departmental compliance. Assures that best work practices are maintained and staff are held accountable. Assures staff is aware of Key Performance Indictors, benchmarks, outcomes, and process improvements. Assures complete and timely sterilization reviews to include quality checks, parameters, and documentation.