Sterile Processing Supervisor

Major Responsibilities

• Coordinates the daily scheduling of staff and arranges for coverage as indicated, filling in the gaps where necessary; maintains daily and monthly schedules, along with PTO approval.
• Schedules and leads departmental huddles/meetings; develops the agenda and distributes all minutes to SPD staff/OR management; ensures that all staff adhere to the Behaviors of Excellence.
• Monitors daily Adapt results to meet productivity requirements of the department, ensuring staff accuracy and timeliness of assigned tasks.
• Recognizes and encourages staff involvement in departmental committees; interacts with OR management, physicians, and service line team leaders to facilitate process improvement initiatives.
• Performs data collection, determines projects, analyzes trends, and presents action plans to management; identifies opportunities for improvement and leads or participates in team efforts to improve work processes, delegating resources as needed.
• Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating in safety initiatives; follows and monitors appropriate safety and infection control measures for equipment, instruments, and the general working environment; promptly acts on any reports of safety issues within the area.
• Takes a leadership role in patient satisfaction initiatives; serves as a role model for meeting the needs and expectations of patients, associates, and physicians while upholding all policies and procedures of Advocate Health Care/Advocate Sherman Hospital.

• Provides appropriate staffing levels as indicated by case load and department needs, following the staffing plan.
• Assigns staff to work areas according to skill levels and department needs; staffs as needed in the event of illness or absence.
• Maintains the flow of work within the Sterile Processing Department.
• Assigns and monitors break/meal schedules.
• Assures timeliness of instrument processing, turnaround, and case cart assembly.
• Initiates and reinforces positive interdepartmental communications to insure quality outcomes for patient care.
• Monitors and assists with turnover time activities.
• Works with SPD lead/educator to ensure inventory; maintains and updates equipment and case carts.
• Works in the clinical area.

• Supervises associates, including interviewing, participating in hiring decisions, assessing and improving clinical competency, evaluating, and counseling.
• Responsible for the discipline of employees with the assistance and approval of the SPD Manager.
• Maintains current and accurate records on each SPD associate.
• Works with SPD Lead/educator to ensure that all associates are fully competent; aids in annual development plans and identifies areas where staff need to grow their skills to meet Key Result Area goals and patient safety; helps complete annual competency assessments in a timely manner and supports professional development plans.

• Responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures relative to the department along with the SPD Manager.
• Participates in the development of annual operational goals and budgets for the department; works with the SPD Manager to implement strategies to meet goals and budget targets outlined in the plans.

High School diploma; 3 to 4 years of Sterile Processing experience and/or Surgical Technician; 3 years of lead/coordinator experience.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to delegate assignments efficiently.
• Proficient computer skills including reports.
• Must be able to make prompt and effective decisions.
• Ability to instruct/teach others.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment.
• Ability to work with diverse staff.
• Ability to act in a lead capacity.
• Experience in operating sterilizer and monitoring equipment.

• Frequent contact with blood and body fluids; TB testing yearly;
  Hepatitis testing at hire; ability to respond quickly to emergency situations with full motor function; strength and dexterity to handle sterilization equipment and supplies; ability to physically respond to fire, trauma, and disaster; flexibility of work hours to meet the needs of the department; may be exposed to hazardous materials; heavy lifting (approximately 40-50 lbs).

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.