Surgical Instrument Tech

Trinity Health•Ann Arbor, MI

About The Position

The Surgical Instrument Tech supports quality patient care by cleaning, organizing, and preparing sterile operating rooms between procedures; processing surgical instruments for flash and terminal sterilization; and maintaining essential supply levels. The role also includes direct patient care within the scope of preparation and training, including transporting patients to and from the operating room. The position performs instrument and room preparation, equipment checks, sterilization, supply management, patient transportation and monitoring, and routine housekeeping. It may also provide relief coverage for clerical or custodial staff and help orient staff to the role. The colleague is expected to follow aseptic technique, safety practices, hospital policies, and confidentiality requirements, and to maintain cooperative relationships with patients, colleagues, physicians, and visitors.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally.
Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 50% of work time.
Ability to prioritize multiple required tasks.
Ability to work and communicate with others, including in stressful situations, with diplomacy and tact.
Ability to see, hear, and speak.
Ability to stand, sit, bend, stoop, and walk briskly.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds several times during a shift.
Ability to share in lifting patients weighing up to 250 pounds on occasion.
Ability to grasp or grip repeatedly during a shift.
Ability to push or pull carts or stretchers carrying patients or equipment up to 250 pounds with assistance.
Ability to push or pull carts weighing up to 150 pounds independently.
Basic problem-solving skills.
Mechanical ability to disassemble and reassemble instruments and equipment and operate flash sterilizers.

Nice To Haves

Six months of healthcare work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Open sterile packs, instruments, and supplies for operating room procedures using strict aseptic technique.
Secure and prioritize equipment needs for procedures and assemble and check the functionality of suction systems.
Complete case cart and locker requirements by adding supplies and instruments, consulting preference cards, and documenting as appropriate.
Clean, assemble, and label instruments for sterilization; operate flash sterilizers according to procedure and quality-assurance protocols.
Clean operating rooms and equipment after procedures.
Transport specimens, supplies, and equipment as directed.
Transport patients to and from the operating room and monitor them for untoward reactions.
Respond to patient needs within the scope of preparation and training and report other observations or needs to appropriate caregivers.
Assist with transportation of patients using cardiac monitors and/or ventilators.
Provide relief coverage for clerical or custodial staff, including operating a telephone, computer, and floor wet vacuum and communicating key information in emergencies.
Prepare specialty supplies, including sub packs, eye packs, cast supplies, breathing tubes, and positioning aids.
Maintain operating-room supply levels by rotating stock and checking expiration dates.
Teach job duties and responsibilities during staff orientation and development.
Follow OSHA guidelines, including body substance isolation practices.
Maintain work areas, hospital facilities, and equipment to reduce the risk of injury or unsatisfactory patient outcomes.
Observe hospital, department, and work-unit policies, procedures, rules, and standards.
Maintain good customer and supplier relations and complete mandatory in-service requirements.
Perform direct patient care within the scope of preparation and training, including taking vital signs, positioning, feeding and dressing patients, and discontinuing intravenous infusions.
Perform routine housekeeping, including disposal of trash and soiled linen; damp dusting; and wiping shelving, sterilizers, washers, countertops, and work surfaces.
Maintain cooperative relationships, approach conflict constructively, identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in resolution.
Protect confidential information concerning patients, physicians, associates, and visitors, and discuss it only with appropriate personnel in private settings.
Behave in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of SJMHS.
Perform duties safely, protect personal and coworker safety, and promptly report preventable hazards and unsafe practices.