Sterile Processing Technician - Days
About The Position
The Sterile Processing Technician cares for and reprocesses surgical instrumentation, including disassembly, decontamination, disinfection, inspection, testing, assembly, packaging, labeling, high-level disinfection, and sterilization. The role follows department procedures and manufacturers’ instructions for use, using appropriate precautions and personal protective equipment. It also supports clinical departments by preparing case carts, delivering sterile instrumentation, responding to requests, and retrieving used instrumentation. The technician operates and monitors mechanical washers, ultrasonic cleaners, steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, and automatic endoscope reprocessors. The position requires accurate documentation and review of sterilization indicators and cycle parameters, maintaining clean and organized work areas, and following regulatory standards. The employee works under direct supervision, with specific instructions and regular checks, while having a working knowledge of regular assignments. Mercyhealth describes itself as an integrated health system serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, with seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and more than 7,500 professionals.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or certificate from a nationally recognized organization.
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and consistently.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Adaptability to changing priorities and environments.
- Customer service orientation and cultural sensitivity.
Responsibilities
- Follow department procedures and manufacturers’ written instructions for use when reprocessing instruments.
- Disassemble, inspect, and prepare instruments for manual or mechanical decontamination using Universal Precautions and appropriate PPE.
- Load and operate mechanical washers and ultrasonic cleaners; manually decontaminate and disinfect instruments as appropriate.
- Inspect clean instruments for damage and test their function and sharpness.
- Assemble procedure sets using tray lists and replace missing instruments as needed.
- Prepare instruments for sterilization using aseptic technique, including wrapping or packaging, using chemical indicators, and marking packages with identifying data.
- Load and operate steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers.
- Use biological, chemical, and process indicators; review and document results in logs and review physical monitoring printouts to confirm cycle parameters.
- Pick supplies and instruments for case carts according to procedural preference lists, and inspect packaging and items for damage or expiration before distribution.
- Perform high-level disinfection of endoscopes and operate automatic endoscope reprocessors.
- Respond professionally and promptly to routine and urgent customer requests for supplies, instruments, and case carts.
- Notify department leadership of facility or equipment problems and submit work requests as needed.
- Keep assigned work areas and equipment clean and organized to support safe handling of clean and sterile items.
- Maintain working knowledge of surgical instrumentation, instrument assembly, and tracking software.
- Deliver sterile instrumentation to nearby clinical departments and retrieve used instrumentation.
- Clean non-critical patient care equipment between uses.
- Assist with counting and stocking surgical supply inventory.
- Learn applicable regulatory standards and recommendations, including those from the FDA, AAMI, and The Joint Commission.
- Learn the chemistries used in reprocessing, their effects on instrumentation, and their purposes.
- Learn and use the SPM Instrument tracking system.
- Learn to prepare instruments for IUSS (Immediate Use Steam Sterilization).
- Learn to interpret instrument and equipment IFUs to ensure correct reprocessing and assembly.
- Assist with onboarding new partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned based on department need.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Life and disability insurance.
- FSA/HSA options.
- Accruing paid time off.
- Paid parental and caregiver leave.
- Career advancement and educational opportunities.
- Tuition and certification reimbursement.
- Well-being programs.
- Employee discounts.
- On-demand pay.
- Financial education.
- Annual recognition and awards events.
- Partner appreciation days.
- Family entertainment and attractions discounts.
- Community service and improvement opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
