Sterile Processing Supervisor

Overview

The Sterile Processing Supervisor cleans and decontaminates surgical instruments and patient care equipment, sterilizes surgical sets and trays and distributes and receives medical equipment and supplies. This individual guides the group toward its goals, sees that all members of the team are productive and resolves problems as they arise. The Sterile Processing Supervisor assists the manager with the ordering and purchasing of equipment and instruments. Key areas of responsibility include employee performance and discipline, department staffing, coordination of in-services and department orientation of new employees. The Supervisor will assist with data collection related to the department’s performance improvement plan and overall department compliance with JCAHO standards. He/she will also collaborate with physicians to best meet the instrument needs of the department’s patient population. The Supervisor will provide input to the Manager regarding human resource planning and budgetary needs for the department.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION REQUIRED 
• High School Diploma or equivalent 
• EDUCATION PREFERRED  
• Graduation from an Accredited Surgical Technologist Program 
• LICENSURES OR CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED 
• Certification in Sterile Processing from IAHCSMM or CBSPD 
• LICENSURES OR CERTIFICATIONS PREFERRED  
• Certification as a Surgical Instrument Processor from CBSPD  
• Certification in assigned area  
• Supervisor certification  
• EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 
• At least two years' experience in SPD as a Sterile Processing Technician or graduation from an Accredited Surgical Technologist Program
• EXPERIENCE PREFERRED 
• Supervisor experience

Role specific essential duties and responsibilities 

• Performs decontamination procedures of equipment, surgical trays and instruments meeting Infection Control, AORN and AAMI standards. 
• Using technical knowledge of instrumentation and proper cleaning techniques, cleans and decontaminates surgical instruments and equipment either mechanically and/or manually. 
• Identifies any missing/broken instruments or parts and notifies supervisor immediately and charges the information on the SPD sterilization report for decontamination. 
• Demonstrates ability to trouble shoot washer/decontamination equipment and to call appropriate personnel when it is not working. 
• Checks on levels of cleaners and other fluids for equipment daily. 
• Leaves area clean at the end of day/noting if low on any supplies. 
• Uses instrument tracking software to scan trays, equipment, and instruments as received and issues. 
• Uses daily communication sheet to report any problems or unfinished business to next shift. 
• Operates autoclaves, Sterrad NX and Sterrad NX100 with appropriate Documentation per JCAHO, AORN and AAMI standards. 
• Runs biological daily. 
• Accurately prepare and maintains records necessary for the quality assurance of sterilization. 
• Reports any problems immediately to biomed, SPD supervisor or Director of SPD. 
• Reports at end of shift on daily communication sheet any problems or needs. 
• Uses instrument tracking. 
• Attends all required Safety Training programs and can describe his/her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety and specific job-related hazards. 
• All required safety education programs have been attended. 
• Provides complete and accurate responses to safety questions. 
• Operates assigned equipment and performs all procedures in a safe manner as instructed.  
• Maintains work area and equipment in condition required by department standards. 
• Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions. 
• Follows the Hospital Exposure Control Plans/Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures and correct use of protective barrier equipment. 
• Ensures a safe environment by instituting appropriate control measures. 
• Attends annual education programs. 
• OSHA CLASSIFICATION I 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND JOB HAZARDS 
Frequent exposure to communicable disease, bodily fluids and tissue, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinical environment. 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries weight up to 50 pounds. Ability to distinguish letters, numbers and symbols with vision and hearing within normal range to respond to Code alerts and equipment alarms. Work-related stress due to volume and time constraints with irregular working hours.