Materials & Sterile Processing Specialist in Hayden, Idaho at Hayden Surgery Center

Job Title: Materials and Sterile Processing Specialist

Reports To: Director of Nursing -

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Nursing or designee, the Materials and Sterile Processing Specialist is responsible for the coordination of the inventory process beginning with the placement of orders with vendors through receiving, verifying, storing and distribution of supplies, linen and all received items to the proper assigned locations. The position collects, cleans, decontaminates, disinfects, and/or sterilizes surgical instruments, trays and packs, reusable medical devices, and patient care equipment according to established standards and procedures to ensure a sterile and functioning supply of materials and equipment.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide logistical expertise to the flow of supplies in and out of the Center in alignment with clinical needs
• Tracks local vendor performance and compliance with the vendor credentialing system within the Center
• Maintains inventories for all materials, supplies, and items used in the Surgery Center
• Maintains a safe and orderly environment within the storerooms in compliance within Center policy to ensure efficiency of all supply areas
• Works in conjunction with the Center team and physicians to determine clinical and supply needs
• Works closely with the Director of Nursing to improve operations, ensure OR flow efficiency, and reduce cost
• Participates in Center performance improvement activities as required
• Performs room turnover and restocks supplies
• Functions as an integral member of the Surgery Center team
• Demonstrates initiative and willingness to assist others in order to meet desired outcomes
• Performs annual inventory
• Knowledge of reusable surgical instrumentation, micro surgical instrumentation, and power equipment
• Knowledge and operation of sterile processing equipment including but not limited to washers, steam, gas, ultrasonic, and chemical sterilizers
• Controls of all parts of the sterilization process including decontamination, prepping, packing, sterilization, and sterile storage
• Provides integrity and sterility of products and services for ASC patients
• Works in conjunction with management, OR staff and vendors to provide timely sterile products
• Completes required monitoring and record keeping and maintains accurate sterilization records
• Identifies instruments for all specialties and assures proper function. Follows protocol for repair or replacement of instruments as needed
• Performs simple maintenance on equipment (i.e. clean filters and drain, refill chemicals)
• Prepares trays for designated areas according to policies and procedures
• Documents and maintains inventory of supplies and materials
• Requests replenishment for inventory, tools, equipment, chemicals, and any other items needed for proper and efficient functioning as needed
• Monitors daily surgery schedules to identify and prioritize general, specific, and potential needs for all cases
• Maintains a clean and safe environment by adhering to all levels of required and recommended precautions including Standard Precautions and Infection Prevention practices.
• Adheres to guidelines for use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE),
• Follow protocols for the decontamination and sterilization processes referencing Instructions for Use (IFU) supplied by the manufacturers
• Adheres to safety standards and precautions as outlined by national, state, facility, and professional regulations

Other Responsibilities

• Utilizes correct body mechanics in moving, transporting, and positioning patients, stretchers, equipment, and/or tables to prevent injury to patient, self, and personnel
• Demonstrates knowledge of operation and maintenance of equipment and supplies related to the operating environment
• Assumes responsibility for learning new equipment and procedures and maintaining skills
• Completes required orientation as directed by facility
• Follows facility, OSHA, and AST safety rules and procedures
• Respects cultural and religious practices of staff and patients
• Upholds HIPAA regulations
• Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities
• Punctual and dependent for assigned and confirmed shifts
• Always conducts self in a respectful and professional manner
• Attends regular staff meetings, in-services, training, and other work-related requirements
• Other duties as assigned or delegated

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Essential Competencies and Performance Expectations

Competencies required for the application of the Surgery Center's core values:

Conduct that encompasses all aspects of health and safety, resource stewardship, and professionalism. The individual should demonstrate competence in performing their duties and responsibilities related to the tasks, skills, and procedures rendered to the clients being served.

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Value-Based Behaviors

• Respect and Kindness: Polite, positive, respectful and kind attitude and behaviors
• Collaborative: Fully engaged team player
• Excellence: Performs duties competently and consistently pursues positive solutions when needed
• Honesty and Integrity: Honest, open to feedback, maintains professionalism
• Caring and Compassionate: Treats patient and staff with respect, compassion, and empathy

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Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, talk, or listen. The employee is frequently required to walk, use hands and fingers and reach forward with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Auditory abilities required by this job include the ability to discern sounds made by various types of machinery or equipment which would indicate dangerous or improper operation.

Position Requirements

• Materials or supply chain experience
• Perioperative experience preferred
• Current Health care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) preferred
• Current national certification as an SPD Technician, Certified Registered Central Service Technician or Surgical Instrument Processor, and relevant experience with sterilizing instruments which qualifies the candidate for the national certification exam or certified registration preferred
• One (1) year sterile processing experience preferred
• Knowledge of Materials Management practices, regulatory procedures, including all the processes of supply distribution, storage and PAR leveling
• Working knowledge in planning and organizing
• Thorough knowledge of surgical supplies, equipment, surgical supply chain, and policies and procedures including supply distribution and materials handling systems
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician preferred
• Advanced understanding pf microbiology and infection control standards.
• Ability to multi-task and work independently
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with internal and external customers
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) preferred
• Possesses aptitude for maintaining pace of facility and patient flow
• Must be able to read, speak, and write English fluently
• Must be able to provide proof of identity and the right to work in the United States

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Working Conditions

Materials and Sterile Processing Specialists spend a considerable amount of time walking, bending, stretching, and standing; they assist in patient transfers and must follow proper body mechanics to guard against injury. Materials and Sterile Processing Specialists may face hazards from exposure to chemicals and biological agents including, but not limited to body fluids and wastes such as urine, blood, sputum, etc.; they may be exposed to anesthetic gases, drugs, and radiation. The use of disinfecting and sterilizing agents may cause damage to skin and respiratory system.

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Physical Demands

• Ability to lift twenty-five (25) pounds. Moving, lifting, or transferring of patients, instruments, and equipment may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Fine motor skills
• Visual and auditory acuity