Sterile Processing Technician (Certified) - Central Sterile - Kings Hwy

Ochsner LSU Health System•Shreveport, LA

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician assures the availability of cleaned, prepared, and sterilized equipment and supplies for surgical procedures. The role serves as a resource for clinical knowledge and supports direct patient care in clinical and satellite operations as well as operative suites. Responsibilities include receiving, cleaning, distributing, and storing medical instruments and equipment, with duties performed without supervision. The technician performs general and specialized instrument-care duties, follows manufacturers’ instructions for use and established procedures, maintains records, and performs other related duties as assigned. The position requires compliance with applicable laws, accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and the employer’s Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and an approved sterile-processing or surgical-technology certification. Two years of sterile processing experience is preferred. Work requires computer and data-entry skills, communication and organizational ability, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt constructively to change. This is a healthcare-setting position with routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, specimens that could contain communicable diseases, and potentially hazardous medications or waste. The physical demands include medium work, prolonged standing, and stooping, bending, reaching, grasping, and manual dexterity. Employees must be able to travel throughout and between facilities and work a flexible schedule, including possible 24/7 coverage, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Certification through one of the following: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through IAHCSMM; Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician (CSPDT) through CBSPD; Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) through CBSPD; or certification in Surgical Technology with successful completion of the internal sterile-processing training course within the first six months of hire.
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of patient information; proficiency with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and professionally to people at varying levels throughout the patient-care process.
Good analytical, organizational, and time-management skills; self-directed work habits; and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to adapt positively to change, exercise sound judgment and initiative, make effective decisions, and communicate pertinent information to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
Ability to maintain required clinical knowledge, technical skills, training, and credentials.
Ability to perform medium work, including exerting 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Ability to stoop, bend, reach, grasp, use arms and hands with manual dexterity, and stand for prolonged periods.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, potentially including 24/7 coverage, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability.
Ability to travel throughout and between facilities.
Ability to work in a healthcare environment with routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, and potentially communicable-disease specimens, and possible exposure to hazardous medications or waste.

Nice To Haves

Two years of sterile-processing experience.
Additional degrees, business training experience, and/or certifications may be combined to meet minimum qualifications.
Additional courses in sterile processing or surgical technology.

Responsibilities

Assure the availability of cleaned, prepared, and sterilized equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.
Receive, clean, distribute, and store medical instruments and equipment.
Perform general and specialized instrument-care duties and provide supplies 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 according to standard operating procedures, policies, and regulatory recommendations.
Adapt interactions and explanations to the patient population, including respecting privacy and requesting permissions.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance.
Promptly report known or suspected unethical conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance concerns.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.