Sterile Processing Staff Education Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for overseeing the training of new employees, continuous assessment and continuing education of staff skills in the decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and storage of surgical instrumentation.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED with five years' experience in Sterile Processing or completion of an accredited Sterile Processing certificate program with three years' experience in Sterile Processing.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION

Certification as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), or Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), or other sterile processing certification required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Oversees orientation and training of all new employees and continuing education for all employees.
2. Demonstrates expert skill and knowledge in central sterile processing, incorporating developmental, cultural and ethical considerations. Acts as a resource for staff members.
3. Provides education to staff on regulatory standards and compliance, current clinical practice issues, and safety standards.
4. Maintains and updates all orientation manuals and skills checklists.
5. Creates individualized training plan for all new employees. Conducts weekly assessments of new employees and adjusts orientation training schedule as needed.
6. Assesses competency of preceptors to ensure they have the knowledge and skill to assist with orientation of new employees.
7. Provides re-education to employees as performance issues arise.
8. Coordinates in-service schedule for new instruments, continuing education, etc.
9. Maintains the in-service records and ensures that all staff receive the necessary information.
10. Adjusts schedule to work with all employees on all shifts to ensure training needs are met and supported. Demonstrates ability to work pre-arranged weekend, night, and evening hours.
11. Communicates with SPD Manager regarding any educational needs or issues.
12. Liaisons with OR Clinical Education Resource Team and assists with OR staff education as needed.
13. Protects self, co-workers and facility by following approved policies and procedures to prevent the spread of bloodborne and/or airborne disease(s)

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent oral and written communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Demonstrates ability to assess the need for, plan, implement and evaluate high-quality, cost-effective educational programs for staff. Ability to operate equipment such as the steam sterilizer, low temperature sterilizers, ultrasonic washers, and washer decontaminators

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Exposure to hazards associated with bodily fluids and tissue Regular exposure to the risk of blood borne diseases Exposure to chemical agents used in cleaning Exposure to hazards of steam and heat, may be subject to burns Loud stressful environment due to equipment and high demands Subject to varying and unpredictable situations Subject to many interruptions Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries

Our Commitment to You

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits and more
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs

Educational Assistance Program

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.