Sterile Processing Instrument Coordinator

Using UMMC guidelines assures, via active inventory management, that all needs for the processing and sterilization of surgical instrumentation is managed daily on behalf of perioperative services with supervision by assigned Perioperative CSP Director or designee. In addition to providing direct operational supervision, this position serves as a liaison between perioperative service staff members and physicians to assist in the management of instrument/tray acquisition and promote adherence to established policies and procedures as they relate to sterilization practices.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be constructed as an exhausted list of all job duties performed by personnel as classified.

1. In coordination with the assigned Perioperative Services Manager, monitors and ensures daily operational compliance with the standards governing sterile processing activities from such agencies as Joint Commission, OSHA, AORN, federal, state, and local ordinances.
   • Assists in the incorporation of standards into a comprehensive CSP developmental quality assurance program.
   • Assists CSP Educator in monitoring of department staff training and orientation for all instrumentation and set assembly. Ensures all staff are knowledgeable as to applicable standards, procedures and safety requirements.
2. May provide direct clinical supervision of activities performed by Sterile Processing Staff.
3. Communicates with the Perioperative Management Team, Service Line Coordinators, physicians and staff members to ensure that needs identified are budgeted, purchased, accounted for within inventory and placed into proper sets.
4. In coordination with the Perioperative Management Team, assists with the maintenance, inventory, and implementation of newly acquired and existing instrument trays/sets, instruments, and supplies. Collaboratively works with the appropriate perioperative staff to maintain accurate instrument count sheets and make revisions as necessary.
5. Ensures that the policies and procedures as they relate to decontamination, disinfection and sterilization of instruments are maintained appropriately and are consistent with the standard of care. Assists with the collection of quality control indicators as it relates to perioperative customer services, staff productivity, and infection control.
6. Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with perioperative staff and physicians.
7. Assists with and/or coordinates educational programs designed for the development and implementation of newly acquired instrumentation and sterilization processes. Acts as a vital resource link between the sterile processing and perioperative staff to enhance communication regarding new practices, programs and sterile processing issues.
8. Provides input for clinical product evaluations with regard to benefit versus cost.
9. May provide input and assist department Management with employee performance evaluations.
10. Assists CSP Educator with the ongoing education of new and existing sterile processing staff via staff meetings, in-services and orientation in collaboration with department Management.
11. Maintains current knowledge and awareness in the field of surgical instrumentation and processing services by participating in educational and informational programs.
12. Assists with and offers support for future processing services from all corporate entities, including incorporation of implants, endoscopes, and case cart programs.
13. Supports all corporate entities as a vital clinical resource regarding sterile processing services.
14. Performs sterile processing activities during periods of staffing shortages as required.