Sterile Processing Tech II - Lavin, Full-time, Nights
About The Position
The Sterile Processing Tech II reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values, follows its Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with applicable policies, procedures, guidelines, and 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 exercises responsible judgment to provide patient care areas with necessary supplies and equipment. The position works 11:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m., 40 hours per week. It includes processing and inspecting surgical instrumentation, preparing instrument sets and trays for sterilization, conducting quality assurance and biological testing, operating processing equipment, preparing case carts, responding to customer requests, and supporting staff training and department operations. The technician rotates through assigned work areas, maintains required sterile processing certification, and completes continuing education.
Requirements
- High school diploma.
- Current certification from NICHSPD, IAHCSMM, or CBSPD.
- Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation.
- Experience and knowledge in sterilization processes, decontamination, packing, shelf life, and aseptic techniques and their applications to items processed.
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 according to established policies, procedures, and infection control protocols.
- Inspect, sort, and process surgical instrumentation according to policy and procedures.
- 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 results.
- Operate ultrasonic cleaners, washer-decontaminators, heat-sealing apparatus, sterilizers, and cart washers according to 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 when 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.
- 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 Sterile Processing and Distribution certification 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 when training 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
- A wide range of benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
