OR Liaison

Overview

JOB SUMMARY: 

Customer focused, highly skilled surgical technologist or experienced OR Instrument Tech who demonstrates clinical expertise. Responsible for coordination and oversight of daily activities between the OR and Sterile Processing Department (SPD) to facilitate efficient case flow. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

High school diploma or GED equivalent with four years of significant hospital work experience in Sterile Processing and/or scrub tech work experience in the Operating Room required. Associate's degree in a related field with two years' of significant hospital work experience in Sterile Processing and/or scrub tech work experience in the Operating Room or graduation from an accredited School of Surgical Technology and credentialed as a Certified Surgical Technologist by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting preferred. 

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: 

Certification from an accredited certifying agency in sterile processing required or must obtained within 12 months of hire. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Manages flow of materials between the Operating Room and Sterile Processing Department; organizes, directs, and implements daily activities regarding surgical instrumentation ordering, presentation, maintenance, and preparation. 

2. Reviews the surgery schedule and ensures, together with the Production Supervisor, that all surgical procedures have an accurate case cart. Works closely with OR coordinators to ensure that procedure cards remain accurate. 

3. Assesses case flow during the day, monitors instrument needs, and notifies Sterile Processing Department personnel in advance of any possible additional/emergent instrumentation needs. 

4. Plans and coordinates all instrument turnarounds. Assists in developing, communicating, implementing, and trouble-shooting instrument issues that may affect or delay surgery start time. 

5. Acts as a liaison between the OR and the Sterile Processing Department; interfaces with the OR Coordinators, OR staff and management, and SPD staff and management. 

6. Coordinates the development and implementation of standards of performance with team input regarding surgical instrumentation. 

7. Collaborates with OR Coordinators, OR managers, staff educators, Sterile Processing Department and Sterile Processing Department managers to develop a training and development plan for surgical instrumentation. 

8. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the application/use of instrumentation. 

9. Performs duties in accordance with hospital, JCAHO, AORN, and other appropriate policies and procedures. 

10. Verifies that required instrumentation has been sterilized and is available for next-day, call or weekend cases. 

11. Performs, without supervision, all the functions of the Instrument Technician, and serves as a resource on any of these functions when needed. 

12. Performs other duties as assigned by the Sterile Processing Department manager. 

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS: 

Excellent oral communication skills Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of a hospital, including the Operating Room and physicians Knowledge of OR workflow, procedures, instrumentation and supplies Knowledge of case cart management Knowledge of infection control and health & safety policies and procedures Proficient analytical skills Demonstrates ability to identify, plan, and resolve issues in complex situations Ability to multi-task projects Superior planning and organization skills Ability to make decisions with imperfect information present Bias toward action and decisiveness Flexible and self-motivated Ability to read and understand applicable Standard Operating Procedures 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

Exposure to hazards associated with bodily fluids and tissue Regular exposure to the risk of blood borne diseases Exposure to chemical agents used in cleaning Exposure to hazards of steam and heat, may be subject to burns Loud stressful environment due to equipment and high demands Subject to varying and unpredictable situations Subject to many interruptions