Inner Core Technician - South Shore Health

Job Description Summary

The Inner Core Technician works in the operating Room within the Perioperative Services, but answers to C.P.D. This individual will design operationalize and manage systems to deliver material resources,supplies,instrumentsand some equipment to the surgical point of care. The individual will be responsible for the quality control of sterilization flash records, review of case carts prior to case start times, be highly motivated, must be able to multi task and be a team player. Preforms delegated activities and tasks to support the operating room team.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1 - Meet the operational needs of the surgery patient by organizing, receiving and properly storing and delivering surgical instruments, consumable supplies and equipment to the OR Suites quickly and accurately.
   a - Accountable for all instruments and some equipment used in the OR.
   b - Reports abnormalities of instruments and equipment that facilitates the running of the unit to the OR and CPD manager / or OR Coordinators.
   c - Work with team members to provide appropriate and timely attention to the items in need of attention.
   d - Evaluates current and new equipment for use in OR.
   e - Communicate and or train OR and C.P.D. staff on new equipment and instrumentation
   f - Reports errors or issues with preference cards to the OR Coordinators.
   g - Supervises case cart set ups for accuracy and completeness daily.
   h - Documents and monitors C.P.D. missing list and  reports missing or substituted items to the C.P.D. shift Coordinator and/or C.P.D. Manager.
   i - Insures that equipment and Instrumentation are tagged for repair ,also provides a mechanism to identify to OR / C.P.D. items out for repair which  includes date sent out and approximate date of return. 
   j - Reviews daily with Coordinators anticipated needs of specialty equipment availability based on OR schedule.

2 - Support an integrated, virtual SPD/ Sterile Core/ Materials Management function in the operating room. 
   a - Function in the OR setting under the direct supervision of the OR RN clinical manager. (Position reports directly to SPD however)
   b - Familiar with and utilizes the surgeons’ preferences to pick/review case carts and respond to requests from the OR rooms during cases.
   c - Checks and assures the operative suite and equipment meet standards of care.
   d - Able to identify broken and/or malfunctioning/dull instrumentation and properly tags these instruments for repair.
   e - Responsible for reporting identified safety issues such as hazardous environment, and malfunction in inner core sterilization machinery.
   f - Properly utilizes the clean lifts and empties them in a timely manner.
   g - Ability to complete review of case carts prior to case start times.
   h - Ability to multi-task and prioritize requests from the OR.
   i - Ability to work as a team member.
   j - Ability to maintain PAR levels in the inner core and assist with ordering of supplies (office, housekeeping, bulk, specialty OR items)

3 - Demonstrates a clear understanding of all sterilization functions and control methods.
   a - Machine printout tapes are checked to assure all parameters of sterilization were met, cycle was completed, and initials are documented on each printout.
   b - All documentation is completed for each sterilization cycle.
   c - Ability to flash sterilize instruments to meet the needs of the Operating Room, log the flash cycle, and keep the flash records neat and in working order.
   d - Knowledgeable to perform and accurately document testing of all sterilizers.
   e - Knowledgeable on Bowie-Dick testing for steam autoclaving and interpreting results,  documentation and accurately  recording.
   f - Knowledgeable with biological testing and incubator required documentation recorded in the log book.
   g - Notifies the appropriate person/persons if there has been any sterilizer failures or positive biological tests
   h - A biological indicator is run with every load containing an implant.
   i - Contact Biomedical immediately if flasher is down.

4 - Performs all required steps in the operation of a case cart system.
   a - Knowledgeable with pick list and how to generate by using the computer program designated for this task.
   b - Is able to fill all case carts accurately and efficiently, as assigned.
   c - Ability to Independently utilize the computer to generate pick lists for case carts when additional are added to the surgical schedule.
   d - Insure that Add-on cases are delivered to the OR and completed in advance of the beginning of the case.
   e - Insure that completed case carts are sent to the OR by means of the clean lift in a timely fashion
   f - Insure that case carts are neatly organized and any missing items that are listed on top of the cart are place on the case cart prior to start of the case.. 
   g - Collaborate with C.P.D. to Insure that add-on cases are received in a timely fashion.

5 - Participates in maintaining proper inventory levels of supplies.
   a - Notifies Manager or Secretary when an item needs to be ordered to prevent outages.
   b - Demonstrates an understanding of rotating all stock by utilizing the first in-first out method.
   c - Demonstrates proper care and handling of reusable and disposable supplies.
   d - Maintains an adequate level of supplies by stocking shelves and work areas.

6 - Technology - Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.
   a - Utilizes Lotus Notes to remain knowledgeable of changes and additions to department practices
   b - Uses the time clock and computer to correctly enter time on and off work, such as vacation time, Float Holidays, and sick time.
   c - Utilizes computer programs such as OR Manager, TimePC, and Meditech to complete assignments.
   d - Effectively utilizes department manuals and data bases as resources to clarify and/or resolve questions and remain up-to-date with techniques and procedures..

7 - Safety Awareness - Fosters a "Culture of Safety" through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.
   a - Successfully answers safety questions in annual mandatory education program.
   b - Understands individual roles/responsibilities during hospital codes (e.g., Code Green, Code Red.)
   c - Operates all department equipment safely.
   d - Understands the proper procedure to follow when equipment has malfunctioned.
   e - Follows CDC guidelines for Universal Precautions when handling soiled equipment, instruments, and supplies.
   f - Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment and utilizes proper body mechanics.
   g - Properly handles and disposes of biohazard waster by following Infection Control guidelines and hospital policy.
   h - Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for chemicals used to perform job.

8 - Demonstrates the ability to be flexible and set priorities to meet the needs of the customer. 
   a - Priority items are given immediate attention in turnover items to decontamination and processing areas.
   b - Demonstrates the flexibility to adjust work schedule to complete STAT items ahead of other duties.
   c - Provides follow through on priorities and communicates the status of progress to the requestor.
   d - Shows ability to organize a team effort to complete priority requests.
 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred

High school degree.

Minimum Work Experience

Three years of experience including demonstrated knowledge and use of operating room equipment, instruments and procedures preferred.