Surgical Services Liaison - TOSH

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

41d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operating Room/Sterile Processing Liaison Technician serves as a critical bridge between the Operating Room (OR) and the Sterile Processing Department (SPD). This position is responsible for proactive communication, timely delivery of requested sterile instruments and supplies to the OR, and anticipating and resolving potential instrument-related issues before they impact surgical procedures. The Liaison Technician plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of instruments, directly contributing to the daily success of patient care. This individual must possess excellent communication, prioritization, and problem-solving skills, as well as a strong understanding of both OR and SPD.

Requirements

High School plus 2 years of experience in Sterile Processing or Operating Room

Nice To Haves

Certified Sterile Processing Technician
Certified Surgical Technologist
Certified Registered Central Service Technician

Responsibilities

Maintain a visible and proactive presence within the Operating Room environment.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with OR staff, including surgeons, nurses, and surgical technologists.
Regularly communicate with OR staff to anticipate upcoming needs and proactively address potential instrument concerns.
Receive and prioritize requests for sterile instruments, supplies, and equipment from the OR.
Ensure a rapid response time to all requests, with a target of delivering requested instrument sets to the designated operating room within 5 minutes of the request.
Quickly and accurately locate requested instrument sets and supplies within the SPD.
Safely and efficiently transport sterile items to the appropriate operating room, adhering to all sterile handling protocols.
Effectively assess the urgency of OR requests and prioritize accordingly to meet immediate surgical needs and prevent delays.
Communicate any potential delays or challenges in fulfilling requests promptly and clearly to the OR staff.
Utilize knowledge of surgical procedures and instrument requirements to foresee potential instrument shortages, damages, or discrepancies.
Proactively communicate potential issues to both OR and SPD leadership and work collaboratively to find timely solutions before they impact a surgical case.
Troubleshoot minor instrument-related issues within the OR, when appropriate and within scope of practice.
Facilitate clear and effective communication between the OR and SPD regarding instrument needs, usage, and any issues encountered.
Provide feedback from the OR to the SPD regarding instrument quality, completeness, and any concerns.
Educate OR staff on SPD processes and limitations when necessary.
Understand the direct impact of this role on the timely progression of surgical procedures and, ultimately, the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Maintain a strong sense of responsibility for ensuring the OR has the necessary sterile instruments and supplies when needed.
Perform other duties as necessary to support the efficient and effective operation of both the Operating Room and the Sterile Processing Department.