Responsible for rendering technical patient care and assistance to providers and ancillary staff under the supervision of the Director of Nursing and Chief Operations Officer. Responsible for setting up sterile trays and supplies and maintaining Sterile Processing Department (SPD).

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.    Provide technical patient care while making every effort to remain flexible, cooperative and supportive.

a.         Maintain accuracy in drawing up meds and setting up sterile trays for patient procedures.

b.       Familiarity with the procedures performed allowing flexibility for any changes that may occur.

c.        Assist other staff members and patients as necessary utilizing good communication skills, safe body mechanics, and good judgement.

d.       Communication of relevant information to physician, nursing and clinical staff to maintain continuity of care.

e.       Follow all physician orders and requests in a prompt manner.

2.    Implementation of good sterile practices and infection control.

a.      Knowledge and adherence to current infection control policies

b.      Display ability to set up, recognize, control and maintain the sterile field.

c.      Utilize safe sharps practices at all times and discard sharps in the appropriate manner.

d.      Follow facility policies and manufacturer’s instructions for use when decontaminating soiled instruments.

e.      Operate autoclave appropriately and document load details.

3.    Recognizes the importance of time sensitive issues.

a.      Response time to emergencies is as immediate as possible

b.      Procurement of crash cart, malignant hyperthermia cart or other necessary equipment as needed.

c.      Restocking of supplies in all areas is performed efficiently.

d.      System issues are brought to management’s attention in a timely manner.

4.    Supports operating room procedures.

a.      Documentation of procedures, supplies used, times, quantities of medications, etc. are written accurately and legibly.

b.      Patient and personnel safety procedures are adhered to such as infection control, fire safety, radiation safety, electric and chemical hazards identified, etc.

c.      Interdisciplinary team participation is evident in all areas of practice.

d.      Time off is scheduled so that workflow is not affected.

e.      Punctual attendance consistently displayed.

5.    Demonstrates proper room cleaning/turnover.

a.       Equipment used during the procedure is cleaned and returned to its proper place at the end of the procedure.

b.      Gross spillage of blood and body fluids is cleaned using the appropriate cleaning solution as soon as possible.

c.      Linen, trash bags, and contaminated instruments are handled carefully using the appropriate personal protective equipment and taken to the decontamination area.

6.    Assumes responsibility for professional development of self.

a.      Strengths and opportunities for professional development are identified and goals for self-improvement are set and documented. .

b.      Annual mandatory training activities are completed within established time frames.

7.       Demonstrates leadership in the delivery of technical patient care.

a.      Active participant in accomplishing the goals of the surgery center.

b.      Recognition and support of peers is provided on a routine basis.

c.      Time management and organizational skills are demonstrated and role modeled on a routine basis.

ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES:

1.      Responsible for management of sterile processing department while adhering to all facility policies and protocols.

2.      Perform weekly/monthly maintenance on sterile processor.

3.      Order all necessary supplies for the department.

4.      Functions as an active and productive team member.

a.        Help is offered to others to solve problems and complete tasks to facilitate positive team dynamics.

b.       Productive work habits are consistently displayed.

c.        Time off is scheduled to avoid disrupting workflow.

d.       Constructive input is offered to support the work unit.

e.       Accountability for actions and decisions is demonstrated in daily work.

f.         Feedback is solicited and accepted in a positive manner.

5.      Protects patients’ rights by maintaining confidentiality of medical, personal, and financial information.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made for employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

1.      Ability to lift >20 lbs.; moving, lifting, or transferring of patients may involve lifting up to fifty (50) lbs.

2.      Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

3.      Acute attention to detail and ability to write legibly.

4.      May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, cold, radiation, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

CONCLUSION:

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this position. This description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with this position.  Other duties may be assigned as necessary.