Surgical Instrument Assistant - Beacon Health System

Reports to the Department Designee. Under the direction of a Certified Surgical Instrument Technologist, is responsible for the care, preparation, and maintenance of sterile and unsterile instruments, equipment, and supplies. Identifies, inspects and assembles instrumentation for use in a sterile procedure. Sterilizes instrumentation and completes quality control checks as required. Ensures proper inventory levels by filling requests according to established unit of measure. MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Decontaminates surgical instrumentation, utilizing correct departmental procedures by:

• Consistently adhering to policy of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in the decontamination area.
• Emptying all contaminated trash into appropriate containers, as well as placing all other trash into trash room bins.
• Performing proper cleaning procedures and operating washer decontaminator.

Inspects surgical instrumentation for cleanliness and proper working order by:

• Inspecting all instrumentation for moving parts and taking appropriate action if problems are identified.
• Verifying that instrumentation, lumens, scopes, etc., are free of all contaminates; removing any instruments from service until properly cleaned.

Assembles surgical instrumentation according to accreditation standards and departmental procedures by:

• Ensuring every item processed for any sterilization method has appropriate internal indicator.
• Following the Censitrac scanning system to determine instrumentation needed for the tray, process a count sheet, and record the location of trays processed.
• Identifying missing items not available for replacement, notifying the appropriate Surgical Coordinator of the missing instruments, then placing a 'Missing Instrument' sticker on the outside of set once approved to process by the Coordinator.

Sterilizes instrumentation and completes quality control checks according to accreditation standards and departmental procedures by:

• Utilizing appropriate Load Record documentation and specifications to load and operate sterilizer equipment.
• Verifying that the sterilizer equipment has met the appropriate time and temperature parameters.

Completes the biological documentation as required by all accreditation standards and departmental procedures by:

• Preparing and running appropriate test packs for appropriate sterilizers.
• Preparing the biological(s) for placement into appropriate incubators and recording appropriate information.
• Following the Censitrac scanning system for recording and documenting information required for biological results, products sterilized in each load, and the parameters of the sterilization process.
• Recording information required on appropriate records, based on the biological results.

Ensures that inventory item(s) retrieved or returned are correct and are documented according to the established unit of measure by:

• Prioritizing the pulling of OR case carts, filling stock requisitions, and restocking inventory carts according to departmental procedure.
• Performing basic computer duties which include, locating proper inventory number(s), stock bin locations and quantities of stock available and on order.
• Reporting inventory discrepancies to the Inventory Supervisor or Inventory Coordinator.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Channeling problems and/or complaints to appropriate resource person for investigation and resolution.
• Reporting work location to the Lead Technician and when assignments cannot be completed.
• Providing input and assisting in the implementation of the department quality assurance (QI) process.
• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma. A minimum of one year of healthcare or materials management experience is required. Completion of a medical terminology course and surgical or sterile processing experience is preferred. Team members working a regular full or part time schedule must complete the certified central service tech program from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM) or other accredited central service or surgical technologist program and attain certification within twelve months of employment.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires a working knowledge of inventory structures, such as dispensing unit of measure and low unit of measure.
• Requires the organizational skills and attention to detail necessary to properly distinguish instrumentation.
• Demonstrates proficiency in computer skills (i.e., Censitrac, Word, Excel and Windows applications). An understanding of database applications is desired.
• Requires basic knowledge of safety, departmental and hospital policies and emergency disaster procedures.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, supervisors, physicians and staff members of other departments.
• Demonstrates communication skills, both verbal and written, necessary to effectively complete forms and take messages in a legible and accurate manner.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a sterile processing and distribution environment requiring physical exertion, time demands and some undesirable objects to handle.
• Potential exposure to physical, chemical and bio-hazards.

Physical Demands

• Requires physical ability, manual dexterity, and stamina (i.e., to lift up to 50 pounds, to push/pull storage carts, frequent bending, reaching, standing and walking and occasional kneeling/squatting and the ability to remain on feet for extended periods of time, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.

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