Under general direction, performs management work of average difficulty to plan, organize, coordinate, staff and direct the programs and operations of the Sterile Processing Department at San Joaquin General Hospital; oversees the cleaning, sterilizing and processing of surgical instruments, trays, the surgical case cart system, linen packs and other sterile reprocessed items in the hospital and various outlying patient care areas; oversees Sterile Processing functions including the cleaning and processing of hospital equipment and instrumentation, and the receipt and distribution of implantable items; and performs related work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a hospital department manager class. The incumbent is fully responsible for managing and supervising day-to-day sterile processing activities while working closely with operating room staff, Nursing Administration, other hospital managers, and outside vendors to develop and implement policies/procedures, ensure quality services, and maintain required standards. General direction is received from a senior manager.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Plans, organizes, coordinates, staffs and directs the administrative and technical work of the Sterile Processing Department; develops workload and productivity standards; ensures that departmental work is performed in a manner that appropriately serves clients and maintains positive guest relations.
Develops, interprets, and implements departmental goals, policies and procedures to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental facilities, services and personnel; oversees the preparation and maintenance of department policy and procedure manuals.
Develops, oversees and supervises departmental infection control, quality control and quality improvement programs and staff; ensures their compliance with State, The Joint Commission (TJC) and other regulations; monitors work in progress as well as completed work to ensure process and service quality; develops and authorizes action plans when needed for improvement; responds to complaints and seeks appropriate remedies.
Confers with Hospital managers, directors, and others regarding departmental activities; responds to and resolves service issues; identifies opportunities for service expansion and/or improvement.
Assists physicians, managers and others with meeting equipment/supply needs; researches and locates special products needed for unusual situations; communicates and coordinates with outside vendors and others to analyze the cost/benefit of purchasing or borrowing products or equipment; helps surgical and other staff evaluate new procedures; ensures that Food and Drug Administration and other product approvals are in place; trains staff on product use as necessary; establishes and maintains procedures for stock rotation and inventory control.
Assists in the preparation of the departmental budget; monitors, evaluates and authorizes expenditures; assists in the procurement of surgical equipment, tools, implements, supplies and services; monitors department expenditures; plans and estimates future department costs including capital expenditures; justifies requests for equipment and personnel.
Ensures appropriate departmental staffing; selects, assigns, trains, directs and evaluates subordinate staff; takes appropriate action on disciplinary matters; verifies and monitors staff proficiency; identifies staff development needs and oversees training and education activities as required.
Collaborates with perioperative educator to develop and maintain competencies for staff as well as new hire training programs and student externship experiences. Ensure that training, documentation and competencies meet the requirements for accreditation agencies.
Manages, and is accountable for, the replenishment, distribution and maintenance of sterile processing equipment and supplies; ensures proper equipment function as well as timely and preventative maintenance of equipment; establishes maintenance and replacement schedules; monitors and assures the proper use of chemicals and personal safety equipment; develops accident prevention, emergency and disaster plans; may recommend facility improvements or assist with planning new facility construction.
Collaborates with distribution on supply inventory and replenishment needs for surgical supplies and implants. Maintains adequate supply of products and collaborates with Materials Management on recalls, outdates, back orders, and substitutes.
Ensures effective and appropriate utilization of materiel management/surgical management information systems as well as related administrative tools to support department operations; collects and maintains accurate data; oversees the preparation and maintenance of records and reports; ensures that the communication of confidential patient information is done appropriately.
May represent the Sterile Processing Department to individuals and groups; attends meetings and conferences; participates on committees as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major in business administration, public administration, biological science, nursing, or a related field.
Experience: Three years supervising sterile processing, operating room, or surgical nursing staff, preferably in an acute care hospital.
Substitutions: 1) Master’s degree in one of the above educational areas may substitute for one year of the required experience; OR 2) certification in sterile processing/central service techniques issued by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), the California Central Service Association (CCSA) or an agency otherwise acceptable to the County may substitute for one year of the required experience; OR 3) additional qualifying supervisory experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis to a maximum of two years.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of management including planning, personnel administration, organizational structure, budgeting and fiscal administration; general hospital practices and procedures; typical supplies and equipment used in acute care hospitals; advanced principles, methods, materials, techniques, terminology, standards and accreditation requirements related to hospital surgical processes and the procurement, storage, decontamination and sterilization of patient care equipment and supplies;, sterile processing and materiel management information and reporting systems.
ABILITY
Plan, organize and manage the administrative and technical activities of a hospital sterile processing unit; supervise staff who store, distribute, clean, sterilize and/or assemble medical supplies and equipment; administer various business-related aspects of a hospital sterile processing unit including personnel, budgeting, procurement, establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, nurses, hospital staff, vendors and others; work with complex equipment and utilize computer technology to maximize the efficiency and quality of services and products; interpret data and draw logical conclusions; issue oral and written directives of a technical nature; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; maintain excellent customer service.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility – Frequent sitting for long periods of time while operating a keyboard; occasional standing and walking for prolonged periods of time; occasional bending, stooping, and reaching overhead; Lifting – Occasionally lifting of 25 pounds or less; may occasionally push case carts weighing up to 100 pounds; Vision – Constant use of overall visual capabilities; frequent need for color perception, hand/eye coordination, reading and/or close up work; Dexterity – Frequent holding, grasping, repetitive motion and writing; Hearing/Talking – Constant hearing and talking of normal speech in person and on the telephone; Emotional/Psychological – Constant concentration and decision making; occasional exposure to emergency situations, trauma, grief or death; occasional working alone; Special Requirements -- May require working weekends/nights; Environmental Conditions – Frequent exposure to noise; occasional risk of exposure to hazardous materials, dirt dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor cold/heat.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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