Sterile Processing Tech - In House Agency

Ochsner Health•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

Ensures the availability of cleaned, prepared, and sterilized equipment and supplies for surgical procedures. Receives, cleans, distributes, and stores medical instruments and equipment; supports direct patient care in clinical and satellite operations and operative suites; and serves as a resource for clinical knowledge. Performs duties assigned by sterile processing leadership. The description summarizes the position and is not an exhaustive list; duties may change or be added. The role requires compliance with applicable laws, accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, the employer’s Compliance & Privacy Program, and Standards of Conduct. Duties routinely involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, communicable diseases, and potentially hazardous medications or waste in a healthcare setting.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Clinical knowledge.
Proficiency using computers, software, and web-based applications.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including communicating pertinent information to patients or appropriate staff in a timely manner.
Good organizational and time management skills.
Conflict resolution skills and sound judgment in performing duties.
Ability to adapt positively and constructively to change.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including 24/7 availability, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability, and to travel throughout and between facilities.

Nice To Haves

Two years of sterile processing experience or graduation from an accepted course in sterile processing or surgical technology.
Certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
Certification as a Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician (CSPDT) through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
Certification as a Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) through CBSPD.

Responsibilities

Perform general and specialized instrument care duties.
Provide supplies as needed for surgical procedures.
Disassemble and clean critical reusable medical equipment according to the Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (MIFU).
Inspect, package, and reassemble surgical instruments and trays according to established priority.
Perform high-level disinfection, pre-vacuum sterilization, gravity displacement sterilization, and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization according to MIFUs.
Maintain records and document control in accordance with standard operating procedures, policies, and regulatory recommendations.
Adapt interactions and communication to the patient population, including respecting privacy, introducing oneself appropriately, explaining services or procedures, requesting permissions, and adapting communication style.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance.
Report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance concerns.
Perform other related duties as required.