Surgical Instrument Tech-1

Full-time, rotating shift position.

About the role

Assists in providing an environment for quality patient care by cleaning, organizing, and preparing sterile operating rooms between surgical procedures, processing surgical instruments for flash and terminal sterilization, and maintaining room stock levels of essential supplies. Engages in direct patient care within the scope of preparation and training, including transportation of patients to and from the operating room. Contingent team members must be able to work 3 shifts per month, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Utilize strict aseptic technique to open sterile packs, instruments, and supplies for operating room procedures.
• Secure and prioritize equipment needs for procedures.
• Assemble and check functionality of suction system.
• Complete casecart/c-locker requirements by adding supplies/instruments stored in the O.R., referring to the preference card, and documenting as appropriate.
• Clean, assemble, and label instruments for sterilization.
• Operate flash sterilizer according to procedure, observing protocols for quality assurance.
• Clean operating rooms and equipment following operative procedures.
• Transport specimens, supplies, and equipment as directed.
• Transport patients to and from the operating room, monitoring for untoward reactions.
• Respond to patient needs within scope of preparation and training.
• Report observations or needs to appropriate caregivers.
• Assist with transportation of patients with cardio monitors and/or ventilators.
• Provide relief coverage for clerical or custodial staff, including telephone operation, computer use, floor wet vacuuming, and key communication in emergencies.
• Prepare specialty supplies such as sub packs, eye packs, cast supplies, breathing tubes, and positional aides.
• Maintain appropriate levels of supplies in the operating rooms, rotating stock, and checking for outdates.
• Act as a teacher of job duties and responsibilities in staff orientation and development.
• Practice within OSHA guidelines, e.g., body substance isolation.
• Maintain work area, hospital facilities, and equipment to reduce potential patient/associate injury or unsatisfactory outcomes.
• Observe hospital/department/work unit policies, procedures, rules, and standards.
• Demonstrate good customer/supplier relations.
• Complete mandatory in-service requirements.
• Perform direct patient care activities within scope of preparation and training, including taking vital signs, patient positioning, feeding, dressing, and discontinuing intravenous infusions.
• Perform routine housekeeping chores, including trash/soiled linen disposal, damp dusting, wiping down cupboards/cart shelving, sterilizer/washers interiors/exteriors, and countertops or work surfaces.
• Maintain good rapport and cooperative relationships.
• Approach conflict constructively and help identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient, physician, associate, and visitor information.
• Discuss patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in private settings.
• Behave in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of SJMHS.
• Assume responsibility for performing job duties safely, reporting hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Six months of healthcare work experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally.
• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 50% of work time.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work and communicate with others diplomatically, even in stressful situations.
• Ability to see, hear, and speak.
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, stoop, and walk briskly.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds several times during shift.
• Ability to share in lifting patients up to 250 pounds on occasion.
• Ability to grasp or grip repeatedly during shift.
• Ability to push/pull carts/stretchers with patients/equipment up to 250 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to push/pull carts up to 150 pounds independently.
• Basic problem-solving skills.
• Mechanical ability to disassemble/reassemble instruments and equipment, and operate flash sterilizers.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Benefits effective Day One with no waiting periods.
• Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Life Insurance, Short and Long-term Disability.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match and contributions.
• Opportunity for growth and advancement throughout SJMHS and Trinity Health.
• Tuition Reimbursement.