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Sutter Health Sterile Processing Tech in Vallejo, California

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

SSMC-Sutter Solano Medical Center

Position Overview:

The Central Processing Technician (lead) supplies the hospital with sterilized supplies and equipment as required by Infection Control standards for quality patient care. The Central Processing Technician begins the infection control process by decontaminating, inspecting, and organizing instruments and equipment for sterilization. Monitors biological testing to maintain infection control.

The lead must be able to train, monitor, schedule and organize department processes, customer service, and quality activities.

Job Description :

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

In addition to the key accountabilities listed, employees working in this position are expected to accept and perform other duties as requested. All employees are responsible for integrating security practices in daily work by appropriately using and safeguarding SH IS resources in compliance with SH policies and procedures.

Wipe all exposed counters, shelves and dumb waiter with germicidal cleaner according to hospital protocol.

Exchange patient charge cards: CCU, 3rd Floor, and 4th Floor

Validation for Steam Sterilization Parameters: The following indicators, charts and test are used to determine that sterilization has taken place and for biological monitoring of the autoclaves. (Bowie-Dick Test, Chemical indicator strips, load record card for steam and attest record):

a. Bowie Dick: Run Bowie Dick test on both steam sterilizers (provides a daily operational check for mechanical air removal in steam sterilizers/ high vacuum).

b. Biological Indicator (BI): Run a biological indicator on both steam sterilizers on every first load and with implantable instruments according to protocol. All results are recorded per manufacture recommendations. Positive reading should be reported to Surgical Services Manager, Surgery Charge Nurse for follow up and entry into the QAR process and reporting to the Risk Manager. The OB Manager and ER Manager may need to be contacted for identification of processed instrumentation that needs to be retrieved and/or identification of patients for whom instrumentation was used.

c. Paper Strip: Assure that the autoclave and sterilizer printers are functioning, have paper and are providing complete information for run cycles. Report malfunction to BioMed for immediate attention, take unit offline and report incident to manager for entry into the QAR process.

Clean steam sterilizer once a week. Clean Sterrad sterilizer daily. Finish processing instruments left from the previous shift. Prioritize the provision of instrumentation based on the most immediate need, as determined by the surgery schedule, actual remaining shelf PAR level and communication with department charge nurses. Deliver O.B. instruments (C-Section tray, PPTL, Circ tray, umbilical cath tray, basins, and some single instruments).

Validation for Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization Parameters: The following indicators, charts and test are used to determine that sterilization has taken place and for biological monitoring of the autoclaves:

a. Biological Indicator: Run Biological Indicator for Sterrad Sterilization on every first load (BI incubation time - 48hrs.) All results are recorded per manufacture recommendations. Positive reading should be reported to Surgical Services Manager, Surgery Charge Nurse for follow up and entry into QAR process. The OB Manager and ER Manager may need to be contacted for identification of processed instrumentation that needs to be retrieved and/or identification of patients for whom instrumentation was used.

Gather soiled/used equipment/instruments from nursing units and decontaminate items according to policy. Check the utility rooms throughout the hospital at the beginning and end of the shift. Return decontaminated/re-processed items to nursing units as needed:

Pick up and process instruments and equipment: SCD, foot pump, bed pump, PCA pump, feeding pump, ice machine, K-thermia machine, K-pad machine, Gemstar machine, Hotline/level one fluid warmer machine, wound-vac machine, IV pump machine, and suction gauge.

Set up and take down bed traction: CCU, 3rd Floor, and 4th Floor

Assemble instruments from ER, Labor and Delivery, and Surgery into trays as specified by procedure lists.

Sterilize and return instruments to ER, Labor and Delivery, and Surgery (includes sterilization specific wrapping techniques for trays, and for individually wrapped/pouch instruments).

Assure instruments and equipment are stored in an orderly fashion and that the integrity of sterility is not compromised.

Wipe down surgery transfer cart with germicidal cleaner after transporting from surgery to CPD and unloading.

Exchange adult crash carts and check for outdates quarterly.

Stock and clean Urology cart. Maintain the cart with urologists preferred levels of stock.

Replenish house-sterilized items (following manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for sterilization of bulk items for sole use in house) – ace bandages, rondics sponges, cotton balls, Q tips, rubber bands, baby blankets PAR level.

Turn off lights and lock up department at the end of the shift.

AIDET, 10/5 rule, Service Excellence and 4-components of answering the telephone should be followed. Agreement to practice and signature on Hospital Standards of Conduct and Standards of Behavior statement/booklet.

Give staff-specific input in cooperation with department manager for annual performance review; Provide manager with feedback regarding staff performance and/or behavior; generate the daily (weekdays and weekends) staffing schedules for Central Processing and Surgical Decontamination staff, taking into consideration budget; Manage holiday scheduling, schedule PTO calendars and post in accordance with union and hospital requirements; Track time and attendance using hospital logs and Kronos. This position is the designated Kronos time keeper for the department; Maintain sterilization logs for accuracy and discrepancy resolution; Provide recommendations for improvement.

Provide sterilization data to Surgical Services Administrative Assistant for general hospital PI and ICC reporting purposes.

Recommends new policies and procedures and/or changes to existing policies and procedures. Recommendations should be based on standards of practice, findings from root cause analyses, and published changes of industry practice as presented by literature search or national organization guidelines, regulatory changes, and the Hospital Infection Control Committee.

Coordinates, in conjunction with the Manager of Surgical Services and with other departments of the hospital, with regard to the provision of CPD services, cost control initiatives and ad hoc issues.

In conjunction with the Surgical Services Manager, the Lead CPD Technician sets the day to day work plan for Central Services Technicians throughout the hospital including the work of the Instrument Technicians in Decontamination, by rounding and communicating with charge nurses, and assessing the surgery schedule. Issues related to daily operation, staff training, staff scheduling, and staff evaluation are done with the oversight of the Surgical Services Manager; oversees preparation and processing of items according to C/S procedure and in compliance with JCAHO; establishes, coordinates, and reviews equipment inventory levels on units for appropriate levels; resource to other departments and personnel regarding information pertinent to C/S policy and procedures; participates with interviews and the hiring process; coordinates and plans the training for newly hired personnel and student externship for schools the hospital is contracted with through the Education Department.

Inputs patient charges accurately and completely through remote charge entry as needed, and orders through the Lawson System. This process includes the ability to add, delete, change products through Lawson in conjunction with the Materials Manager supervision; access to the patient charge system for product identification and is available to the Materials Manager in that capacity for related projects; is able to assist with the end of the month charges (total charges for each unit/submit to sacs C/S transfer slips) as needed by the Materials Manager; collects and reports various data to support departments: total items processed/no. of sterilized instruments from all nursing units to finance, numbers of sterilizations to quality for reporting at committees, etc.; arranges and facilitates the monthly department meeting in cooperation with the Surgical Services Manager; implements Studer practices such as rounding with purpose twice a week, making recommendations to the surgical services manager for thank you cards and other forms of recognition for high performers; assures that staff attend all of the required in-services, patient safety meetings and other hospital-wide meetings, as well as individually completing required Health Stream modules, certifications, annual health screenings; meets with the surgical services manager regularly for a report of current operations, providing recommendations for change and/or improvements as needed.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Ability to lead others; knowledge of customer service principles. Time management and problem solving. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Must be able to handle multiple requests and prioritize, and perform in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to direct others and manage the workflow. Strong interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated knowledge of infection control guidelines/procedures. Familiar with AMI standards. Certification in sterile processing required.

Some coursework in supervisory skills preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Collective bargaining agreements and human resources practices/policies. At least six months of experience in the last three years in a full service Central Processing/Service. At least one year’s current experience in a lead and/or supervisory capacity with an acute care facility.

EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED required.

LICENSURES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Completion of CS technician training course with certification of completion required .

Job Shift:

Varied

Schedule:

Per Diem/Casual

Shift Hours:

8

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

One Weekend Shift a month

Benefits:

No

Unions:

Yes

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

0

Employee Status:

Per Diem/Casual

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $32.10 to $36.75 / hour

The salary range for this role may vary above or below the posted range as determined by location. This range has not been adjusted for any specific geographic differential applicable by area where the position may be filled. Compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Base pay is just one piece of the total rewards program offered by Sutter Health. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.

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