Orthopedic Surgical Technologist with Sterile Processing Experience

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:

1. Adheres to the sterilization process policies and procedures.
2. Cleans each item according to manufacturers’ instruction.
3. Inspects instruments under microscope for damage and defects; lubricates items as required.
4. Determines that each item is in good working condition.
5. Sorts and arranges items into proper trays according to established policy and procedure.
6. Wraps trays and individual items according to established policy and procedure.
7. Accurately labels each item with name and expiration date.
8. Correctly operates sterilizers, ultrasonic washer and other equipment for processing items.
9. Positions items correctly in sterilizer and selects proper cycle; seeks assistance when needed.
10. Checks indicators for proper functioning.
11. Performs required biological monitoring tests on all sterilizers according to established policy and procedures.
12. Maintains availability of supplies for continuity or recording throughout sterilization process.
13. Cleans sterilizers according to established policies and procedures.
14. Maintains inventory levels and accurate records.
15. Performs weekly inspections of all sterile items in the facility.
16. Checks for outdated items and package integrity of wrapped sterilized items; replaces items as necessary.
17. Places items in correct location.
18. Maintains adequate inventory of supplies for the sterile processing area.
19. 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.