Sterile Processing Educator

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.
 

The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Educator is responsible for the educational direction for SPD and reports directly to the SPD Management team. The SPD Educator provides support, as directed, for operational and clinical direction for SPD as well as other clinical areas that utilize reusable medical equipment (RME). Also responsible for quality management, reprocessing activities pertaining to training, competency assessment, development of standard operating procedures based on equipment manufactures' instructions and aid in succession planning for all areas of SPD reprocessing. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in The 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
The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Educator is responsible for the educational direction for SPD and reports directly to the SPD Management team. The SPD Educator provides support, as directed, for operational and clinical direction for SPD as well as other clinical areas that utilize reusable medical equipment (RME). Also responsible for quality management, reprocessing activities pertaining to training, competency assessment, development of standard operating procedures based on equipment manufactures' instructions and aid in succession planning for all areas of SPD reprocessing. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in The MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

What you will do

• Develops and implements a comprehensive orientation and education program for SPD staff.
• Plans and implements standardized learning activities to meet the needs of SPD staff.
• Works collaboratively with Infection Control and Risk Management to ensure patient care is delivered in a safe, effective, timely and efficient manner.
• Serves as a role model/change agent to promote professional and technical development of Associates.
• Maintains and ensures adherence to the sterile field by applying principles of aseptic techniques.
• Performs other job functions as assigned or requested.

Education/Formal Training Requirements

• Required - Technical Degree or Diploma Sterile Processing
• Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Allied Health
• Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Nursing
• Preferred - High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Preferred - Technical Degree or Diploma Surgical Technology

Work Experience Requirements

• Required - Sterile processing and/or surgical field 3-5 years
• Preferred - Teaching

Licenses and Certifications Requirements

• Required - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician - The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution
• Preferred - Registered Nurse Arkansas - Arkansas State Board of Nursing
• Preferred - Registered Nurse Tennessee - Tennessee Board of Nursing
• Preferred - Certified Registered Central Service Technician - Healthcare Sterile Processing Association
• Preferred - Registered Nurse Mississippi - Mississippi Board of Nursing

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have extensive knowledge of methods, skills, and procedures in sterile processing, assembling and packaging of surgical instruments and supplies. Must be knowledgeable in surgical instrumentation and procedures.
• Must be knowledgeable in sterilization monitoring, record keeping, and quality assurance protocols.
• Knowledge of principles of quality and performance management, patient safety and evaluation techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment on decision making in resolving new or unusual problems related to the general or technical aspects of the job.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to function with little supervision, delegate work to others, and take initiative to resolve issues.
• Demonstrates leadership in improving and sustaining the quality and effectiveness of care.
• Ability to communicate promptly, clearly and accurately in both written and oral form.
• Ability to organize tasks and maintain control of work flow.
• Strong communication skills including excellent verbal, written and presentation abilities with experience in conveying complex information to management.
• Demonstrated capability in facilitating a collaborative approach to compliance with regulatory standards.
• Ability to consult and negotiate in situations that are controversial and/or sensitive that result in mutual decisions. Ability to exercise discretion in what and how to communicate.
• Ability to read and interpret complex statutes and regulations and apply knowledge to manage compliance risk exposure.

Supervision Provided by this Position

• There are no supervisory or lead responsibilities assigned to this position.

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.
• Frequent invasive and non-invasive patient contact.
• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.
• Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.
• Frequent travel outside hospital.

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.