Job Description

The position reports to the Manager of Sterile Processing . The role of the Clinical Educator-Central Processing Department, encompasses but is not limited to the coordination, training and the implementation of the CPD Training Program. Responsible for the assessment and maintenance of staff competency (both incumbent and new). Records involvement as an integral component of the CPD process and progress which includes teaching formal classes in central processing technology skills and techniques. Conducts day-to-day monitoring of individual employee skills and competencies through in service programs and preceptor-ship to enhance and support patient care. Position is also responsible for managing the logistics and scheduling for all individual and group training and in services. Also responsible for tracking and reporting of data on department’s education and quality assurance projects, preparation of curriculum materials and other related activities assigned.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

TRAINING AND ORIENTATION

• Implements all aspects of the training and orientation including teaching formal classes as part of the orientation program for new employees and affiliated students.
• Performs systematic follow up procedure with all CPD employees to ensure competency of basic Sterile Processing skills and adequate integration into their particular technical role.
• Evaluates new hires and trainees’ work performance and recommends to management, employee’s continuation of employment.
• Prepares and trains new supervisors to ensure that practices of the industry and policies of the hospital are followed.
• Identifies skill sets and follows up with appropriate plans.
• Coordinates with the Operating Room educator to schedule and administer new employee and/or CPD student clinical rotations to the operating rooms.
• Tracks, analyzes and reports on enrollment, completion patterns, and other related activities to training, using statistical tables and graphic displays of database information.
• Educates staff to new CPD technologies, changes in policies and procedures and evaluates the effectiveness of such innovations.
• Coordinates Competency Program, Orientation, in-service Programs, and maintains all department employee training records.
• Monitors progress and completion of education of CPD technicians preparing for certifications exam.

TECHNICAL AND CLINICAL COMPETENCE:

• Assists CPD in maintaining JCAHO standards in relation to staff competencies.
• Develops, implements, reviews and revises annual competency program for CPD employees as it relates to advancement in CPD technology.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to educate staff in the provision of care appropriate to the central processing department.
• Assists the department Manager in reviewing and updating department policies.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND RESEARCH

• Remains knowledgeable of unit based quality improvement projects and assists staff to identify appropriate follow-up interventions based on quality of the QI findings.
• Utilizes quality improvement and research findings to enhance CPD.
• Demonstrates ability to research, efficiency obtain and appropriately utilize necessary resources such as AAMI, IASCHMM, and AORN.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Assumes responsibility for maintaining own certifications, knowledge, and competencies in CPD.
• Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Qualifications

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Must possess a sound understand of the English language.
• Ability to think quickly and use sound judgment.
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and stress.
• Ability to set priorities for job responsibilities.
• Ability to delegate responsibility.
• Any other duties required meeting patient care needs

EDUCATION:

• Associates degree in Allied Health, Science or related Field, required.
• Certification in sterile processing

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 5 years progressively responsible sterile processing experience, required. Supervisory and/or training experience, preferred. Current knowledge of central sterile industry regulations, standards and trends (i.e. AAMI, AORN, IAHCSMM, Joint Commission), required. Working knowledge of PC applications (Powerpoint, Word, Excel), required. Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills, required outstanding communications skills; Data processing experience required. Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.

An equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

LICENSES, ETC.:

Sterile Processing Technician and/or Sterile Processing healthcare leader certification strongly preferred from International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)

BCLS Instructor Certification required (or obtained within year of employment).

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Job involves large amount of time walking and standing, routine lifting of objects weighing up to 20 lbs. and pushing/moving heavy loaded carts of 30-40 lbs.
• Routine contact with caustic materials used in cleaning and disinfection, infectious material, steam under pressure, and Sterrad (a known carcinogen).
• High level of noise, heat and humidity due to sterilization process.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Tufts Medical Center reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

COVID-19 POLICY:

Please note that effective October 1, 2021, as a condition of employment at Tufts Medical Center, all employees and new hires must have received their complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have been granted an exemption.