What are the responsibilities and job description for the Orthopedic Surgical Technologist with Sterile Processing Experience position at Orthopedic Health of Kansas City Surgery Center?
Position Overview:
We are looking for a skilled Orthopedic Surgical Technologist with Sterile Processing Experience to assist in procedures by preparing necessary instrumentation, supplies, and equipment. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and the Nurse Manager, this role requires anticipation of surgical needs and maintaining a sterile field throughout procedures. The position is also responsible for cleaning, packaging, sterilizing and stores the supplies, instruments and equipment for routine procedures. These functions must be in compliance with the philosophy of the ambulatory surgery center, standards of practice and regulations of governing agencies.
Primary Responsibilities:
Ensure instruments and supplies are prepared for surgical procedures.
Anticipate surgeon’s needs and provide necessary instruments promptly.
Maintain a sterile environment and adhere to safety protocols.
Support a team-oriented atmosphere and demonstrate effective communication.
Adjust work plans in response to changing circumstances.
Promote continuous learning and collaboration within the department.
Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned to include:
- Adheres to the sterilization process policies and procedures.
- Cleans each item according to manufacturers’ instruction.
- Inspects instruments under microscope for damage and defects; lubricates items as required.
- Determines that each item is in good working condition.
- Sorts and arranges items into proper trays according to established policy and procedure.
- Wraps trays and individual items according to established policy and procedure.
- Accurately labels each item with name and expiration date.
- Correctly operates sterilizers, ultrasonic washer and other equipment for processing items.
- Positions items correctly in sterilizer and selects proper cycle; seeks assistance when needed.
- Checks indicators for proper functioning.
- Performs required biological monitoring tests on all sterilizers according to established policy and procedures.
- Maintains availability of supplies for continuity or recording throughout sterilization process.
- Cleans sterilizers according to established policies and procedures.
- Maintains inventory levels and accurate records.
- Performs weekly inspections of all sterile items in the facility.
- Checks for outdated items and package integrity of wrapped sterilized items; replaces items as necessary.
- Places items in correct location.
- Maintains adequate inventory of supplies for the sterile processing area.
- Maintains and updates the instrument tray inventory list.
Minimum Qualifications
High School graduate or equivalent required
Certification as a Surgical Technologist
Two years previous experience as an operating room technician, desired
Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.
Essential Functions
Decision making concerning equipment and/or instrumentation sterilization
Biohazardous waste disposal
Patient care and efficient patient flow
Complies with hospital practice standards regarding competent performance duties
Maintains patient confidentiality
Creates a safe environment in which surgery may take place
Uses medical equipment in a safe manner
Helps provide cost effective patient care
Implements principles of medical and surgical asepsis in accordance with recognized national standards and hospital specific policies and procedures
Provides physical safety for the patient
Accounts for sponges, needles, instruments, and other potential foreign bodies
Supports other hospital personnel in the performance of their duties
Assists surgeon in scrubbed cases
Pulls supplies for upcoming cases
Demonstrates cooperative work attitude towards and with coworkers, employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians
Maintains a safe work environment in compliance with OSHA guidelines and infection control standards
Demonstrates knowledge of Instrument Processing from decontamination to storage of sterile packages
Checks room for cleanliness, availability of supplies and equipment for all assigned cases at the beginning of each day
Utilizes surgeon preference card to select packs, supplies and instruments
Performs surgical hand scrub and dons sterile gown and gloves according to gowning and gloving policy
Maintains proper sterile technique when gowning and gloving surgeon and draping patient
Performs sponge, instrument, and needle counts according to count policy
Handles specimen per established policy
Transports instruments to decontamination area utilizing appropriate technique and in compliance with established policies and procedures
Puts unused sterile supplies and instruments away at the end of the day
Restocks operating rooms to established PAR levels
Adheres to attendance, punctuality, meal and break time period policies
Completes work in an acceptable time frame and in an independent manner
Carries out assigned duties in an effective, productive, and efficient manner
Demonstrates a positive “can do” attitude
Willingness to adjust personal schedule periodically as workload fluctuates and as department needs require
Attends 100% of department meetings or documents review of materials presented
Functions as a team member following the rules of engagement of the department and hospital
Communicates information about customers or other employees only as necessary to conduct hospital related business
Adheres to strictest confidentiality in dealing with patients, families, hospital personnel, and the public
Keeps supervisor apprised of work progress
Has a proactive attitude about problem resolution
Anticipates customers’ needs and provides for them as quickly as possible
Models core values to co-workers continuously
Follows hospital and departmental safety policies and procedures
Reports unsafe situations to supervisor
Adheres to hospital and departmental dress code
Wears name badge at all times
Demonstrates knowledge of hospital wide emergency management codes and plans
Demonstrates knowledge of and participation in hospital performance improvement program, infection control program and risk management program
Demonstrates knowledge of cultural, spiritual, and aged related consideration when interacting/caring for patients
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, converse, and listen; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee must be able to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis and be able to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.
The employee must be able to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.