Job Description
Full Time (80 Hours/Biweekly)
Shift: Days
General Summary
Works with the director to develop an audit tool for (but not limited to) the following areas: sterile processing or medical device reprocessing, operating rooms and anesthesia, radiology, diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, cardiac cath. lab, endoscopy, respiratory therapy, emergency department, labor & delivery, long term care facilities, outside clinics and medical groups. Contacts include the following: Administrative directors, perioperative staff and managers, central sterile processing staff and managers, housekeeping staff and managers, medical equipment reprocessors, technical staff, nurse managers, staff nurses, physicians, surgical technicians, sales representatives, instrument /equipment vendors and hospital personnel.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Demonstrates advanced competency to audit all areas of medical equipment reprocessing to determine if standards and guidelines are met. Identify deficiencies, develop an action plan to address and implement the necessary changes to ensure that the appropriate people are performing best-practice expectations. Leadership ability to make decisions independently and works collaboratively with others as a team.
- Develops and sustains an on-going quality assurance program to ensure high standards of accuracy and good documentation practices for instruments, medical equipment, endoscope reprocessing, sterilization and high level disinfection.
- Observes, analyzes and assists in training for end users to remain in compliance with instructions for use in cleaning patient care equipment, in sterile surgical and non-surgical departments. Maintains a safe working environment that is consistent with OSHA, CDC, FDA, AAMI and infection control recommendations. Communicates with departments served for proper maintenance of data needed for instrument assembly.
- The Medical Equipment Auditor’s competency level is that of a subject-matter expert in decontamination principles, instrument inspection/assembly, sterilization, and disinfection of clinical equipment.
- Performs daily audits at patient care areas by conducting site visits, observing reprocessing practices, analyzing policies and procedures used for cleaning, sterilizing and disinfection of equipment.
- Audits quality assurance checks on all records for tracking device reprocessing and environmental controls for reprocessing. Performs rounding checks to storage, clean, and soiled utility areas in order to ensure safe environment for reprocessing, storing and transporting of equipment.
- Supports the continuous improvement of quality and service to ensure the goal of excellence in clinical outcomes and customer satisfaction for infection control throughout the health system.
- Demonstrates leadership and collaborative management skills utilizing effective verbal and written communication skills. This includes documentation, communication and/or presentation.
- Works in conjunction with practice managers (or designees) to assist with medical equipment reprocessing competencies and formal in-service education and training and orientation programs for new and current employees.
- Maintains the Biological Monitoring Records of instrument processing and Immediate Use Sterilizers used in the perioperative setting.
- Identifies and implements cost containment initiatives in collaboration with CSP Manager.
- Required to audit all WellSpan facilities as needed.
Common Expectations:
- Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards set forth by applicable regulatory agencies.
- Provide outstanding service to all customers; foster teamwork; maintain ownership and professional accountability for all duties within the responsibility of the position.
- Exemplifies excellent communication skills towards physicians, patients, families, staff, visitors, co-workers while present within the various departments. Must always exhibit courtesy, compassion, respect and patient privacy throughout WellSpan. Contributes to teamwork and harmonious working relationships.
Qualifications
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED Required
Work Experience:
- 3 years Experience in central sterile processing and or medical equipment reprocessing at the lead technician level or above. Required
Driver's License Statement:
Must possess a valid driver's license in the current state of residence. Driving record must meet requirements established by WellSpan Risk Management.
Courses and Training:
- IAHCSMM or CBSPD certification (for sterile processing background). Upon Hire Preferred and
- Certification or equivalent experience in medical equipment reprocessing (such as mobile patient care equipment). Upon Hire Preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Thorough knowledge of regulatory standards pertaining to medical equipment reprocessing preferred.
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, leadership and computer skills required.
- Highly developed analytical decision making abilities.
- Capable of effectively encouraging staff to maintain compliance while minimizing disruptions within the work flow of facilities (where appropriate).
- Able to read and interpret instructions for use (IFUs) for cleaning, high-level disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment and accessories.
- Have the integrity to communicate the need for a “cease and desist” directive, when appropriate, in order to prevent reprocessing risks to the patient. Active involvement in appropriate professional organizations.
- Understanding of the departmental standards for governmental and accrediting agencies including but not limited to JCAHO, DOH and HIPPA regarding effective operation of the department/facility.
Benefits Offered:
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WellSpan Health’s vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region’s largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 3,000 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest.
