Sterile Processing Technician - Central Sterile - Kings Hwy

Ochsner Health•Shreveport, LA

About The Position

This job ensures the availability of cleaned, prepared, and sterilized equipment and supplies for surgical procedures. The technician 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 role also includes other duties assigned by sterile processing leadership. The position performs general and specialized instrument care; prepares supplies for procedures; disassembles and cleans reusable medical equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions for use; and inspects, packages, and reassembles instruments and trays according to priority. The technician uses high-level disinfection, pre-vacuum sterilization, gravity displacement sterilization, and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization techniques in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. The role also requires record keeping and document control under applicable procedures, policies, and regulatory recommendations; adapting interactions to the patient population; and remaining knowledgeable about applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements. Work is performed in a healthcare patient-care environment with potential exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, communicable diseases, hazardous medications, and hazardous waste. The physical demands are classified as Medium Work, including exerting 20–50 pounds of force occasionally, 10–25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly. The description notes that duties may change and that the listed responsibilities are not exhaustive.

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 good judgment in performing duties.
Ability to adapt positively and constructively to change.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including 24/7 availability, weekends, holidays, or on-call availability, and to travel throughout and between facilities.

Nice To Haves

Two years of sterile processing experience or graduation from an accepted sterile processing or surgical technology course.
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

Ensure cleaned, prepared, and sterilized equipment and supplies are available for surgical procedures.
Receive, clean, distribute, and store medical instruments and equipment.
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 according to manufacturers’ instructions for use.
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 in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions for use.
Maintain records and document control as defined by standard operating procedures, policies, and regulatory recommendations.
Adapt behavior and communication to the specific patient population, including respecting privacy and requesting permissions.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory agency requirements, and ensure compliance.
Perform other related duties as required.