Sterile Processing Technician - Parkwest Surgery Center

Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) is the largest orthopaedic surgery group in Tennessee, with more than 35 locations across the state. Our commitment to Trust, Respect, Honesty, Teamwork, Communication, Diversity, and Accountability guides how we work and how we care for our patients and communities.

Who we are defines how we care:

• Culture: A shared commitment to Trust, Respect, Honesty, Teamwork, Communication, Diversity, and taking accountability for our own actions with the belief that every one of us makes a difference.
• Patient Access: Setting the standard for orthopedic care in Tennessee with access to over 35 locations across the state, including Ambulatory Surgery Centers.
• Patient Experience: Building strong and authentic relationships with our patients and communities by unifying through consistent collaboration to deliver exceptional patient experiences.
• Financial Stewardship: Using sound judgement to make responsible financial decisions; minimizing waste and maximizing value.

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, 

Job 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.