Central Processing/Traction Tech – MercyOne – Sioux City, IA

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service/care appropriate to the age of the patients served, in accordance with MercyOne standards.
• Demonstrates numerical and clerical ability necessary to assemble complex instrument sets involving potentially hundreds of unique devices.
• Is knowledgeable of and is able to function in a decontamination area. Processes various items by means of ultrasonic or washer-decontaminators, cart washer and/or hand processing as appropriate to the structural composition of the instrumentation or equipment.
• Inspects all instrumentation and medical equipment for damage, malfunction or breakage. Reports such findings to appropriate source as necessary for correction.
• Is knowledgeable of and is able to demonstrate universal precautions in the performance of this role. Uses appropriate PPE when working with contaminated equipment, instruments and supplies.
• Serves as a resource to surgeons and surgical support staff in regard to available surgical supplies and instrumentation.
• Responds quickly and courteously to intercom calls from the OR.
• Works closely with other employees in the rapid handling of equipment and supplies in order to respond to emergency needs. Organizes and prioritizes work in an efficient manner during periods of stress or staffing shortages.
• Maintains proper inventory levels in relation to daily assignments. Assists in the rotation of supplies according to stated polices and procedures. Notifies Manager of shortages or independently arranges for re-supply.
• Operates and maintains departmental sterilization equipment; i.e., steam sterilizer, Sterrad sterilizer, cart wash, washer-decontaminator and Ultrasonic cleaner. Trouble shoots problems and reports problems or malfunctions to Manager.
• Demonstrates an understanding of supply costs and critical usage. Reports unusual or increased/decreased usage of a specific supply or supplies to Manager so that proper levels are maintained and waste is minimized.
• Understands and accurately performs chemical, biological and air removal tests on sterilizers as part of a comprehensive quality assurance program.
• Accurately interprets and documents test results. Maintains records on all items sterilized and information on date, sterilizer, and load number, along with test results.
• Performs additional biological testing whenever implantable devises are sterilized and records finding. Immediately notifies Manager of all unacceptable test results.
• Understands sterilization failure and immediately initiates load recall procedures.
• Actively maintains knowledge of all new products, changes in product lines, instruments, instrument sets, scopes, equipment, etc., as necessary to serve as a resource for medical personnel.
• Quickly and accurately fills case cart orders and sends appropriately to requesting area.
• Cleans and disinfects medical equipment for patient use.
• Recognizes and communicates issues/occurrences utilizing established lines of authority, and assists in identifying ways to resolve variances or unacceptable outcomes.
• Utilizes One Source to research cleaning and sterilization parameters per manufacturers recommendation.
• Applies principles of wrapping, packaging, handling and storage procedures per AAMI Standards.
• Applies general principles for high temp steam sterilization and low temperature sterilization.
• Actively participates in department meetings, committees, conferences, and in-services.
• Actively participates in improving patient safety and reducing risk to patients. Complies with Safety and Infection Control Policy & Procedure.
• Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the MercyOne and Trinity Health Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
• Adheres to applicable Federal, State, and local laws, AAMI Standards and Recommended Practices, MercyOne and Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
• Maintains general knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Orients new employees and records on-the-job checklist.
• Assures maintenance of inventory levels, performing routine checks to ensure adequate levels of orthopedic goods are available are available.
• Makes arrangements with vendors and Purchasing to obtain unavailable items both on a routine and emergency basis for traction needs.
• Ensures that traction inventory levels are adequately maintained. Oversees the rotation of supplies and reports any critical needs or changes in usage.
• Applies overhead traction bed frames and traction as ordered by the physician.
• Assists physicians in the application of braces and traction.
• Assist in the application of skin, skeletal, manual, and harness traction.
• Applies continuous passive motion devices as ordered by the physician.
• Applies soft goods such as collars, cam walkers, spine braces, other assorted extremity braces, and shoes as prescribed by the physician.
• Supplies therapeutic beds and air mattress as ordered by the physician.
• Performs daily rounds to maintain patient charges.
• Using computer access, finds item locations throughout the medical center, looks up purchase orders, tracks backorders, and defines usage when requested.
• Follows procedure for file building to add new items to inventory lists and modifying lists as necessary. Works closely with Purchasing to ensure that all information is correct.
• Assists surgical inventory specialist with checking future schedules, notifying company representatives to assure that any traction specialty items are received in a timely manner prior to start date and time for a specific procedure.
• Enters on-line charges for patient-care services; may also be assigned accountability for revenue reconciliation and for charge-error correction as specified by departmental process supporting hospital Revenue Policy.
• Is knowledgeable of and actively participates in improving patient safety and reducing risk to patient safety and reducing risk to patients. Complies with Safety and Infection Control Policy & Procedure.
• Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the MercyOne and Trinity Health Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, MercyOne and Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
• Maintains confidentiality of information pertaining to clients, physicians, employees, and MercyOne business.
• Demonstrates general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school graduate required. Surgical Technologist preferred.
• Requires Traction Competency completion within 6 months of hire date.
• Requires Central Processing Technician certification within 18 months of hire in this position.
• Ability to work in a highly stressful environment.
• Ability to rapidly perform numerous and repetitive short-cycle operations accurately and according to precise instructions.
• Must have a general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)
• Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
• Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of MercyOne and Trinity Health.