Instrument Technician & Transporter

Major Responsibilities:
Quality
1)Responsible for ensuring that appropriate instruments are available for the O.R. (a.) Prepare and clean surgical instruments, as directed. (b.) Report instrument repair needs to immediate supervisor/designee. (c.) Checks OR instrument peel packages and surgery instrument tray expiration dates monthly to ensure these items have not expired.

2)Participates in efforts to monitor and improve departmental quality indicators

3)Submit ideas for improving quality in your department.

4)Stocks trays from Central Supply, taking care to note integrity of wraps, dates, etc.

5)Processes instruments according to AAMI standards and manufacturers’ recommendations.

Provides continuous assessment of department instrumentation needs.
1)Inventories supplies in workroom and documents needed supplies in order book.

2)Examines instruments during processing to determine repair/replacement needs.

3)Assesses instrument availability at end of shift for emergencies, evenings, and weekends.

4)Transports prepared instrument trays to Central Supply within established time frames and retrieves sterilized instrument trays from Central Supply

Demonstrates adherence to Infection Control Standards
1)Works within the policies and procedures of infection control by demonstrating knowledge of sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials and proper attire when in direct contact with patients on isolation precautions, and when processing sealed instrumentation.

2)Checks outdates as assigned, properly assembling and wrapping if needed

3)Runs all biological tests on autoclaves daily.

4)Maintains washer/decontaminator per manufacturer’s instructions (i.e., checks tape, checks solutions, etc.).

5)Records any loads run in autoclave units.

6)Reports any positive results on autoclaves to department manager immediately.

7)Maintains a clean, neat, and safe environment.

Communicates effectively with a wide variety of customers
3)Maintains confidentiality in carrying out all duties.

4)Maintains composure under stressful/emergency situations.

5)Responds to pages promptly.

6)Appropriately signs in/out for breaks/lunch.

7)Reports need to replace instrumentation to Material Supply Coordinator and Manager.

1)Consults with charge nurse when concerns arise to resolve departmental questions.

2)Demonstrates a competent, courteous, and professional manner with co-workers, physicians, patients, visitors and others.

Transportation of Patients
1)Transports patient to and from the department in a timely manner as requested by surgical desk.

2)Assists with transferring of patients and provides other assistance to make transport safe and efficient.

3)Ensures that patient is transported with all necessary items, i.e. medical chart, oxygen, splints, braces, etc.

4)Informs departments in a timely manner of delays and cancellations and the reasons for delays/cancellations.

5)Communicates patient needs or issues to nursing, department staff and supervisor as appropriate.

Education/Experience Required:
– High school diploma or equivalent – 6 months to one year experience as an instrument technician

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
– Good interpersonal and communication skills – Knowledge of surgical instruments – Excellent customer service skills – Skills with various age groups – Ability to read and write English – Able to work at fast pace with high level accuracy
– Basic computer knowledge and skills – CPR

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
– Lifts 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly – Ability to maneuver and operate transport equipment.
If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.