Description
Full-Time 40 hours
Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
It may be necessary to work weekends or stay late during the week to meet the needs of the department's special projects.
At Nuvance Health, we enjoy the benefits of a two-state system as we cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone feels welcomed, respected and supported. Together, we are a team of 15,000+ strong hearts and open minds. If you share our values of connected, personal, agile and imaginative, we invite you to discover what’s possible for you and your career.
Norwalk Hospital is a 366-bed academic and community medical center serving Fairfield County, Connecticut, and the surrounding New York Metro area. We are a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Replacement Center of Excellence, and we provide advanced cancer, heart, and neuroscience care.
Our accolades include the following:
- The Leapfrog Group - Grade A for quality and patient safety
- Healthgrades - America’s 50 Best Hospitals
- U.S. News & World Report - high performance in heart failure treatment
At Norwalk Hospital, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, fostering a friendly and supportive culture where collaboration and compassion are at the heart of what we do. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll experience a sense of community that makes our hospital a truly special place to work. Our employees feel a deep connection here because we’re not just part of the community – we are its center.
Applicants for this position needs to have a deep understanding of sterile techniques, sterilization assurance, and surgical instrument types. Proficiency with instrument tracking software and strong, high-level computer skills. He or She will manage the life cycle of surgical instruments, including procurement, repairs, and tracking repairs or loaner trays. Acts as a "super user" for tracking software (SPM), maintaining database accuracy, updating count sheets, and managing instrument photos. Ensure all instruments are sterilized and maintained according to industry standards, supporting the SPD and surgical team, and enhancing patient safety. Coordinates with sterile processing, operating room staff, and external vendors to ensure timely delivery and availability of instruments and equipment. Act as a preceptor in the orientation, training, and evaluation of new staff, clinical students, and volunteers.
Position Summary
Provide support and coordination regarding instrument management functions to include purchasing, inventory, repair and maintenance and tracking system maintenance. This individual must also ensure a collaborative working relationship with the customer and manage instrumentation for multiple departments.
Duties:
Responsible for managing to customer budget related to instruments. Ensures solid communications related to budget adherence to customer requirements. Includes proposing budget modifications to customer for inventory – replacements and additional inventory needs.
• Manages instrumentation, device, and product purchasing and inventory.
▪ Inventory up to 3M instruments and thousands of sets.
o Manages missing instrument, device, and product processes.
o Orders instruments and products as needed.
o Identifies reasons for missing instruments and implements process improvements to reduce missing item.
o Manages customer inventory.
o Maintains a par level of backup inventory necessary for replacement of missing and broken instruments.
o Cross references instruments between different manufacturers when necessary.
• Manages instrument and device repair and maintenance program.
o Implementing and maintaining instrument and device tracking for items sent out for repair to ensure efficient follow-up and knowledge of the status of repairs, outstanding purchase approvals and status spreadsheets.
o Ensure that instrument sets are regularly rotated for inspection and refurbishment.
o Ensures instrument/device repairs and maintenance are managed to control operating expense while meeting the surgical demands.
o Ensure process is in place to return repaired or new instruments/devices to the correct location, tray, or staff members in a timely manner.
o Ensure work instructions are developed for all activities within the instrument/device repair and maintenance program.
o Develop proper and timely communication channels so that CS and Perioperative department are aware of repair and maintenance status.
o Receive and send out instruments/devices requiring repair and maintenance and work with vendors to ensure quality work is being performed.
o Performs Proactive Maintenance Inspections for all surgical devices
o Performs Care & Handling in-services for OR and SPD/CSS staff as needed
• Provides on-site support and communication to assigned facilities with a focus on efforts to provide cost savings to the hospital by ensuring all surgical tools are functioning properly for their intended purpose.
• Collaborates with the System administrator, Director of Perioperative, OR team, Perioperative team, leaders/coordinators, and SPD manager to plan and implement updates to count sheets, preference cards, tray reconfigurations, and inventory lists. Will also collaborate with managers to review and reset appropriate care and handling processes.
• Maintains and updates instrument Tracking System (when applicable/assigned)
o Act as instrument management system “super user” able to maintain the system data, troubleshoot, and train others in its use.
o Develop and modify instrument count sheets and modify count sheets as needed for new/replacement instruments or other requested changes.
o Research and maintain accurate cleaning and sterilization instructions attached to instrument sets in the system.
o Add and maintain instrument and set photos in the system.
o Act as gatekeeper of the system by approving and adding new users and giving only necessary access.
o Provide training to required staff on system functionality and usage.
o Develop work instructions on the use of the system and assist in training and compliance with such work instructions.
o Provide expertise and knowledge in all aspects of the system’s functionality.
o Maintain system data accurately and timely.
• Manages and maintains required sterilization assurance materials and supplies for departmental needs.
• Documents daily cost savings initiatives, with total monies saved, and reports potential barriers to implementation.
• Communicates daily with the SPD Manager and support teams to ensure customer needs are met daily and any issues are resolved promptly.
Education: HS GRAD/EQUIVALENT
Required: Surgical Tech certification. OR experience.
Associates degree or equivalent education/experience of
5 years with surgical instruments.
Knowledge of instrument tracking software such as SPM.
Customer service experience
Certified Instrument Specialist through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
With strong hearts and open minds, we’re pushing past boundaries and challenging the expected, all in the name of possibility. We are neighbors caring for neighbors, working together as partners in health to improve the lives of the people we serve. If you share our passion for the health of our communities, advance your career with Nuvance Health!