Technician, Instrument

Overview

Performs technical skills and provides assistance to surgeons, anesthesia personnel, registered nurses, and other professionals in the operating room. Performs similar duties in other areas of the hospital as assigned. Independently scrubs on all surgical procedures. Demonstrates ability to problem solve in relation to the procedure being performed. Applies basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and pharmacology for optimum surgical patient care. Demonstrates knowledge and practice of patient care concepts. Applies the principles of asepsis during surgical procedures.

Responsibilities

Prepare instruments.

• Decontaminate used instruments using appropriate technique.
• Examine instruments for damage. Send out for repair as needed.
• Lubricate instruments as needed.
• Prepare instrument sets using appropriate listing.

Assures sterility of supplies and equipment. Packages all supplies and equipment.

• Checks all sterile supplies for sterility expiration dates and packaging.
• Removes all outdated supplies from service and reprocesses them for sterilization.
• Packages all supplies, equipment and instrument trays for sterilization using prescribed procedure.
• Takes instruments/supplies to CS for sterilization.

Maintains routine cleaning of furniture and equipment.

• Cleans shelves, furniture and equipment using prescribed procedure as required.
• Assists in cleaning the OR between cases as necessary.

Professional Conduct

• Employee has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the department on an as-needed basis or as determined by management.
• Follows attendance and all other est. hospital/dept. policies.
• No more than 2 written substantiated complaints representing a breach of policy, procedure or professional behavior since last evaluation.
• Demonstrates the philosophy of team concept.
• Participates in staff meetings with suggestions that enhance the work environment and increase productivity.
• Communicates well with supervisor reporting problems with equipment, supplies. Requests assistance as appropriate.
• Maintains confidentiality as related to job responsibilities.
• Exhibits willingness to resolve problems as they arise.
• Consistently projects positive professional image through appearance and behavior.
• Attends 75% of staff meetings or reads and initials minutes.
• Consistently arrives on time.
• Does not exceed sick time allowance.

Guest/Interdepartmental Relations

• As observed by representatives of management, all interactions are conducted in a professional manner.
• Verbal and written feedback from patients, family members/significant others, medical staff, visitors and co-workers indicates behavior conducive to positive guest relations.
• Consistently exhibits appropriate phone protocol (e.g., answers phones promptly, is courteous and helpful).
• Consistently contributes to the team effort (e.g., assists co-workers when need is observed or upon request, offers constructive suggestions rather than complaints).
• Consistently displays cheerful and positive attitude.

Professional Growth and Development

• Completes annual safety updates within established time frames.
• Completes general and departmental orientation within established time frames.
• Attends 80% of in-service programs.

Performance Improvement

• Consistently strives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other "customers". Errors, inefficiencies and inaccuracies are brought to management's attention with suggestions for improvement. Develops innovative solutions to departmental problems. Identifies and implements methods of controlling costs or generating revenue while providing maximum value to both the patient/customer and the hospital. Maximizes efficiency in all departmental operations. Measures progress against quality goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: High School Graduate
• Minimum Experience: One year experience as a CS Tech (Preferred)
• Required Certification/Registration: BCLS