Sterile Processing Tech II Days Casual

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Lake Forest, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Tech II supports patient care by processing, sterilizing, storing, and distributing surgical instruments, procedure trays, and supplies according to established procedures, aseptic techniques, infection-control requirements, and regulatory standards. The role requires thorough knowledge of sterilization and decontamination processes, equipment and supply processing, workflow principles, and the organization’s policies and values. The position is casual, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Forest location, with rotation to the Grayslake location as needed. The technician prepares accurate and timely case carts, responds to customer requests, maintains department logs and quality-testing records, and uses the Tray Tracking computer system. The role rotates through assigned work areas, helps train new employees as a preceptor, supports continuing education, communicates issues and shift handoffs, and may complete work from the previous shift to accommodate department schedules. The position includes physical tasks requiring lifting 35 pounds, carrying 65 inches, and pushing or pulling 50 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or three years of related equivalent experience.
National (CBSPD) or international (IAHCSMM) certification.
Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation, human anatomy, and basic medical terminology.
Experience and knowledge in sterilization processes, decontamination, packing, shelf life, and aseptic techniques and their applications to various items processed.
Ability to meet the physical job-role requirements: lift 35 pounds, carry 65 inches, and push or pull 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience in OR instrumentation.

Responsibilities

Disassemble, decontaminate, assemble, sterilize, and store procedure trays, instruments, and supplies according to prescribed procedures and aseptic technique.
Follow preference sheets to dispense accurate instruments and supplies to Surgery.
Decontaminate, disinfect, and/or sterilize surgical instruments in compliance with established policies, procedures, and infection-control protocols.
Inspect, sort, and process surgical instrumentation according to policy and procedure.
Report and isolate damaged or missing items and notify the Resource Coordinator and Manager.
Assemble and organize surgical instrument sets according to instrument count sheets.
Prepare instrument trays for sterilization by wrapping them appropriately or using a sterilization container.
Perform quality assurance and biological testing on equipment and document the results.
Operate ultrasonic cleaners, washer-decontaminators, heat-sealing apparatus, sterilizers, and cart washers within established guidelines.
Maintain logs; prepare, check, and record test results; approve or refuse materials from sterilizers based on test results; and report adverse results to management.
Follow proper procedures when equipment malfunctions.
Prepare and deliver accurate, timely case carts for surgical procedures.
Respond promptly to instrument and supply requests from customers.
Maintain a friendly, clean, and orderly work environment.
Check and reprocess expired items.
Prepare and label items accurately for the appropriate sterilization method.
Act as a resource to other staff and maintain working knowledge of department areas by rotating through assigned work areas.
Maintain national or international certification for sterile processing and distribution and pursue continuing education as a self-directed professional.
Complete work from the previous shift as needed to accommodate department schedules and provide handoff communication to oncoming staff.
Dispense and deliver materials via dumbwaiter, tube system, elevator, and/or handcarts.
Serve as a preceptor during training of new employees.
Communicate issues, problems, and concerns to management in a timely manner.
Use established communication channels, including a Spectralink phone, professionally, courteously, and tactfully when coverage is needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.