Sterile Processing Technician - Days

Mercyhealth•Crystal Lake, IL

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician cares for and reprocesses surgical instrumentation. The work includes disassembly, decontamination, disinfection, inspection, testing, assembly, packaging, labeling, high-level disinfection, and sterilization. The role follows department procedures and manufacturers’ written instructions for use (IFUs), with exceptional accuracy, and complies with Universal Precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment practices. The technician prepares instruments and case carts for clinical use, supports customers’ routine and urgent requests, delivers sterile instruments to nearby clinical departments, and retrieves used instruments. The role also maintains clean, organized work areas and equipment, helps manage supplies, and learns applicable regulatory standards, instrument chemistries, tracking systems, and reprocessing procedures. Schedule: 32 hours per week on days. The position is performed under direct supervision, with specific instructions and regular checks.

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.
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

Disassemble, inspect, and prepare instruments for manual or mechanical decontamination, following Universal Precautions and using appropriate PPE.
Load and operate mechanical washers, ultrasonic cleaners, steam sterilizers, hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, and automatic endoscope reprocessors.
Manually decontaminate and disinfect instruments as appropriate.
Inspect clean instruments for damage and test their function and sharpness.
Assemble instrument procedure sets according to tray lists and replace missing instruments as required.
Prepare instruments for sterilization using aseptic technique, including wrapping or packaging, using chemical indicators, and marking packages with identifying data.
Use biological, chemical, and process indicators appropriately; review and document results in logs; and review physical monitoring printouts to confirm cycle parameters.
Pick supplies and instruments and prepare case carts according to procedural preference lists.
Inspect packaging for damage and items for expiration before distributing them to customers.
Perform high-level disinfection of endoscopes.
Respond professionally and promptly to customers’ routine and urgent requests for supplies, instruments, and case carts.
Notify department leadership of facility or equipment problems and submit work requests as needed.
Maintain assigned work areas and equipment in a clean, organized condition that supports safe handling of clean and sterile items.
Maintain working knowledge of surgical instrumentation and instrument assembly and tracking software.
Make rounds to nearby clinical departments to deliver sterile instrumentation 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, instrument chemistries and their effects, proper use of the SPM Instrument tracking system, and preparation of instruments using IUSS (Immediate Use Steam Sterilization).
Read and interpret instrument and equipment IFUs to ensure proper reprocessing steps and assembly.
Assist with onboarding new partners.
Perform other duties as assigned based on department need.