OR/SPD Liaison

Advocate Health; Oak Lawn (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Illinois seeks an experienced OR Technician to organize and manage daily surgical instrumentation activities, ensuring timely preparation, maintenance, and delivery for procedures.

You will liaison between the OR and SPD, help develop standards, and participate in training and quality improvement initiatives to optimize instrument handling and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience with and knowledge of surgical instruments.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in an OR.
• Current operating room technologist (ORT) or certified surgical technologist (CST).

Responsibilities

• Organizes, directs, and implements daily activities regarding surgical instrumentation ordering, presentation, maintenance, and preparation.
• Assists in developing, communicating, implementing, and trouble-shooting instrument issues.
• Coordinates and monitors Quality Management activities for the OR and SPD for surgical instrumentation.
• Acts as liaison between the OR and the Sterile Processing Departments (SPD).
• Develops and implements standards of performance with team input regarding surgical instrumentation.
• Precepts and trains new technicians and supports in-services for staff.
• Reviews daily schedule with SPD, ensuring case carts, trays, instruments, and supplies are available and complete.
• Collaborates with OR staff to develop training plans for surgical instrumentation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Computer literacy

Communication skills

Education

ORT or CST certification

Job description

Major Responsibilities: Organizes, directs, and implements daily activities regarding surgical instrumentation ordering, presentation, maintenance, and preparation. 2)Assists in developing, communicating, implementing, and trouble-shooting instrument issues. 3)Coordinates and monitors Quality Management activities for the OR and SPD for surgical instrumentation by communicating and personally striving to attain universal and special performance standards. 1)Acts as a liaison between the OR and the Sterile Processing Departments. Acts as a mediator between OR and SPD. 4)Coordinates the development and implementation of standards of performance with team input regarding surgical instrumentation. 5)Provides input to SPD managers, Charge RN’s, OR managers, and SPD coordinators regarding any instrumentation issues. 6)Assesses the needs of the charge RN’s, surgeons, and SPD coordinators and managers in relation to surgical instrumentation 7)Reviews daily schedule with SPD and ensures all case carts, trays, instruments, and supplies are appropriate, available and complete. Collaborates with charge RN’s, OR managers, staff educators, SPD resource coordinators, and SPD managers to develop a training and development plan for surgical instrumentation. 1)Develops, conducts, and participates in formal in service programs within the OR and SPD departments. 2)Develops and implements written individualized training programs for staff within the surgical instrumentation arena. 3)Assists members of staff with the development and presentation of in services. 4)Organizes and implements unit in-services pertaining to new procedures, instruments, and policies for surgical instrumentation. 5)Participates in the orientation of new staff and students. Provides input to OR Charge RN, OR manager, and SPD coordinators regarding any instrumentation issues. Collaborates with the SPD coordinators, OR staff and management, the SPD staff and management to ensure all needs for surgical instrumentation are addressed. Assesses the resource needs for surgical instrumentation and informs OR and SPD management. Facilitates: 1)In obtaining any additional items required for start of surgery. 2)Delivery and return of items to proper location throughout the day. 3)The return of contaminated case carts to SPD for processing. 4)The return and notification of broken and dull instruments to the appropriate parties. 5)The appropriate instruments and supplies are available as determined by the individual surgeon preference card. 6)In obtaining all necessary supplies and equipment required to perform a surgical procedure. Implementation of Quality Improvement Ideas to Enhance Operation and Team Function 1)Identifies, discusses with manager the problem/improvement opportunities that will be focused on for the year. 2)Presents problem/improvement opportunities with an action plan. 3)Assists in revision of policy and/or procedures. 4)Monitors quality assurance indicators and reports findings to at staff meetings and or huddle ups. 5)Assists in precepting and/or training of new technicians. 6)Be an active participant in team building and willing to assist with creating and implementing new practices in SPD. Education/Experience Required: • Experience with and knowledge of surgical instruments • Minimum of 3 years experience in an OR • Current operating room technologist (ORT) or certified surgical technologist (CST). Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: • Strong analytical skills. • Proven leadership skills. • Good organizational skills • Basic computer knowledge. • Effective communication and presentation skills. OR Tech Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: • Ability to work flexible hours according to customer needs. • May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases. • Ability to prioritize independently and respond to multiple simultaneous requests. • Ability to communicate with patients/families. • Ability to travel locally. • Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations. Ability to lift/and or move surgical instrument trays. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.