Lead Sterile Processing Technician - Kings Hwy

Ochsner LSU Health; Shreveport (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport, Louisiana, seeks a Sterile Processing Coordinator as a lead liaison between Sterile Processing and the operating room (OR). Responsibilities include performing quality audits, ensuring availability of instruments, and providing support to junior staff.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years of experience in sterile processing or as a scrub tech within a hospital setting. This position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a sterile processing environment.
• Experience in a hospital setting as a scrub tech or surgical tech.
• 1 year leading teams preferred.

Responsibilities

• Liaison between Sterile Processing and OR for instrument needs.
• Perform quality audits on instrument sets.
• Monitor sterilization and expiration dates.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Computer skills

Education

Associate’s degree or 5 years experience in sterile processing

Study or training in Health Science

Tools

Sterile processing equipment

Windows-style applications

Job description

This job is primarily responsible for functioning as a lead liaison between Sterile Processing and the OR. Responsibilities include performing quality audits to instrumentation accuracy, providing case cart and monitoring the availability of instruments while resolving instrumentation issues. The Sterile Processing Coordinator will function as a point of contact for other Sterile Processing Technicians, providing technical support and knowledge to junior staff. In this capacity, the Coordinator will work closely with Supervisors and Managers to implement process improvements, staffing, and training. This position will also performs data collection and special projects related to performance improvement and staff satisfaction.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Education

Required – Associate’s degree or 5 years experience in sterile processing

Preferred – Study or training in the field of Health Science

Work Experience

Required – 2 years experience working in sterile processing, working as a scrub tech or surgical tech within a hospital setting

Preferred – 1 year of experience leading teams

Certifications

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
• OR Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician (CSPDT)
• OR Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to communicate with peers and subordinates to accomplish departmental objectives.
• Understanding of a clinical setting and operations of a large health care system.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in routine and/or emergency situations.

Job Duties

• Communicates with supervisor and staff prior to any / all surgical cases to ascertain instrument and supply needs and ensures items are available; resolve issues / offer alternatives when necessary.
• Troubleshoots instrumentation needs related to tray additions and reconfigurations; communicating order needs to manager or designee.
• Authorizes and dispenses products requested by verbal, written or telephone requisitions for equipment and supplies.
• Serves as the liaison for OR/Sterile Processing Department (SPD) personnel and physicians to resolve issues that may arise before, during and after cases.
• Reviews sterilization/expiration dates and the integrity of sterile packaging.
• Reports inoperable equipment to SPD and OR.
• Monitors needs and turnover lists to identify and assign priority to emergency requisitions and required supplies and equipment based on knowledge of procedure requested; identifies items to be reprocessed for additional cases; communicates information to OR and SPD to limit delays.
• Provides shift report information to supervisor or designee.
• Performs quality audits on instrument sets and case carts.
• Monitors OR sterilizers and assists with IUSS in OR.
• Monitors OR & SPD shelves for critical items, peel packs and loaners.
• Restocking of instrumentation in surgical cores.
• Ensure instrumentation storage meeting organizational standards.
• Work with OR to have instrumentation trays serviced based upon repair schedule setup in Abacus.
• Functions as SPT as needed.
• 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.
• Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

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.

The employer maintains and complies with its 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Very Heavy Work – Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.

Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).

Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.