If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!
We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.
Manages activities for the sterile processing & distribution area in accordance with professional and MLH standards of practice. Responsible for decontamination, inspection, preparation, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution. Serves as primary liaison between SPD and the OR. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.
Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.
A Brief Overview
Manages activities for the sterile processing & distribution area in accordance with professional and MLH standards of practice. Responsible for decontamination, inspection, preparation, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution. Serves as primary liaison between SPD and the OR. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.
What you will do
- Plans, organizes, implements, and coordinates activities and technical services for sterile processing; monitors activities to ensure standards and objectives are being met; implements plans to keep operations moving smoothly.
- Serves as primary liaison between SPD and the OR to meet service needs and facilitate resolution of problems.
- Ensures instruments are processed, labeled, and stored correctly.
- Coordinates the preventative maintenance of equipment with Biomed.
- Manages relationships with vendors that supply products and services. Ensures that vendors meet or exceed their contractual obligations by delivering quality products and services on time.
- Responsible for department metrics related to compliance and standards in instrument and equipment processing turnover times.
- Plans and schedules work ensuring distribution of assignments and adequate staffing based on workload and productivity standards.
- Manages the activities of Associates; monitors Associates performance and clarifies work expectations, and assists with goal setting; promotes cooperation among individuals and groups.
- Develops and implements orientation, training and education to ensure that staff maintains competency-based knowledge and skills in sterile processing tasks. Provides orientation in policies and procedures regarding infection control, safety, attire, personal hygiene, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Develops and maintains training and procedure manuals for all aspects of sterile processing related to approved protocols. Validates, documents, and tracks training and associate competency.
- Assists in the preparation of the expense budgets for assigned area(s), monitors and authorizes expenditures within budget limits. Assists in the development and implementation of capital budget and plans to control costs and improve department operations.
- Maintains performance standards to include quality assessment/improvement programs. Integrates and applies pertinent aspects of performance improvement programs into professional practice.
- Ensures compliance with organizational, state, federal, and regulatory standards and protocols for Infection Control, OSHA, and exposure to blood-borne pathogens, and protective work practices.
- Performs periodic audits, investigates and resolves non-compliance issues.
- Works with Materials Manager to order instruments as needed for replacement or repair.
Education/Formal Training Requirements
- Required - Technical Degree or Diploma Sterile Processing
- Preferred - Associates Degree Nursing
- Preferred - Technical Degree or Diploma Surgical Technology
Work Experience Requirements
- Required - Sterile processing and/or surgical field 5-7 years
- Preferred - Supervisory or Management
Licenses and Certifications Requirements
- Required - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician - The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution
- Preferred - Certified Registered Central Service Technician - Healthcare Sterile Processing Association
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of standard procedures and methods used to decontaminate, clean, inspect, assemble, package, sterilize, store and distribute items and instrumentation within applicable Federal, State and other regulatory agencies.
- Detail oriented with excellent organizational and documentation skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and capable of communicating and coordinating with multiple constituents.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel).
- Ability to lead and motivate individuals and groups of people toward the accomplishment of work and organizational goals.
- Ability to understand and interpret regulations and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance.
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships, especially with physicians and OR leaders.
- Ability to plan and schedule tasks and projects and to maintain control of own and others’ work flow.
- Ability to work without close supervision or professional guidance and to exercise independent judgment.
Supervision Provided by this Position
- Provides direct supervision for Associates assigned to sterile processing and distribution.
Physical Demands
- The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
- Must have good balance and coordination.
- The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently.
- The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
- Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.
- Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.
- The Associate is subject to noise: there is sufficient noise to cause the Associate to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level.
Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.
Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.
