Sterile Processing Coordinator

Overview

Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. At Houston Methodist, the Sterile Processing Coordinator position will oversee and coordinate the activities of the Sterile Processing department and service line, including ensuring new employees are properly oriented and trained, monitoring workflow and volume of work, and reviewing and maintaining department supply needs. This position is responsible for the monthly schedule and daily shift assignments, staff performance evaluation feedback to the appropriate manager, and assists in the development of the departmental budget.

This role coordinates daily activities and personnel involved with decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, reprocessing and sterilization of instrumentation and assembly of case carts for the unit. The Sterile Processing Coordinator maintains consistent workflow between the Operating Room (OR) and Sterile Processing and assists the Manager in meeting all regulatory requirements for the unit related to these activities.

Non-exempt

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

• Six years of Sterile Processing experience in an acute care hospital

• Sterile Processing certification: CSCST or CSPDT
• Instrument Specialist certification: CIS or CSIS

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary to perform essential functions, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers with a customer service focus
• Advanced knowledge of infection control, decontamination, and sterilization techniques
• Knowledge and ability to operate, troubleshoot, and train staff on all departmental equipment including sterilizers, washers, ultrasonic washers, and cart washers
• Independently demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job
• Proficiency in basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office and electronic instrument tracking systems, if applicable
• Uses all departmental equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions for use and departmental policies and protocols
• Demonstrates proper phone etiquette when responding to inquiries to the department
• Completes departmental and institutional competencies within established required timelines
• Maintains patient and family privacy

• Coordinates and assigns, based on the acuity level of the Technician, processing services that are efficiently organized. Ensures instruments and supplies are decontaminated and reprocessed in a timely manner. Serves as the primary resource for staff in all areas of service the department performs.
• Serves as a role model and mentor, facilitating teamwork with OR staff to provide timely sterile products, trays, and case carts where applicable. Maintains consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing.
• Communicates effectively with all interprofessional health care team members, listens and responds to ideas of others. Coaches staff in verbal, non-verbal and written communication. Initiates recommendations, collaborating with management, for improvement of employee engagement score.

• Coordinates the daily interface between sterile processing, surgery, and materials management as well as other departments within and outside of Houston Methodist to ensure supplies and instruments are available as needed for service lines. Partners with SP Liaison to prepare items in advance for the following day’s OR needs.
• Anticipates needs by ensuring that all supplies or instrumentation not routinely available within the department are obtained and ready prior to scheduled surgery cases.
• Plans and monitors staffing levels to ensure appropriate staffing at all times to provide excellent service. Regulates scheduling and department staff assignments based on the needs of the department. Provides daily reporting to management of needs, issues to be addressed, and all important information necessary to ensure department success.

• Serves as the primary quality assurance resource for the department through periodic set audits. Reviews and revises policies and procedures reflecting industry standards and recommended practices for sterile processing. Ensures department performance follows Houston Methodist policies and procedures and guidelines from pertinent regulatory agencies.
• Continuously assures effectiveness of the sterilization process using internal, external and biological monitoring systems appropriately,…