Sterile Processing Tech II - Lavin, Full-time, Evenings

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Tech II supports patient care by processing surgical instruments and supplies according to established policies, infection control protocols, and regulatory and accreditation standards. The role requires thorough knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques, infection control, workflow principles, and equipment and supply processing, along with responsible judgment in providing the supplies and equipment needed by patient care areas.

The position is scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., 40 hours per week, with rotating weekends. The technician rotates through assigned department areas to support customer needs, helps train new employees, communicates issues to management, and completes work carried over from the previous shift.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Current certification from NICHSPD, IAHCSMM, or CBSPD.
• Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation.
• Experience and knowledge of sterilization processes, decontamination, packing, shelf life, and aseptic techniques and their applications to items processed.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience.

Responsibilities

• Use the Tray Tracking computer system in assigned department areas.
• Decontaminate, disinfect, and/or sterilize surgical instruments in accordance with policies and infection control protocols.
• Inspect, sort, and process surgical instrumentation according to policies and procedures.
• Report and isolate damaged or missing items for the Resource Coordinator and Manager.
• Assemble and organize surgical instrument sets according to instrument count sheets.
• Prepare instrument trays for sterilization by wrapping them or using sterilization containers.
• Perform quality assurance and biological testing on equipment, document results, maintain logs, and prepare, check, and record test results.
• Operate ultrasonic cleaners, washer-decontaminators, heat-sealing apparatus, sterilizers, and cart washers within established guidelines.
• Approve or refuse materials from sterilizers based on test results and report adverse results to management.
• Follow proper procedures for equipment malfunctions.
• Prepare and deliver accurate, timely case carts for surgical procedures.
• Respond promptly to customer requests for instruments and supplies.
• Maintain a friendly, clean, and orderly work environment.
• Check and reprocess expired items and accurately prepare and label items for the appropriate sterilization method.
• Act as a resource to other staff and maintain working knowledge of all 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.
• Dispense and deliver materials using dumbwaiters, tube systems, elevators, and/or handcarts.
• Serve as a preceptor while new employees are trained.
• Communicate issues, problems, and concerns to management in a timely manner.
• Use established communication channels, including Spectralink phones, professionally, courteously, and tactfully when coverage is needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• A wide range of benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection from unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED