Sterile Processing Technician

Description

Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance is one of the nation’s largest orthopedic networks. TOA offers comprehensive medical and surgical treatment of bone, joint and soft tissue disorders. Our treatment is compassionate, conservative and prompt, providing patients with the specialized orthopedic care they deserve. 

There are numerous reasons why TOA is an employer of choice; here are a few of them:

• Stability and Growth – TOA promotes long-term employment in positions as well as growth opportunities for those who want to further their career goals.
• Impact - TOA’s team members use our careers – whether in our clinics or our business office – to make a positive difference in the community by building relationships and positively impacting patient lifestyles.
• Work Environment - The TOA team focuses on cultivating an excellent working environment; one of positivity, collaboration, job satisfaction, and engagement.
• Total Rewards - TOA offers competitive salaries based on the current East Tennessee wage market, plus a comprehensive benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Paid Time Off, Extended Illness Bank and more. Our 401(k) plan provides a company match, safe harbor match and profit-sharing match to go along with your contributions.

General Summary: The central supply technician is responsible for processing, maintaining and organization instruments, equipment and supplies used in surgery. Functional knowledge of various methods used to clean, sterilize and package instruments and surgical supplies. Basic knowledge of aseptic technique. Knowledge of instrument names and ability to recognize malfunctioning instructions and equipment. Knowledge of chemicals used to clean and process instruments and surgical supplies.

• Process instruments according to policy, ensuring sterility and cleanliness at all times, documenting as required
• Organizes sets according to instrument list; dates and signs as indicated.
• Maintains set lists and updates as determined by Clinical Manager.
• Manages the flow of instruments in the instrument rooms ( clean, dirty, and storage) under the Clinical Nurse Manager.
• Ensures daily and weekly cleaning of sterilizers and washer-sterilizer.
• Operates autoclave, washer-sterilizer any other equipment necessary to process instruments.
• Reports any malfunctioning equipment or instruments immediately to Clinical Nurse manager.
• Ensures that items necessary for surgery are sterilized and available for use in a timely manner.
• Keeps abreast of the flow of cases and needs of the surgeon and staff while surgeries are in process and organizes work accordingly.
• Assist with O.R. turnovers as needed and able.
• Follows protocol for decontamination of instruments and sets according to policy.
• Manages the utilization and disposal of contaminated waste; ensures that biohazardous waste is boxed ad handled according to protocol.
• Assists Clinical Nurse Manager with inventory specific to the Central area. Identifies needs and lists items for Clinical Nurse Manager.
• May assist in the operating room for cleaning, prepping, turn over or assistance during a case as needed.
• Maintains sterilization records according to established procedure.
• Responsible for ensuring all appropriate biological test are completed daily on flash sterilizers and Steris units.
• Ensures flash records are completed and reports problematic areas to the Clinical Nurse Manager.
• Assists with obtaining special instruments, sets and equipment as necessary from off-site.
• Follows special request to assist others as determine by Clinical Nurse Manager.
• Practices constructive interpersonal communication skills.
• Conforms to all rules and regulations governing the operating room and its functions.
• Maintains all equipment and instrumentation, ensuring adequate function and operation.
• Assists in arrangement for repairs as delegated by Clinical Nurse Manager.
• Assist with pulling of cases as needed.
• Maintains the Sterile Processing area, puts sets away and ensures that the area is neat and organized.
• Assists with tracking equipment and instruments that have been loaned or barrowed.
• Performs all other duties assigned, 

Requirements

Here are some qualifications our successful candidate posses.

• Focused on Patient Satisfaction: Responds in a prompt and empathetic manner to meet patient needs; Seeks opportunity to exceed patient needs and expectations; Meets commitments; Provides positive and memorable patient experiences; Manages difficult customer situations with poise and professionalism.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Builds morale and supports everyone's efforts to succeed. 
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems independently and in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions when appropriate.
• Productivity: Meets or exceeds organizational productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Works quickly, precisely, and meticulously; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Technology: Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Word, and Outlook. 
• Attendance/Punctuality: Consistently arrives to work on time.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent experience preferred.
• Certification required.