Resource Coordinator Sterile Processing

About the role

The Resource Coordinator Sterile Processing reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

Supports and enables the delivery of quality patient care service. Directs, prioritizes, and adjusts staff work assignments for assigned shift to ensure timely and accurate delivery of Operating Room (OR) equipment, supplies, and case carts. Assigns staff to job duties to meet the demands of patient care areas, patient volume, trauma emergencies, and staff vacancies.

• May interact with various hospital departments, physician's offices, and outside vendors to effectively assist in the management of department operations.
• Promotes a positive first impression with department and clinic personnel, vendor representatives, and guests, establishing a role as resource for end-users.
• Encourages teamwork and effective communication with staff, promoting the philosophy and objectives of NM and department.

• Serves as a resource to staff and end-users.
• Supports quality assurance programs for the department.
• Promptly identifies and communicates problems and critical issues to the manager.
• Helps identify strengths and weaknesses of employees to properly assess employee growth throughout the year.
• May provide performance and productivity feedback to the Sterile Processing Manager for performance evaluations.

Identifies and assesses learning needs related to processes and procedures including decontamination, assembly, sterilization, inventory storage, and OR case cart distribution. Assists with educational offerings, policy reviews and revision, competencies, quality assurance, and daily rounds. Develops, promotes, and encourages staff education and certification, and assists in the orientation and training of new and existing staff.

• Performs daily OR and Sterile Processing rounds, including audits of documentation, and accuracy of case cart instrument and supply requirements.
• Documents and reports findings.
• Performs daily OR and Sterile Processing audits of decontamination equipment testing results and sterilization records/printouts.
• Documents and reports findings.
• Stores according to department policy.

Coordinates instrument processing and turnaround activities and workflow. Communicates with OR and vendor representatives as needed. Monitors utilization of supplies and equipment for optimal efficiency, cost containment, and timely reordering of instruments, fracture implants, robotic supplies, department supplies, and recycling programs. Maintains communication board and instructions for use files.

• May act as the liaison between OR and Sterile Processing.
• Assists with the selection of new team members.
• Works with OR to develop and revise instrument trays and orders instruments as needed.
• Assists in the management and coordination of new instrument reviews, purchases, instrument replacement, instrument refurbishment, and instrument repairs.
• Maintains documentation.

• Maintains the instrument tracking system including the building and revision of instrument count sheets.
• Monitors loaner instrumentation/equipment requests and reprocessing.
• Coordinate with NM Materials Management in inventory control and in the evaluation and procurement of new product requests.
• Assists with recycling programs.

Reports instances of equipment irregularities and failure as soon as possible and coordinates service/maintenance follow-up as needed. Assists in reviewing and updating policies and procedures for content and accuracy; makes necessary changes; and in the enforcement of policies and procedures Maintains communication board and assists in the review and update of the manufacturers' instructions for use.

• Assists in providing guidance for new and one-time use items.
• Ensure all work areas and equipment are cleaned and maintained according to Infection Control standards and to ensure a safe work environment.
• Comply with regulatory, Environmental, Safety, Hazardous Materials, and Infection Control policies and procedures.
• Assist in orientation of new employees to each work assignment area and total department operation.

• Complete the required orientation documentation for new employees assigned to the shift.
• Provide feedback regarding progress of employees.
• Provide input to Manager regarding staff Annual Performance Management Review and/or Action Plan.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required: High School diploma or equivalent Certification from either CBSPD or IAHCSMM. Maintains certification. Five years or more experience in a Sterile Processing Department Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation Knowledge and understanding of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, basic microbiology, and a variety of OR surgical procedures Minimum of one year supervisory or coordinator experience in Sterile Processing or related field. Good verbal and written communication skills Basic computer skills Preferred: IAHCSMM Instrument Specialist and CHL (Healthcare Leadership)

Additional Information

If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.