Sterile Processing Technician - The Grove

Ochsner Health•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician 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 as well as operative suites; and serves as a resource for clinical knowledge. The technician performs duties assigned by sterile processing leadership and other related duties as required. The work includes general and specialized instrument care, cleaning and processing reusable medical equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions for use, and applying high-level disinfection and sterilization techniques. The technician maintains records and document control in accordance with operating procedures, policies, and regulatory recommendations, and adapts communication and behavior to the needs of the patient population. The position requires compliance with applicable laws, accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and the employer’s compliance and privacy standards. The role is performed in a healthcare and patient-care environment. Routine duties involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, specimens that could contain diseases, and potential exposure to hazardous medications or waste. The physical work is classified as medium work, including occasional exertion of 20–50 pounds, frequent exertion of 10–25 pounds, and constant exertion of up to 10 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Clinical knowledge.
Proficiency using computers, software, and web-based applications.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including timely communication of pertinent information to patients or appropriate staff.
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 possible 24/7 coverage, 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

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 (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 in accordance with MIFUs.
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, introducing oneself, explaining services or procedures, requesting permissions, and adjusting 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 concerns.
Perform other related duties as required.