Sterile Processing Technician- Days

Ochsner Health•Baton Rouge, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position ensures the availability of clean, prepared, and sterilized instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgical and clinical procedures. The Sterile Processing Technician functions as a resource for clinical knowledge and performs duties as assigned by the SPD Supervisor or Manager of Sterile Processing. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, receiving, decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, packaging, sterilizing, distributing, and storing medical instruments and equipment. The technician is responsible for detailed inspection of instruments to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and proper assembly prior to sterilization. This role requires an understanding of various sterilization methods, including steam, low ‑temperature, and other approved processes, and the ability to select and apply the appropriate method based on manufacturer instructions and departmental standards. This position directly supports safe patient care across clinical and satellite areas, including operative suites, by maintaining compliance with infection prevention standards and ensuring the timely availability of sterile supplies.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
Good organizational skills
Good time management skills
Demonstrates good judgement in performing duties and conflict resolution.
Utilizes effective judgment and decision making when performing duties
Communicates pertinent information to the patients or appropriate staff in a timely manner.
Maintains required clinical knowledge, technical skills, training and credentials.
Adapts to change in a positive, constructive manner.

Nice To Haves

2 years of sterile processing experience or graduation from accepted course in Sterile Processing or Surgical Technology
Certification through one of the following: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)International Association Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM)
Certified Sterile Processing Department Technican (CSPDT), Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution(CBSPD)
Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER), CBSPD

Responsibilities

Ensures the availability of clean, prepared, and sterilized instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgical and clinical procedures.
Functions as a resource for clinical knowledge.
Performs duties as assigned by the SPD Supervisor or Manager of Sterile Processing.
Receives, decontaminates, inspects, assembles, packages, sterilizes, distributes, and stores medical instruments and equipment.
Performs detailed inspection of instruments to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and proper assembly prior to sterilization.
Understands various sterilization methods, including steam, low‑temperature, and other approved processes, and selects and applies the appropriate method based on manufacturer instructions and departmental standards.
Supports safe patient care across clinical and satellite areas, including operative suites, by maintaining compliance with infection prevention standards and ensuring the timely availability of sterile supplies.
Performs general and specialized instrument care duties.
Provides supplies as needed for surgical procedures.
Disassembles and cleans critical reusable medical equipment in accordance with Manufacturer’s Instructions For Use (MIFU).
Inspects, packages, and reassembles surgical instruments and trays according to established priority.
Practices High Level Disinfection, Pre-Vaccuum Sterilization, Gravity Displacement Sterilization, and Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma Sterilization techniques in accordance with MIFUs.
Practices record keeping and document control as defined in Standard Operating Procedures, policies, and recommendations from regulatory bodies.
Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.
Complies with the Ochsner Health System Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.
Performs other related duties as required.