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

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

4d • $24 - $30

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Tech II supports Northwestern Medicine’s patient-first mission and complies with the organization’s Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, guidelines, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. The role requires thorough knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques, infection control, workflow principles, and equipment and supply processing. The technician uses responsible judgment to provide the necessary supplies and equipment to patient care areas.

This is a full-time evening position scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., 40 hours per week, with rotating weekends. The technician processes, inspects, assembles, sterilizes, tests, tracks, and delivers surgical instruments and supplies; supports customers and colleagues; and maintains department readiness and quality standards. The position also includes rotating through assigned work areas, precepting new employees, and completing work from the prior shift as needed to accommodate department schedules.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Current certification from the National Institute for the Certification of Healthcare Sterile Processing and Distribution Personnel (NICHSPD), the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM), or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution (CBSPD).
• Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation.
• Experience and knowledge in sterilization processes, decontamination, packing, shelf life, and aseptic techniques and their application to various processed items.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge and use of the Tray Tracking computer system in assigned department areas.
• Decontaminate, disinfect, and/or sterilize surgical instruments in accordance 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 the sterilizer based on results; and report adverse results to management.
• Follow proper procedures for equipment malfunctions.
• Prepare and deliver accurate, timely case carts for surgical procedures.
• Respond to customer requests for instruments and supplies in a timely manner.
• 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.
• Maintain working knowledge of all department areas by rotating through assigned work areas to meet customer service needs.
• 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 to accommodate department schedules.
• 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, such as a Spectralink phone, professionally, courteously, and tactfully when coverage is needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• Lifecycle benefits
• A wide range of benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

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