What does an "CSPD" do?

[Jausman]

And how different is their function from an OR manager? I assume its to provide supplies.. maintain? - Would they manage the CST's? What advantage is having an RN doing this function?

I need to find one for NYC - an RN that wants to be a CSPD manager that is.

thanks

J

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

What is CSPD???

[Jausman]

Acronym for - Central Sterile Process Dept. An OR function, but thats about all I know about it.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I don't think they hire RN's for that position.....surgcal techs are just as qualified and less expensive....good luck ikn your search!

[SnowStar4]

Where I work it is not a surg tech or RN, just people they hire off the street for little pay. How are you supposed to find someone to do a job when you don't know what it is? Are you a recruiter? There should be a job description.

What they do is sterilize instruments and other items for use in the OR. They assemble the sterilized items into instrument kits and case modules (supplies for an operation) then send them to the OR so we can use them. This happenes in an area separate from the OR.

It is extremely different from the job of an OR manager.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

To answer your question, OP, a manager for Central Sterile has little to do with OR management. The main focus of a CSPD is to ensure that all of the needed instruments/supplies for the next day's cases are actually STERILE and ready to roll out for first cases at the beginning of the day. It takes a great deal of planning and knowledge of the OR in order to be successful in this position. As SnowStar stated, sometimes hospitals will hire someone with ZERO knowledge of the OR to do this job. It always turns into a disaster. You need to hire someone with an intimate knowledge of the workings of an OR, sterilization techniques, instrumentation, planning skills and attention to detail in order to be useful to the OR as a whole. That being said, in my experience I have found that CSTs who have actually worked in the OR for a while have proven to be the best candidates for the job. They know the trays, they know the instruments that should belong on the trays and they know who to talk to/how to get missing instruments.

Working in CSD is oftentimes a thankless job. Staff are calling to get a needed instrument or a key supply and they need it RIGHT THEN because the surgeon is throwing a freaking tantrum. It is a stressful job and requires someone with thick skin and people skills in order to keep the OR running smoothly.

An OR manager on the other hand must deal with staffing, budgets, placating surgeons, anesthesia, and all of the drama that goes with it. The OR manager must answer directly to a VP. Their job is vast and seems never ending.

I hope this description helps somewhat.