Sterile Processing Tech - SPD

Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation • Mount Pleasant, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Tech - SPD is a part-time position within the Sterile Processing Services department. This role is responsible for ensuring the decontamination, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment. The position requires adherence to strict procedures to maintain a sterile environment and prevent cross-contamination. The tech will operate and monitor various sterilization equipment, manage inventory, and respond to urgent requests. Additionally, the role involves participating in quality improvement initiatives and potentially precepting new employees. The position is part-time, working 20 hours per week, with a schedule that typically involves 3 days one week and 2 days the second week, including call rotation for weekends and holidays.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent.
• Ability to Communicate and Follow Directions.
• Good Human Relations Skills.
• Basic computer knowledge skills.
• Heavy lifting: Lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly.
• Job responsibilities involve long periods of standing and walking.
• Frequent contact with blood and body fluids.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations with full motor function.
• Strength and dexterity to handle sterilization equipment and supplies.
• Ability to adjust work schedule when need arises (e.g., illness/vacation of other staff members).
• Ability to work under time constraints in stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

• 1 year experience preferred, but not required.
• Certified Central Service Tech preferred, but not required.
• Current Employees to Obtain Certification Within 12 Months as of July 1st, 2013.
• Central Service Tech Certification Obtained within 12 Months Upon Hire.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminates soiled instrumentation and equipment to prevent cross-contamination, wearing proper protective attire and following established procedures.
• Collects soiled/reusable equipment each shift using appropriate transport techniques.
• Sets up decontamination equipment, ensuring proper function and continuous workflow.
• Maintains a neat and clean work area, cleaning and disinfecting equipment and the work area at the end of each shift.
• Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedures.
• Assembles surgical items, instrument sets, and floor trays, ensuring correct instruments and quantities are present and properly packaged for sterilization.
• Completes count sheets/supply sheets to document tray contents.
• Packages and/or wraps trays/items for terminal sterilization following established procedures.
• Operates and monitors sterilization equipment (e.g., Steam sterilizer, VPRO Max) to ensure sterility is achieved.
• Uses test packs daily to monitor sterilizer function and interprets results.
• Observes and assesses sterilizer operation, interpreting recorder data.
• Labels processed items with correct load labels and positions items for effective sterilization.
• Documents processed items and reviews test pack data for verification.
• Reports equipment malfunctions to the Sterile Processing Supervisor immediately.
• Maintains inventory and appropriate storage of sterile items for distribution.
• Receives supplies, ensuring they are free of external contaminants.
• Completes case carts for the Operating Room according to standard procedures and schedules.
• Assists with cleaning storage areas and workstations.
• Places sterile items in appropriate areas for distribution, accurately sorted by department.
• Stores sterile items, maintaining first-in/first-out inventory control.
• Answers the telephone courteously, takes supply requests, and responds promptly to urgent requests.
• Completes Sterile Processing Department paperwork accurately for supply requisitions.
• Processes crash carts to ensure they are complete and equipment is operational, cleaning the cart and examining inventory.
• Follows established procedures for the exchange of crash carts, working with units and pharmacy for timely exchange.
• Correctly assembles the intubation roll after use and readies it for exchange.
• Monitors quality assurance indicators.
• Assists in the revision of policies and procedures.
• Acts as a Preceptor for new employees.

Benefits

• Comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs
• Competitive compensation
• Generous retirement offerings
• Programs that invest in your career development
• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED