OR INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN

The OR Instrument Technician is assigned duties performing testing of sterilizers, decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the perioperative services department, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the decontamination, disinfection and sterilization processes. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) provider card. Certification (NICHSPDP or ISCHIM) required

• Knowledge of equipment function sufficient to be able to determine operational adequacy and to distinguish between operator error and equipment malfunction.

• Knowledge of applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards sufficient to be able to perform all assignments within the safety parameters.

• Using AAMI resource- knowledge sufficient to be able to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment.

• Knowledge of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals and medical instruments sufficient to be able to decontaminate and sterilize equipment, supplies and instruments, including reprocessing of flexible endoscopes

• Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment up to 25 lbs.

• Must have good telephone manners and problem-solving skills.

• Is able to perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, which will include instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts of various sizes. Tactile differentiation, e.g. temperature, moisture.

• Skill in cleaning specialized equipment.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED

• Standard equipment including: computer terminal, telephone, washer/decontaminator, sonic cleaner, sterilizer (Steam and Sterrad), air compressor and biological incubator. Automated Endoscopic Reprocessor (AER)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

• Physical working environment may include, but not limited to, any of the following hazards: high pressure steam, chemical, electrical, mechanical, bio-waste, stress, back strain, body fluids, etc.

• Environmental conditions may include, but not be limited to, variations in temperature, noise, odors, multi-stimuli, etc.