CSP Tech III-Central Sterile Processing; 80 Hrs; Days

The MetroHealth System, Cuyahoga County's public health system, and its staff of nearly 8,000 provides care at MetroHealth's four hospitals, four emergency departments and more than 20 health centers and 40 additional sites throughout Cuyahoga County. The health system is home to Cuyahoga County's most experienced Level I Adult Trauma Center, verified since 1992, and Ohio's only adult and pediatric trauma and burn center. As an academic medical center, MetroHealth is committed to teaching and research. Each active staff physician holds a faculty appointment at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Our main campus hospital houses a Cleveland Metropolitan School District high school of science and health. The MetroHealth System is committed to creating a healthier community.

S ummary:

Responsible for the decontamination, preparation, packaging, sterilization and storage of all surgical instrumentation including specialty instrumentation requiring intricate assembly and special care. Functions as liaison to the hospital staff, especially the operating room and labor and delivery room concerning the care and use of instruments and supplies. Operates instrument washer and all sterilization equipment in reprocessing instrumentation required for same day use. Performs daily sterilizer testing and maintains sterilizer logs and supplies. Upholds the mission, vision, values, and customer service standards of The MetroHealth System.

Responsibilities:

1. Decontaminates, prepares, packages, and ensures proper storage of all surgical instrumentation and reusable supplies with special consideration to open heart, orthopedic, neurosurgery, microsurgery, endoscopy, consignment, and all special care instrumentation by:
a. Disassembling and cleaning surgical instrumentation and supplies according to manufacturers' directions and/or hospital protocol and/or hospital protocol.
b. Inspecting surgical instrumentation during tray assembly to ensure proper functioning and cleanliness. Replacing malfunctioning instruments as appropriate and alerting supervisor to repair and replacement needs.
c. Accurately identifying, assembling, and wrapping all surgical instrumentation according to instrument count or assembly sheets.
d. Ensuring accurate accounting of instrument set contents and recording initial number of instruments present on instrument count sheet.
e. Processing instrumentation by priority of need in accordance with case scheduling.
f. Checking all consignment instrumentation against an inventory checklist or directly with instrument representative to ensure all instrumentation sets are complete. Processing per manufacturer's direction for case readiness.
g. Complying with the highest standard for sterile processing as defined by; Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).

2. Demonstrates competence in sterilization processes and handling of sterile supplies by:
a. Operating, monitoring, and documenting as appropriate and according to manufacturer's recommendation:
i. Washer/Disinfector
ii. Steam Sterilizer
iii. Ultrasonic cleaner
iv. Cart washers
v. Heat sealers
vi. Steris System 1
vii. MII Sterilizer
viii. Medivator
b. Flash sterilizing as directed, processing implants per established procedures, and performing biologic testing where indicated.
c. Performing and documenting daily diagnostics, Bowie-Dick vacuum, leak tests, and biological testing.
d. Performing initial gross decontamination and pre-cleaning of endoscopes and instruments prior to sterilization, in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines.
e. Handling sterile supplies according to established standards to maintain sterility.
f. Packaging items as per manufacturer and sterilizer manufacturer guidelines.
g. Checking integrity of sterile packs/packaging and instruments before shelving, placing on case cart, or delivering to appropriate procedure area/room.
h. Checking supply outdates prior to placement on case cart and as assigned.
i. Following policies and procedures for department.

3. Observes CSPD dress code with special attention to personal protective equipment to ensure worker safety when handling soiled equipment, supplies, and instrumentation.

4. Maintains work area in a clean and orderly manner by storing supplies in their proper place and following cleaning schedule as determined by supervision.

5. Responsible for stocking, cleaning, and delivering of supplies and equipment to assigned areas by:
a. Demonstrating ability to use computer-generated pick sheets/knowledge of procedure if applicable.
b. Completing case carts using the pick sheet to gather supplies and instruments trays to complete carts for the designated OR case.
c. Obtaining requested supplies from Central Sterile Processing Department delivery point and delivering items to requesting operating room.
d. Stocking warmers with sterile solutions.
e. Stocking sub-sterile areas with peel packs and instrumentation received from CSPD.
f. Maintaining daily refrigerator logs, cleaning and defrosting refrigerator no less than monthly.
g. Returning unused items to the proper locations.
h. Scanning of trays and locating instruments accordingly.
i. Rotating stock to ensure first in, first out, pulling any items with manufacturer's expiration date of defects in packaging for return as determined by supervision.

6. Facilitates operating room turnover by transporting case cart and instruments to appropriate areas for reprocessing or disposal.

7. Acts as liaison and resource to operating room personnel concerning care and use of instrumentation by:
a. Reviewing cases in assigned areas and consults with Registered Nurses for setting priorities.
b. Transporting equipment and case carts to designated operating rooms.
c. Obtaining necessary equipment, sterile supplies, and patient positioning aids.
d. Assisting in the testing of equipment prior to the case.
e. Obtaining additional supplies and/or equipment as needed.
f. Delivering blood products, lab specimens, and performs other tasks as requested.
g. Returning equipment no longer in use to appropriate storage areas.

8. Demonstrates accountability and contributes to a positive work environment by:
a. Working collaboratively with all members of the health care team.
b. Accepting assignments willingly.
c. Participating in unit, hospital, community, and professional educational activities.
d. Attending staff meetings.
e. Attending appropriate in-service programs.
f. Following hospital policies and procedures.
g. Contributing to cost containment through effective use of time and resource.
h. Communicates with co-workers, supervisors, and manager to contribute to a harmonious work environment.

9. Identifies and promptly reports quality issues including malfunctioning equipment and supplies.

10. Displays sensitivity to and understanding of various cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Qualifications:

Other information:
Required:
High school diploma or passage of a high school equivalency exam.
Two years of Central Service Processing hospital experience, including one year of experience in surgical instrument set assembly.
Current certification - Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
Good communication skills and phone etiquette.
Knowledgeable in medical terminology as it relates to surgical instrumentation.
Ability to work independently and self-guided with a strong attention to detail.
Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Preferred:
Basic PC skills.
Experience with instrument tracking system.

Physical Requirements:
May sit, stand, stoop, bend, and ambulate intermittently during the day.
May need to sit or stand for extended periods.
See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Ability to push/pull 350 pounds.
Ability to lift 35 pounds.
Requires some exposure to communicable diseases or body fluids.
Requires some exposure to chemicals.