Sterile Processing Educator
Work Arrangement:
Requisition Number: 273496
Regular or Temporary: Regular
Location:
Durham, NC, US, 27710
Personnel Area: DUKE HOSPITAL
Date: Sep 5, 2026
At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that
changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No
matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health
together.
About Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North
Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States.
The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it
features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a
regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
Work Schedule
Full time; 7am - 3:30pm
General Description of the Job Class
Develops Sterile Processing educational programs regarding proper
decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization methods.
Collaborates with Sterile Processing Departments (SPD) to ensure Sterile
Processing staff, are properly trained and operating within the guidelines
set forth by various industry standards and regulations including, but not
limited to HSPA, CBSPD, AORN, The Joint Commission, FDA, CDC, OSHA, and
AAMI.
Duties and Responsibilities of this Level
Responsible for staff training and continuous assessments of skills and
knowledge to include decontamination, instrument tray assembly, instrument
tray storage, sterilization processes and standard precautions to ensure
patient safety. Performs new hire staff orientation.
Facilitates individual, team and department performance management that
include competency development and evaluation, change management
processes, work and accountability processes, performance consultation and
mentoring staff, and development of job/performance aids.
Provides programs that support staff's ability to learn, adapt and change
swiftly as new technology emerges and clinical practice evolves.
Performs random proactive quality checks of instrument sets and case
carts. Collects data for tray errors, missing instrument, documents and
reports findings to SPD leadership. Develops training for staff to address
identified gaps.
Performs retroactive quality checks collects, tracks, researches, resolves
and provides follow-up with SPD leadership on collected data related to
instrumentation and supplies.
Routinely works various shifts to perform quality checks and provide
training to the off shifts.
Develops program to monitor and review biological control culturing
procedures for sterilizers to ensure equipment is operating according to
standard.
Develops and maintains a tracking system for materials and equipment
prepared and issued by SPD in the event of a recall.
Maintains a liaison with the operating room managers and staff on tray
rightsizing and proper techniques for processing trays in the operating
room in preparation for decontamination.
Maintains documentation relating to safety, effectiveness, and cost in
planning, delivering, and managing training and development activities.
Provides technical assistance to SPD staff for the assembly of complex
surgical instrument sets and provides technical assistance to surgical
techs and other Perioperative clinical staff for instrument related
issues.
Responsible for the knowledge-transfer and ongoing education of staff as
they prepare for certifications such as CBSPD (Certification Board of
Sterile Processing & Distribution) or HSPA (Healthcare Sterile
Processing Association).
Ensures resources are available to assist staff in maintaining required
CEUs needed for their certifications and makes sure staff keeps
certifications up to date so that they do not lapse.
Responsible for documentation and record maintenance for all team member
competencies in the Sterile Processing Department including managers and
supervisors Conducts audits of staff training records to ensure compliance
with governing guidelines.
Works with SPD leadership team in the planning and implementation of
clinical service unit and departmental goals, development of policy and
procedures, and annual competencies. Assists leadership in the collection
of other data for performance improvement initiatives as necessary.
Demonstrates compliance with patient safety and risk management protocols
including standard precautions and infection control policies.
Creates a climate of innovation through role modeling, consultation,
research and facilitation of learning.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Bachelors in a healthcare related field preferred.
Experience
Four years in Central Sterile Services; supervisory or educator role
experience preferred.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
Current certification as a Sterile Processing Technician through an
accredited organization (CRCST - Certified Registered Central Service
Tech, HSPA, or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician
CBSPD).
Certification in Healthcare Leadership (CHL) preferred.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment
opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender,
gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin,
race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions),
sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation,
creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust
exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our
perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this
exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and
welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all
voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold
these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include
essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental
abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable
accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh
