Tissue Recovery Specialist 1 (Sterile Tech, Surgical Tech)

Job Description

General Job Summary:

Under the general direction of the Regional Supervisor, Tissue Recovery, and in accordance with protocols, policies and procedures established by the organization, AATB, FDA, processor SOP’s, and other federal, state, and local regulations and/or guidelines, the Tissue Recovery Specialist 1 will perform a variety of duties associated with the surgical recovery of specific tissues, which include corneas, split thickness, and full thickness skin for transplantation and/or research purposes. The Tissue Recovery Specialist 1 will assist the Tissue Recovery Specialist 2’s, Team Leaders and Team Leader 2’s in the operating room by preparing the body for surgery, prepping/draping, circulating, packaging, and labeling of tissue grafts in accordance with processor SOPs in preparation for shipment. The Tissue Recovery Specialist 1 must adhere to OR etiquette and always employ universal precautions.

This position requires participation in a 24-hour rotating call schedule. These shifts require nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees must arrive onsite one hour from activation. Mandatory and regulatory competencies, as well as meeting attendance along with training will require additional time commitment outside of scheduled shifts. This position may require additional responsibilities which include performing physical assessments to assist in determining clinical suitability and performing morning rounds at the OCME.

Education and Experience:

• College work in biology, chemistry or similar coursework preferred.
• Experience in allied health or science, or experience in tissue banking.
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Understanding of sterile technique and the general duties performed by a circulator or scrub technician in an operating room setting is preferred.
• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment and perform in stressful situations.
• Knowledge of computers and computer software, e.g., Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Maryland license, proof of car insurance and be insurable under Infinite Legacy’s master policy.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally via e-mail, text and in writing
• Proven ability to work well with others; take direction; institute and maintain a professional working environment. Demonstrate good problem-solving skills, ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to function for extended hours (25-hours plus) and the ability to work and/or take calls seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
• Ability to travel throughout Infinite Legacy’s Donor Services Area.
• Ability to lift at least 75 pounds.
• Knowledge and experience related to tissue recovery is preferred.
  
  

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the on-call Team Leader, participate in the recovery of split thickness and full thickness skin grafts as well as corneal tissue as needed from the surgical prep to reconstruction of a deceased donor using established aseptic technique in an operating room or similar environment.
• Maintains an on-call schedule of a minimum of fifteen 24-hour call shifts per month. Additional shifts will be required if the department is short staffed and will be compensated per the guidelines established in the employee handbook or approved by organization leadership.
• Ensure necessary recovery/reconstruction supplies and equipment are prepared and ready foruse, including preparation and transport of instruments and other supplies for sterilization.
• Perform as a professional representative of the organization when recoveries are off-site. Assist in obtaining a recovery site, communicating with the appropriate pathology or security staff, obtaining medical records and participate in Hospital/OCME huddles when necessary.
• Remain compliant with Hospital/OCME rules and regulations to include displaying proper I.D. and wearing proper attire.
• Package and ships specific tissues i.e., full thickness skin grafts and corneal tissue/blood, in accordance with all policies and procedures of both the processing partners and the organization.
• Clean the body and assist with transport to the appropriate location.
• Participate in cleaning of all recovery rooms prior to and after recovery, as well as a full cleaning of used tissue instruments.
• Ensure appropriate disposition of soiled equipment and supplies post recovery.
• Enter notes into True North acknowledging notification of the consented corneal case, ocular recovery time and case completion, as well as all other required information.
• Assist peers with the review and obtaining of the Medical/Social Authorization form or hospital/EMS record, plasma dilution log, cooling log information and M.E./Funeral Home restrictions, prior to recovery.
• Identify body (toe tag, wristband and/or shroud tag) and complete necessary documentation.
• Perform comprehensive donor physical assessment prior to corneal, split thickness and full thickness skin grafts and complete all necessary documentation.
• Independently perform on site visits to the Medical Examiner’s Office to assess potential deceased donors.
• Complete disposition of blood samples as appropriate and ensure a follow-up plan, if needed.
• Expedite completion of required information to determine if tissue can be made available for transplantation in compliance with SOPs and participates in the quality review to ensure timely release of donor records to the tissue processors.
• Participate in trainings, meetings, or other duties as assigned by Leadership or continuing education programs required to maintain clinical expertise and certification status at the discretion of Infinite Legacy.
• All other duties assigned.
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Reports primarily to an operating room or mortuary/pathology environment and required to stand for long periods.
• Working in conditions inherent in a morgue or operating room environment where there will be
  
  

exposure to bio-hazardous materials such as blood, other body fluids, communicable diseases, and pharmacological agents with little likelihood of harm if established health and universal precautions are taken.

• Working with sharp surgical instruments which may cause injury, if used incorrectly.
• Travel to donor hospitals throughout the Donor Services Area regardless of weather conditions.
• Responsive to DSC via text or phone call regarding consented cases within 10 minutes of notification.
• Responsive to TL via text or phone call regarding consented cases within 10 minutes of notification. Arrival to Infinite Legacy within 60 minutes of activation.
• Requires lifting donor's body, boxes of supplies and other items with little likelihood of harm if proper techniques and body mechanics are followed.
• Ability to move or traverse within an office, hospital, and outdoors. Standing, walking, and lifting associated with organ procurement
• Ability to accurately communicate, converse, and exchange information in English over the telephone and in person.
• Computer literacy in a Microsoft Windows environment and demonstrated competency in the use of Microsoft Office software programs.
• Possible visual fatigue associated with use of a computer screen.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate telephones and computers.
• This position is a Level 1 – High level exposure to Blood borne Pathogens and TB. Employees are in a hospital setting and have direct contact with donors or donor organs and tissues through donor management, recovery, and processing.
  
  

This position requires employees to be fully vaccinated and be able to provide proof.