Lead Endoscope Processing Tech

Lead Endoscope Processing Tech

The Endoscopy Center Lead Processing Technician is a designated leader who is responsible for maintaining the operations of the processing room and ensuring that the highest level of adherence to infection control protocols are employed by all staff. The Endoscopy Center Lead Processing Tech is responsible for the leak testing, manual cleaning, and high-level disinfecting of all endoscopic equipment and accessories according to infection control guidelines and established Endoscopy Center guidelines. The Lead Tech is responsible for the consistent documentation and maintenance of all logs related to endoscope reprocessing as well as the coordination with leadership to rectify any scope damages, machine or infrastructure challenges.

• Designated leader, provides daily direction and oversight to all processing room staff and operations.

• Coordinates all coverage needs for multiple sites in collaboration with the other Lead Tech at those sites and with leadership.

• Orients all new Processing Techs and provides constructive feedback to all involved in scope and equipment handling (i.e. instrument techs, physicians, fellows, nurses, etc.)

• Monitors adherence to standards of practice and provides immediate feedback to staff.

• Participates in the assessment of staff performance through contribution to individual staff performance reviews.

• Provides recommendations to leadership regarding process improvement.

• Proactively solves problems independently and alerts leadership of any service interruptions, scope damages, documentation concerns, etc. that impact the optimal cleaning, tracking of equipment, and the employment of best practices.

• Collaborates with leadership and educators to maintain best practices and compliance with all standards.

• Responsible for continual Joint Commission readiness and preparations for any visits- maintaining records, an appropriately clean and disinfected environment of care, outlining all processes and standards, etc.

• Performs all Processing Tech duties as described below:

• Leak tests and manually cleans all endoscopic equipment according to Endoscopy Center established guidelines and infection control guidelines.

• High-level disinfects all endoscopic equipment and accessories according to Endoscopy Center established guidelines and infection control guidelines.

• Sterilizes all necessary accessories according to Endoscopy Center established guidelines and infection control guidelines.

• Monitors effectiveness of the high level disinfectant according to Endoscopy Center established guidelines and infection control guidelines. This includes each load high level disinfectant checks and proper changing of disinfect with associated documentation.

• Ships scopes out for repair according to Endoscopy Center established guidelines.

• Maintains appropriate records on endoscope wash machines. Performs appropriate maintenance on endoscope wash machines.

• Performs daily monitoring of water gauge pressure and wash machine cycle length. Changes the water filters as needed and documents appropriately.

• Informs nursing director when outside order accessories are required.

• Maintains an appropriately cleaned and disinfected work area.

• Ensures that all appropriate cleaning and high level disinfecting standards are being followed and documented appropriately.

• Completes all other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma / GED required.

• Must be able to read, write and communicate in English.

• Endoscope Reprocessing Technician Certification and/or Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician Certification required.

• 2-4 years of experience as endoscope reprocessing technician or central supply technician preferred.

• Leadership experience preferred.

• Good analytical and technical attributes desired to operate specialized and technical equipment. Must be detail oriented to perform tests with a high degree of accuracy.

• Personal attributes such as good interpersonal skills, good verbal skills, good judgment, dependability and initiative are a must to effectively handle the volume of and to effectively interact and communicate with the patients, nursing and physician staff and ancillary staff from the Endoscopy Center.

• Must be aware of safety standards and hazards in the cleaning room.

• Must have knowledge of care and safety hazards of all equipment in the cleaning room.

• Demonstrates expertise on the use and maintenance of endoscopic equipment. This is expensive, highly technical equipment requiring expert handling and care.

• Is aware of and utilizes accepted standards of care and participates in the evaluation of those standards.

• Must possess ability to work in stressful situations requiring frequently quick action and adaptability to rapid change.

• Standing and walking required 95% of the time.

• Physical effort required to carry endoscopic equipment.