Instrument Specialist certification: CIS or CSIS
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Advanced knowledge of infection control, decontamination, and sterilization techniques
Knowledge and ability to operate, troubleshoot, and train staff on all departmental equipment including, but no limited to, sterilizers, washers, ultrasonic washers, and cart washers.
Independently demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Proficiency in utilization of basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office and electronic instrument tracking system, if applicable.
Utilizes all departmental equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions for use and departmental polices and protocols
Demonstrates proper phone etiquette when responding to inquiries made to the department
Completes departmental and institutional competencies within established required timelines.
Maintains patient and family privacy
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinates and assigns, based on the acuity level of the Technician, processing services that are efficiently organized. Ensures instruments and supplies are decontaminated and reprocessed in a timely manner. Serves as the primary resource for staff in all areas of service that the department performs.
Serves as a role model and mentor, facilitating teamwork, working in conjunction with the OR staff, to provide timely sterile products, trays, and case carts where applicable. Maintains consistent and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing.
Communicates in an active, positive, and effective manner to all interprofessional health care team members, listens and responds to the ideas of others. Coaches staff in effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication. Initiates recommendations, collaborating with management, for improvement of employee engagement score.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinates the daily interface between sterile processing, surgery, and materials management as well as other departments within and outside of Houston Methodist to ensure that supplies and instruments are available as needed for service lines, as appropriate. Partners with SP Liaison to prepare items in advance for the following day’s OR needs.
Anticipates needs by ensuring that all supplies or instrumentation not routinely available within the department are obtained and ready prior to scheduled surgery cases.
Plans and monitors staffing levels to ensure appropriate staffing at all times to provide excellent service. Regulates scheduling and department staff assignments based on the needs of the department. Provides daily reporting to management of needs, issues to be addressed, and all important information necessary to ensure department success.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Serves as the primary quality assurance resource for the department through periodic set audits. Reviews and revises, as appropriate, policies and procedures which reflect knowledge of industry standards and recommended practices for sterile processing. Assures department performance follows Houston Methodist policies and procedures and guidelines/standards from pertinent regulatory agencies.
Continuously assures the effectiveness of the sterilization process by using internal, external and biological monitoring systems appropriately, utilizing established department protocols and sterilizer manufacturers’ instructions for use.
Ensures accurate tracking of all instrumentation in conjunction with the SP Liaison for specific service lines. Maintains and records accurate recordings of sterile area environment requirements per Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), OSHA, and/or Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) guidelines per institutional policies.
Monitors, reads, documents, and interprets all parameters for all types of sterilizers to ensure proper function ((Steam, Ethylene Oxide (ETO) and Low Temperature Hydrogen Peroxide)).
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Monitors staffing levels against budgeted targets and adjusts to meet goals. Keeps management informed and involved, as appropriate, to proactively address staffing or other employee issues.
Maintains the shift’s monthly schedule and daily shift assignments, provides input on staff performance evaluation, and assists in the development of the department budget’s needs
Collaborates with Materials Management to identify supply needs and ordering of non-sterile items in need of processing.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leads and identifies opportunities for practice changes and performance improvement. Investigates and incorporates evidence-based practices which are presented to shared governance and leadership. Supports change initiatives and adapts to unexpected changes
Identifies staff development opportunities for professional growth of colleagues, provides coaching to meet identified goals. Identifies and assists department educator in scheduling of necessary in-services for department staff related to new products, changes in procedure, etc. Provides oversight for new employee preceptorships. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
Uniform: Yes
Scrubs: Yes
Business professional: No
Other (department approved): No
ON-CALL*
Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
On Call* Yes
TRAVEL**
Travel specifications may vary by department**
May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

 Work Shift: 1 - Day (United States of America)

 Job Category: Non-clinical

Houston Methodist West Hospital is committed to leading medicine in West Houston, Katy and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers access to the most innovative medical and surgical care available, including cardiology and cardiovascular surgery; neurology and neurosurgery; comprehensive cancer care; orthopedics and sports medicine; gastroenterology; bariatrics; childbirth center with level III NICU; emergency care; and advanced imaging.
 Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
