Sterile Processing Tech - In House Agency

Ochsner Clinic Foundation•New Orleans, LA

14h

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Tech ensures cleaned, prepared, and sterilized equipment and supplies are available for surgical procedures. The role 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. The position also performs other duties as assigned by sterile processing leadership. The technician performs general and specialized instrument care, disassembles and cleans critical reusable medical equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions for use, inspects and packages instruments, and reassembles surgical instruments and trays according to established priority. The role provides supplies for surgical procedures and uses high-level disinfection, pre-vacuum sterilization, gravity displacement sterilization, and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization techniques in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. It also includes record keeping and document control under applicable standard operating procedures, policies, and regulatory recommendations. The position requires adapting communication and behavior to the patient population, including respecting privacy, explaining services or procedures appropriately, requesting permissions, and communicating in an appropriate style. The incumbent must remain knowledgeable about applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements and ensure compliance. The job involves routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, specimens, communicable diseases, and potentially hazardous medications or waste in a healthcare setting. It is classified as medium work, involving exertion of 20–50 pounds occasionally, 10–25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Clinical knowledge.
Proficiency using computers, software, and web-based applications.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate 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 to change in a positive, constructive manner.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including 24/7 availability, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability.
Ability 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 through one of the following: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through IAHCSMM; Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician (CSPDT) through CBSPD; or Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) through CBSPD.

Responsibilities

Receive, clean, distribute, and store medical instruments and equipment.
Ensure cleaned, prepared, and sterilized equipment and supplies are available for surgical procedures.
Support direct patient care in clinical and satellite operations and operative suites.
Perform general and specialized instrument care duties.
Provide supplies as needed for surgical procedures.
Disassemble and clean critical reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions for use.
Inspect, package, and reassemble surgical instruments and trays according to established priority.
Practice high-level disinfection, pre-vacuum sterilization, gravity displacement sterilization, and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization techniques in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions for use.
Maintain records and control documents as defined by standard operating procedures, policies, and regulatory recommendations.
Adapt behavior and communication to the patient population, including respecting privacy, explaining services or procedures, requesting permissions, and using an appropriate communication style.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable federal, state, and local 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-related concerns.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned by sterile processing leadership.