Instrument Tech

Summary
 Instrument Technicians maintains recommended standards for set assembly, decontamination, inspection, containerizing and sterilization of surgical instruments. Performs sterilization, assembly and storage of medical supplies and equipment. Assists in maintaining consistent and continuous workflow, providing superior customer service to OR staff, surgeons, and equipment representatives. Understands safety hazards and use of equipment to prevent damage or harm to personnel and patients. He/she has the ability to function in assigned areas of POSC as directed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Decontaminates instruments, supplies and equipment according to established policies and procedures.
• Cleans, assembles, wraps, containerizes, sterilizes, and stores supplies/instrument trays as required and appropriate.
• Coordinates with supervisor in order to maintain instrument sharpening/repair schedule for assigned service line instrumentation.
• Performs biological and chemical monitoring in accordance with quality assurance standards.
• Responsible for recordkeeping and maintenance of data for general scope of Central Processing Department. 
• Works with the Infection Prevention RN and Operations Manager in assuring compliance with/preparation for accreditation, licensure surveys and regulatory standard reviews (e.g., CMS, OSHA, AAAHC, etc.).
• Reviews the daily surgical schedule OR staff and obtains instruments, supplies and equipment for scheduled and emergent procedures. 
• Understands and performs proper technique of equipment in assigned work area.
• Appropriately handles the disposal of biohazardous materials.
• Adheres to POSC procedures, policies, and standards.
• Maintains area of Special Assignments.
• Responsible for training new employees.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies 

• Teamwork – Accountable to teams, respectfully appreciates view of team members, adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsivities, communicates with team regarding overall patient care including using resources efficiently working toward a positive patient experience.
• Customer Service – Works well with patients, vendors, and physicians by keeping them informed and promoting a positive image of the company.   Maintain confidentiality.
• Dependability – Meets deadlines, works independently, accountable, maintains focus, punctual and good attendance record.  Identifies, troubleshoots, and solves daily situational problems that arise.  Identifies when to involve management appropriately.
• Organizational Skills – Information organized and accessible, maintains efficient workspace, manages time well.
• Technical Skills – Maintains current understanding of technical processes/equipment, uses technology to increase performance/productivity.
• Productivity – Manages workload, works efficiently, meet goal and objectives.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience 

• High school graduate or equivalent required.  
• Prior experience in Sterile Processing. Knowledge of AAMI standards. 
• BLS certification required.
• This position requires involvement in preparation of State and AAAHC Surveys.  
• Requires involvement in POCSP’s Quality Improvement Program.

Language Skills 

• Ability to respond to common inquiries from OR staff, physicians, vendors, and regulatory agencies. Ability to read and interpret policies and procedures, and IFUs.  Ability to effectively present information to ASC staff.   

Mathematical Skills 

• Knowledgeable of basic math.

Reasoning Ability 

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written/oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving variables in situations, equipment, and schedule changes.

Computer Skills 

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of MS Word, including Outlook and Advantix.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

• Sterile Processing Technician certification strongly preferred.

Physical Demands 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.    The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  There is potential exposure to anesthetic gases, hazardous chemicals, blood and body fluids, sharps, and cleaning solutions. The employee frequently is required to move all extremities within full range of motion as well as stoop and bend at 90 degrees. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. This is a full-time position. Workdays are Monday through Friday. This position may require long hours. 

Work Environment 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Peachtree Orthopedics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.