Job Abstract

Join us at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital where we have been providing world-class care to our community for over 100 years. Cleveland Clinic is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the nation. At Akron General, we strive for patient-centered care and comfort with our collaborative team of healthcare professionals. We are committed to serving the community and treat our patients as family.  

The Specialist Instrumentation is responsible for the implementation, administration and maintenance of the instrument tracking system. The Specialist is the liaison between Supervisor, Sterile Processing 1st, 2nd, 3rd Shifts, OR Service Line Managers and OR Equipment Technicians to ensure proper instrumentation and service levels. The Specialist serves as a member of the department management team and provides direction, instruction, and on-call management coverage and relief as required.

At Cleveland Clinic, we know what matters most. That's why we treat our caregivers as if they are our own family, and we are always creating ways to be there for you. Here, you'll find that we offer: resources to learn and grow, a fulfilling career for everyone, and comprehensive benefits that invest in your health, your physical and mental well-being and your future. When you join Cleveland Clinic, you'll be part of a supportive caregiver family that will be united in shared values and purpose to fulfill our promise of being the best place to receive care and the best place to work in healthcare. 


Job Responsibilities:

• Implements, administers and maintains the instrument tracking system. Creates and maintains the policies and procedures for instrument tracking system.
• Conducts and documents in-service training on instrument tracking system to all new and current staff. Recommends training/continuing education opportunities for existing staff. Assists as needed with mandatory employee testing.
• Communicates to the OR Service Line Managers when instruments are missing and determines the appropriate solution.
• Monitors tray assembly process and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Ensures employee compliance to missing instrument procedure during tray assembly. Ensures that missing instruments are sterilized and relocated to appropriate instrument tray.
• Monitors instrument stock levels in pack room and assembly areas and makes recommendations for purchase when levels are low.
• Maintains operation of VPROMAX2 and Surgery sterilizers.
• Maintains/supervises operation of/troubleshoots sterile processing steam and low temperature sterilizers, Pasteurmatic dryer, Steris washers, ultrasonic unit and Peel Pouch machines.
• Ensures compliance to OSHA and JCAHO standards for assigned areas.
• Provides input into AAMI, operational and capital budget preparation and coordinates capital equipment repairs and service contracts. Makes recommendations for equipment purchases.
• Coordinates the preventive maintenance and repair programs for instruments used in the OR and house areas. Monitors instrument supply for ordering and repair needs, resolves them in a timely manner.
• Responsible for count sheet revisions/stores in computer files and ensures that latest revision is placed on the PC Shared Drive “s”.
• Updates departmental instrument picture/count sheet within CS-IQ database.
• Maintains and updates surgeons' preference manuals.
• Coordinates the loaning and acquisition of equipment for Operating Room areas of responsibility.
• Attends and/or assists with departmental staff, management and committee meetings. Assists with special projects as required.
• Provides relief and on-call management coverage as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Follows Hospital and department policies and procedures with special attention to attendance and punctuality, confidentiality, dress code and display of ID badge, and safety.
• Completes mandatory education and training in order to maintain organization and department-specific competencies and requirements.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field preferred.

Certifications:

• Requires current Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician - International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management  OR equivalent certification from (CSBSPD) -  Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution.
• Requires current Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) - International Association of Healthcare Central  OR equivalent Instrument Specialist certification from (CSBSPD) -  Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution.

Complexity of Work:

• Proficient with computer software applications (Excel Access Word) and related sterile processing information systems.
• Ability document policies and procedures and train others in system use.
• Skill in verbal and written communication and ability to effectively present information to individuals or small groups.
• Knowledge of performance improvement and quality standards specific to sterile processing.
• Membership in a Central Service organization is preferred.
• Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with members of the health care team.
• Ability to promote customer satisfaction and to identify troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Work Experience:

• Sterile processing work experience required, three years experience  preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform duties while standing, sitting, stooping, and reaching for prolonged periods of time. Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing 25 pounds on a continual basis; ability to push, pull, and navigate carts weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Possible exposure to biological and chemical contamination.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform basic functions of position day to day instrument counting, sorting and assembly. Requires corrected hearing and vision to normal range.
• Must be able to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors to utilize color-coded systems used for instrument identification. All applicants will be required to be prescreened for color blindness by our Occupational Health Department.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our tobacco free and drug free environment. All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substance and nicotine. All offers of employment are follwed by testing for controlled substances and nicotine. All new caregivers must clear a nicotine test within their 90-day new hire period. Candidates for employment who are impacted by Cleveland Clinic Health System's Smoking Policy will be permitted to reapply for open positions after one year.

Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program. You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.

Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law. Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility. 

Please review the Equal Employment Opportunity poster. 

Cleveland Clinic Health System is pleased to be an equal employment employer: Women / Minorities / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities