Lead Sterile Processing Technician - Kings Hwy

Ochsner Health System; Werner Park (LA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health System in Werner Park, Louisiana, is seeking a Sterile Processing Coordinator. This role involves performing quality audits, resolving instrumentation issues, and being a technical resource for staff.

The ideal candidate will have an Associate's degree or 5 years' experience in sterile processing, and the position may require certifications like CRCST. Must demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to troubleshoot issues during surgery.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in sterile processing or surgical tech in a hospital.
• Knowledge of clinical setting operations in a large health care system.
• Certifications required include CRCST or CST.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality audits on instrument sets and case carts.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation needs during surgical cases.
• Serve as liaison between OR and Sterile Processing Department.

Skills

Computer skills for data entry

Effective verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate's degree in Health Science

5 years experience in sterile processing

Tools

Windows 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 perform 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.

Responsibilities

• Communicates with supervisor and staff prior to any/ all surgical cases to ascertain instrument and supply needs and ensures items are available; resolves issues/ offers alternatives when necessary.
• Troubleshoots instrumentation needs related to tray additions and reconfigurations; communicates 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.
• Restocks instrumentation in surgical cores.
• Ensures instrumentation storage meets organizational standards.
• Works 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: respecting 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.
• Collects and analyzes data for performance improvement and staff satisfaction projects.
• Provides point-of-contact support and knowledge sharing with junior staff and assists with their training needs.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Associate's degree or 5 years experience in sterile processing (required).
  • Study or training in the field of Health Science (preferred).
• Experience
  • 2 years working in sterile processing, working as a scrub tech or surgical tech within a hospital setting (required).
  • 1 year experience leading teams (preferred).
• Certifications (required)
  • Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).
  • Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician (CSPDT) or Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and information retrieval.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills, 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.
  • Proficiency 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.

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

Physical demands described include lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, 20 pounds constantly, and various tasks requiring walking, standing, pushing, pulling, and operating at a production rate pace. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including 24/7, weekends, holidays, and on‑call availability. Must be able to travel between facilities. Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue. Occasional exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste may occur.

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.