Responsibilities

Working under routine supervision of the OR Manager, collects, cleans, inspects, decontaminates, assembles, wraps/packages, disinfects and/or sterilizes surgical instruments, trays and packs, reusable medical devices, and patient care equipment according to Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) recommendations and established infection control, organizational, departmental policies and procedures, and regulatory requirements that ensure sterile and functioning redistribution to departments and clinics.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Handling and storing of sterile supplies to ensure the integrity of the sterile package.
• Demonstrates competence in selecting the appropriate cleaning, disinfection method and in selecting the appropriate chemical solutions for sterile processing.
• Decontamination and sterilization of instruments, medical supplies and equipment. Assembles, wraps and sterilizes trays of instruments. Follows proper Standard Precautions while in decontamination and sterilization areas.
• Monitors biological and chemical wash solution to ensure quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments and medical equipment. Documents and maintains accurate sterilization logs/records.
• Identifies tray type by contents of instrument tray. Sorts mismatched sets of instruments, trays, and medical equipment. Identifies instruments that do not function properly, and replaces.
• Informs the surgical team immediately of missing instruments or those instruments that need repair.
• Selects appropriate packing material according to type of sterilization techniques to be used. Labels sterilized products with identification and sterilization indicators as in accordance with AORN and AAMI.
• Follows instructions for operation of sterilization equipment. Maintains the integrity of sterilized packages when loading sterilization carts, and after initial cool down period.
• Restocks, labels, and maintains inventory, submits requisitions, collects and distributes instruments, trays, crash carts, and facility medical equipment.
• Performs environmental maintenance duties and assists in maintaining inventory levels in sterile processing, the operating room, and in equipment storage areas.
• Verifies that equipment functions properly, requisitions for equipment maintenance, repair or replacement, and removes defective equipment.
• Maintains a clean work area
• Assists with maintaining established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, and quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection control standards.
• Utilizes excellent customer service standards and Studer principles in communicating with patient, family and coworkers through use of verbal amenities, pleasant facial and body expressions as well as pleasant voice tone.
• Participates in departmental QAPI process and patient experience initiatives.
• This represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation, supplies, and equipment
• Able to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., face mask, goggles, latex/non-latex gloves) as needed
• Ability to work effectively within role independently and with other team members
• Ability to organize and complete work in a timely manner
• Legible writing required
• Ability to understand medical/surgical terminology
• Detail oriented
• Knowledge of aseptic technique
• Good communication and computer skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Follows dress code-proper surgical attire-for the department (head coverings, dedicated shoes and hospital provided scrubs)
• Accountable for own actions, personal growth and skill development, seeks advice and assistance when necessary
• Obtains AHA BLS within one year of employment and maintains certification.
•  Knowledge of med/surg supplies, equipment, and computer.

Desired:

•  Previous experience in similar position
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) preferred.