SPD Assistant

Job description

SPD Assistant
Cleveland, OH
Hourly Rate: $18 | Shifts: 1st, 2nd & 3rd

SPD Assistant Overview:
The SPD Assistant plays a vital role in the Sterile Processing Department, overseeing instrument readiness to ensure smooth case flow and operational efficiency.

SPD Assistant Responsibilities:

• Support projects and initiatives aimed at process improvement, ensuring alignment with key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Enhance caregiver satisfaction by promptly addressing issues within the Operating Room (OR) and Sterile Processing Department (SPD).
• Execute tasks in accordance with policies and procedures set forth by the hospital, TJC, AORN, AAMI, and other relevant organizations.
• Assist OR staff in readying the surgical suite by confirming the availability of instrument trays ahead of scheduled procedures.
• Monitor daily case flow, track instrument requirements, and alert SPD personnel to any upcoming or emergency needs.
• Effectively troubleshoot problems or propose alternatives as circumstances require.
• Help coordinate instrument turnaround planning.
• Communicate critical instrument information to the surgical team that could impact surgery start times.
• Support OR and SPD leadership in the creation and updating of preference cards to guarantee accuracy.
• Engage in and oversee various projects as necessary.
• Identify instrumentation changes needed for tray configurations, including building specialty sets for surgeons.
• Report any necessary findings and adjustments to the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Manager, or Director as appropriate.
• Participate in the orientation and training of new caregivers, as well as in-service educational programs and SPD quality assurance initiatives when required.
• Respond to inquiries from the Surgery department during regular operating hours.
• Maintain a professional communication style with all caregivers.
• Assist in the transport of sterilized instruments to operating rooms as required.
• Support the removal of soiled case carts or unsterilized instruments and scopes from the OR.
• Ensure the quality of care by aiding in the cleaning and maintenance of hospital instruments per manufacturer instructions for use (MIFUs).
• Process and clean necessary equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, utilizing personal protective equipment as specified in Sterile Processing SOPs.
• Verify that all required instruments are sterilized and ready for next-day, on-call, or weekend cases, demonstrating knowledge of their application and usage.
• Report any broken instruments to the appropriate management personnel to maintain continuity and quality during surgical procedures.
• Conduct daily audits of KPI data, including case cart audits, room visits for OR discrepancies, post-case cart audits, and tray audits, while entering KPI data into the SPD portal daily. Analyze data trends to identify operational challenges within the OR and SPD.
• Maintain open communication with OR management and SPD leadership regarding instrument needs, turnovers, and frictions.
• Administer OR/SPD satisfaction surveys when necessary and complete required documentation for inventory and equipment requests.
• Collaborate with the Operating Room staff and surgeons and undertake additional related tasks as assigned.

SPD Assistant Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent GED is mandatory.
• Position requires critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently.
• Capability to perform effectively in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong multitasking ability is essential. Basic reading and writing skills are required.
• Physical requirements include the ability to stand, sit, stoop, and reach for extended periods; lift instrumentation and linen packs weighing up to 25 pounds frequently; maneuver carts weighing up to 200 pounds; and potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Medium Work category – Occasionally exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force, frequently lifting 10 to 25 pounds, and constantly applying minimal force to move objects.
• Adhere to standard safety precautions by utilizing personal protective equipment as necessary.

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