Sterile Processing Education Specialist - Swedish American

Pay Range: $22.20 - $32.19 / hour

Additional components of compensation may include:

• • Evening & night shift differential
  • Overtime
  • On-call pay

Benefits information: https://careers.uwhealth.org/benefits/

At UW Health in northern Illinois, you will have:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package including: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, retirement, short and long-term disability, paternity leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance

• Annual wellness reimbursement

• Opportunity for on-site day care through UW Health Kids

• Tuition reimbursement for career advancement--ask about our fully funded programs!

• Abundant career growth opportunities to nurture professional development

• Strong shared governance structure

• Commitment to employee voice

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sterile Processing Education Specialist is responsible for overseeing the education and certification for all Sterile Processing Technicians and Equipment Reprocessors at their respective location(s). The Sterile Processing Education Specialist will help ensure that standards of operation are in compliance with the standards set by all regulatory agencies.

Education activities include department orientation, initial training of sterile processing staff, certification training, ongoing education for recertification, mandatory UW Health training and vendor in-services.

The Sterile Processing Education Specialist requires wide-ranging knowledge of ever-changing instrumentation, equipment and techniques. An extensive Sterile Processing skill set is required for success in this position. The Sterile Processing Education Specialist is responsible for their continued education in the field of sterile processing operations and equipment through education, literature and seminars. The incumbent will provide instructions and/or in-services on new products, procedures and equipment to ensure the best possible support for our customers and the highest possible care for our patients.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Minimum:

High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

Post-secondary education

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

Minimum:

Certification by CBSPD as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician or HSPA as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician

Preferred:

N/A

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum:

2 years Sterile Reprocessing experience

Preferred:

5 years Sterile Processing, including experience as a trainer or educator

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

•

Demonstrate high degree of professionalism and service excellence.

•

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal as well as ability to present to both large and small groups.

•

Ability to effectively educate adult learners.

•

Ability to work in a self-directed environment with minimal supervision.

•

Basic knowledge of AAMI and AORN standards

•

Excellent organizational skills.

•

Ability to work independently, self-motivate and motivate others.

•

Ability to meet deadlines.

•

Ability to multi-task.

•

Working knowledge of software, including e-mail, word processing, database, spreadsheet and workforce education programs.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES:

•

Responsible for the effective and efficient education of the Sterile Processing staff at their respective location(s).

•

Ensure that the policies, procedures and practices comply with the standards established by all regulatory agencies.

•

Specific areas of educational oversight include: surgical instrumentation, outpatient instrumentation, patient care equipment, Respiratory Therapy equipment, etc.

•

May support any or all Operating Room service lines.

•

Educates on the cleaning, decontamination, inspection and assembly of a high variety of complex surgical instruments and instrument sets.

•

Educates on the operation of cleaning, disinfection and sterilization equipment.

•

Maintains knowledge of Sterile Processing standards, techniques, instrumentation and equipment through participation in professional organizations and attendance at relevant continuing education programs and conferences.

•

Assists in establishing and updating standards of supplies, chemicals and materials used in the area of responsibility.

•

Develops professional and ethical relationships with staff, customers and vendors through communication and collaboration.

•

Interacts closely with the Surgical Services, Infection Control, Risk Management and Safety departments to identify and mitigate potential patient safety issues.

•

May assist with development of departmental Operational and Capital budgets.

•

Assists in the implementation of new technologies that are used in the Sterile Processing area, as well as new instrumentation used for many types of surgical procedures.

•

Maintains records in their area of responsibility to keep abreast of performance and achievement of departmental goals.

•

Follows-up on recalls if any items do not meet the standards for sterilization. This includes: verifying that autoclave cycles are complete; previewing the findings of microbiological spore tests with infectious disease staff; notifying all using departments of possible contamination of the items on the affected load; maintains appropriate documentation of actions taken to comply with regulatory agencies.

•

Ensures the database of the instrument tracking system (ex. T-Doc) is maintained and accurate.

•

Initiates and develops programs that incorporate continuous improvement. Reviews processes, identifies opportunities for improvement and affects change.

•

May assist management with the following items: oversee daily tasks, conduct huddles, interviewing, help staff work through issues, assist OR management and employees, equipment maintenance issues, etc.

•

Responsible for acting quickly, accurately and with a high level of expertise to address complex special projects which present themselves on a regular basis. Must organize human resources, prioritize job functions and establish necessary controls, based on the requirements of the project. Requires close contact and continued cooperation with customers, along with significant systems maintenance.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

UW Health is committed to being a diverse, inclusive and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Our integrity shines through in patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. Applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, LGBTQ+ and non-binary identities, women, persons with disabilities, military service members and veterans are strongly encouraged. EOE, including disability/veterans.

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