Sterile Processing Technician II

Advocate Health•West Allis, WI

8d•$22 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician II receives, decontaminates, cleans, assembles, checks, wraps, and sterilizes instruments and equipment. The role performs quality assurance testing for sterilization methods and safely handles high-cost and specialty instrumentation, including laser, orthopedic, cardiac assist, endoscopic, and microscopic equipment. Additional duties may include preparing case carts, responding to Code 4s with a defibrillator and backup supplies, maintaining CPR training mannequins, testing autoclaves, checking incoming trays, and responding to possible sterilizer failures. The position also processes and stocks supply orders, documents product information for billing, checks deliveries and supply levels, handles returns and credits, and keeps supply areas organized. The technician may perform patient positioning and transport duties, while guiding and mentoring other Sterile Processing Technicians and coordinating with nursing, surgical services, and ancillary departments. This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 0630 to 1500. The schedule includes one holiday per year and the possibility of rotating weekends. The role is based at Aurora West Allis Medical Center in Sterile Processing Services.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Typically requires 2 years of experience in a Sterile Processing Department or Central Supply Department; candidates with previous Surgical Technology or GI Lab Technician experience may also be considered.
Hold one of the following certifications: Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) from HSPA; Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) from CBSPD; or Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) from CBSPD.
Ability to function in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
Advanced understanding of AORN standards, AAMI standards, and basic instrumentation.
Advanced knowledge of the Censitrac instrument tracking device.
Knowledge of sterilization principles and applications.
Familiarity with medical terminology.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and assisting with transfers.

Responsibilities

Receive and decontaminate soiled items; sort, rinse, clean, reassemble, inspect, and wrap instruments and equipment according to established policies.
Sterilize instruments and equipment using aerator, gas, or steam sterilizers; operate the glass dryer and cart cleaner; package items in steri/peel as required.
Perform quality assurance testing for sterilization methods and take immediate appropriate action when sterilizer failure is suspected.
Care for and handle high-cost and specialty equipment, including laser instruments, orthopedic implants, cardiac assist devices, and endoscopic and microscopic instruments.
Build case carts as needed according to procedures and physician preferences; file case cart sheets and requisitions.
Respond to Code 4s with a defibrillator and backup supplies, maintain CPR mannequins, test autoclaves, and change graphs as necessary.
Check incoming trays and follow up with departments about missing instruments or parts.
Receive and record supply orders, document product numbers and billing forms, mark, date, and stock equipment, and return items to the appropriate department promptly.
Unpack supply boxes, check deliveries for damage and quantity, report discrepancies, process credits for unused returned products, monitor stock, check carts for outdated supplies, and clean shelves.
Perform patient positioning and transporting duties as needed, using proper techniques for lifting and pushing or pulling.
Guide, mentor, and serve as a resource for Sterile Processing Technicians.
Coordinate with nursing and ancillary departments on SPD functions, including IV pumps, IC carts, and SCDs, and act as a liaison among surgical services, nursing, and ancillary departments.