At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The OR/CS Liaison reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

• The OR/CS Liaison identifies resources needed to implement new programs/procedures pertaining to surgical instrument preparation, assembly, and maintenance. They have the overall responsibility to manage flow of materials between the Operating Room and CS overall responsibility to manage flow of materials between the Operating Room and CS.

Responsibilities:

• Organizes, directs, and implements daily activities regarding surgical instrumentation ordering, presentation, maintenance, and preparation.
• Acts as a liaison between the OR and the Central Sterile Departments. Assists in developing, communicating, implementing, and trouble-shooting instrument issues.
• Coordinates and monitors Quality Management activities for the OR and CS for surgical instrumentation.
• Collaborates with CS staff and management as well as the Operating Room staff and management to develop a training and development plan for surgical instrumentation.
• Develops, conducts, and participates in formal in service programs within the OR and CS departments. Conducts and documents quality control audits of surgical instrumentation.
• Reviews daily schedule with OR and CS staff to ensure all case carts, trays, instruments, and supplies are appropriate, available and complete.
• Facilitates in obtaining any additional items required for start of surgery.
• Facilitates delivery and return of items to proper location throughout the day.
• Facilitates the return of contaminated case carts to CS for processing. Support Nurses in the room by being the communication link between them and CS.
• Facilitate the return and notification of broken and dull instruments.
• Assist with breaks, lunches and/or staffing when requested by CS leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required:

• High School Graduate.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Sterile Processing and an international or national certification in Sterile Processing or a current Certified Surgical Technologist.
• Experience with and knowledge of surgical instruments.
• Computer experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology and medical terminology.

Preferred:

• Knowledge and understanding of a variety of OR procedures' surgical instruments (including working parts and proper inspection); This includes Orthopedic, Neuro, OB Gyn, ENT, Cardiovascular, as well as, general surgery instruments.
• Knowledge and understanding of basic microbiology.
• Familiar with infection control concepts and thoroughly knowledgeable with all types of sterilization processes.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.