Sterile Processing Tech - OALH Surgery

Overview

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference. This role ensures availability of cleaned, prepared, sterilized equipment and supplies for surgical procedures, serves as a resource for clinical knowledge, and may perform other duties as assigned by the SPD Supervisor or Manager of Sterile Processing. The job supports direct patient care in clinical and satellite operations as well as operative suites.

This description summarizes the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position and is subject to change at the company’s discretion.

• Receive, clean, distribute, and store medical instruments and equipment; perform duties without supervision.
• Perform general and specialized instrument care duties; provide supplies as needed for surgical procedures.
• Disassemble and clean critical reusable medical equipment per Manufacturer’s Instructions For Use (MIFU).
• Inspect, package, and reassemble surgical instruments and trays according to priorities.
• Practice High Level Disinfection, Pre-Vacuum Sterilization, Gravity Displacement Sterilization, and Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma Sterilization per MIFUs.
• Maintain record keeping and document control in accordance with SOPs and regulatory recommendations.
• Adapt communication and care approaches to the patient population while maintaining privacy and informed consent procedures.
• Support duties in alignment with regulatory and safety standards; perform other related duties as required.

Required – High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred – Additional degrees, business training, and/or certifications; additional courses in Sterile Processing or Surgical Technology may meet minimum qualifications.

Preferred – 2 years in Sterile Processing.

Required – Certification through one of the following:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM)
• Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician (CSPDT), Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
• Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER), CBSPD
• OR Certification in Surgical Technology with successful certification of internal sterile processing training course within first six months from 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; ability to present information clearly to varying levels of staff.
• Analytical, organizational, time management, and self-directed skills.
• Conflict resolution, adaptability to change, sound judgment, and initiative.
• Timely communication of pertinent information to appropriate staff; maintain current clinical knowledge, technical skills, training, and credentials.

• Perform general and specialized instrument care duties; provide supplies for surgical procedures.
• Disassemble, clean, and reprocess instruments per MIFU; inspect and package instruments and trays.
• Perform various sterilization methods (High Level Disinfection, Pre-Vacuum, Gravity, Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma) per MIFUs.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Respect privacy and adapt explanations to the patient as needed; handle permissions and communication appropriately.
• Other related duties as required.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements applicable to the role and ensures compliance.

Ochsner Health maintains a Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct; immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors, patient safety concerns, or privacy issues is required. Ochsner Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.