Sterile Processing Tech (SPD)

Advocate Health • Green Bay, WI

3d • $21 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Sterile Processing Techs help prevent infection by cleaning, processing, assembling, sterilizing, storing, and distributing medical supplies. The role handles soiled and contaminated items and requires comfort with that work, strong attention to detail, and a tactical, behind-the-scenes approach. The position does not interact with patients. Previous SPD or healthcare experience is preferred, but no experience or SPD certification is required.

This is a full-time position at 1.0 FTE, with 80 hours per pay period and a 40-hour workweek. The regular schedule is second shift, 2:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. Occasional weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts are required. Occasional travel to support the West and Kaukauna surgery centers for vacation coverage is also expected. The listed pay range is $20.80–$31.20.

The role works in decontamination and central supply, handling instruments, equipment, and supplies through cleaning, sterilization, quality assurance, packaging, storage, and distribution processes. It also supports supply inventory and ordering, case cart preparation, and related departmental requests. Physical demands include standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, and assisting with patient positioning and transfers. The work environment may include fumes, dust, chemical hazards, blood, and body fluids; protective clothing must be worn as necessary.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• No experience required.
• No licensure, registration, or certification required; SPD certification is not required.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Knowledge of sterilization principles and applications.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Comfort handling soiled and contaminated items.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above the shoulders throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds from floor to waist and up to 20 pounds overhead; carry up to 40 pounds a reasonable distance; push or pull with 30 pounds of force; and perform a sliding transfer of 150 pounds with a second person present.
• Ability to work occasional weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts and to travel occasionally to the West and Kaukauna surgery centers for vacation coverage.

Nice To Haves

• Previous SPD experience.
• Previous healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive soiled and contaminated items in the decontamination area; sort, rinse, clean, reassemble, safety-check, hang, sort, and wrap instruments and equipment according to applicable policies.
• Sterilize instruments and equipment using aerators, gas sterilizers, or steam sterilizers; operate the glass dryer and cart cleaner; package items in sterile or peel packaging as required.
• Perform quality assurance testing for sterilization methods, test autoclaves according to procedure, and change graphs as necessary.
• Clean miscellaneous instruments by hand, including Baxter pumps and hypothermo units.
• Provide proper care and handling for high-cost and special-handling items, including laser instrumentation, orthopedic implants, cardiac assist devices, and endoscopic and microscopic instrumentation.
• Build case carts according to procedures and physician preferences when needed; file case cart sheets and requisitions; respond to Code 4s with a defibrillator and backup supplies; and maintain CPR annies.
• Check incoming trays and follow up with departments about missing instruments or parts.
• Take immediate and appropriate action if sterilizer failure is suspected.
• Receive and record departmental supply orders, record product numbers accurately, and complete forms for billing.
• Mark, date, stock, and return equipment to the appropriate department in a timely manner.
• Open and unpack supply boxes; check for damaged goods and quantities received; report discrepancies to the supervisor.
• Process credits for unused returned products, check stock levels, copy supply sheets, check carts for outdated supplies, and clean shelves.
• Perform patient positioning and transporting duties when needed, including lifting and pushing or pulling with proper technique.

Benefits

• Paid time off programs.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Competitive compensation, including possible shift or on-call premium pay and incentive pay for select positions.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
• Career development programs.

What This Job Offers

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