Sterile Processing Technician - Endoscopy FT40 Days

American Addiction Centers • Chicago, IL

2d • $21 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the assembly, packaging, and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment. This role is crucial for infection control and ensuring that sterile items are available for patient care. The technician will perform decontamination, sterilization, and distribution functions, adhering to established procedures and AAMI standards. This position also involves communication with co-workers, management, and other departments, as well as maintaining inventory and assisting with quality improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• High school diploma, or GED.
• 1-2 years healthcare or other related experience
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and follow directions.
• Computer skills, ability to use email.
• Experience in operating sterilization equipment.
• Registered Certified Central Service Tech through CBSPD or the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) within 18 months of hire.
• Associates hired after September 2009 must be certified within 18 months of hire date.
• ETO exposure.
• Exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Work for extended time periods in full personal protective equipment when performing decontamination functions
• Hepatitis vaccine at hire
• Ability to respond quickly to emergent situations.
• Strength/dexterity to handle surgical instruments/equipment
• Ability to access all areas of the department
• Ability to respond appropriately to alarms on monitoring equipment, sterilization devices and telephone calls.
• Ability to discern the difference in surgical instruments prior to assembly.
• Ability to push loaded OR case carts to and from various surgery suite locations
• Lifting up to instrumentation trays up to 35 pounds

Responsibilities

• Performance of Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping: Inspect, assemble, and prepare instrument sets for Operating Room and other departments. Order new instruments when necessary. Package and/or wrap items for terminal sterilization. Assemble instrument sets ensuring correct number and type of instruments are present. Place instruments appropriately to facilitate removal and prevent damage. Test all instrumentation for correct function. Perform electrical tests for all instrumentation with an insulation coating. Examine surgical instrumentation for cleanliness, proper assembly, and performance. Remove instruments needing repair or sharpening from service and replace them. Communicate instruments removed from service to third-party repair service.
• Performance of Sterilization: Assemble test packs for daily monitoring of sterilizers (chemical and biological monitors). Label each item in the sterilizer load with the correct load label, including contents, time, date, set number, and preparer name. Observe and assess sterilizer operation by reviewing and initialing data tapes. Document item type and quantity processed in each load. Alert management and engineering of any deficiencies in sterilizer performance. Position items on the sterilization cart appropriately for proper sterilization. Include biological challenge pack or other applicable indicator of sterility when using steam sterilization or loads containing implantables.
• Decontamination of Patient Care Equipment: Wear proper protective attire when performing decontamination. Set up decontamination equipment and ensure proper functioning. Follow established procedures for decontamination and correct handling of patient care equipment. Remove malfunctioning equipment from service, red tag it, and notify appropriate departments and management. Handle infectious waste according to hospital policies. Maintain a clean and neat work area. Clean and disinfect work area at the end of the shift.
• Communication skills necessary to support the provision of quality surgical services to our staff and patients: Communicate properly and professionally with co-workers. Give and receive appropriate feedback. Document required sterilization records, load cards, computer input, shift change reports, and QA reports. Identify own learning needs and utilize resources.
• Performance of Inventory/Storage/Distribution functions: Receive supplies, checking contents against invoices. Notify manager of back orders, shortages, or errors. Complete case carts for the OR. Assist with cleaning of storage areas and workstations. Place sterile items in appropriate areas for distribution, ensuring accurate sorting and proper labeling. Store sterile items in the SPD storage area, maintaining first-in/first-out inventory control. Answer the telephone within 3 rings to take requests for supplies, trays, and instruments and prioritize requests.
• Maintenance of Effective Functions in the Department and Implementation of Quality Improvement: Demonstrate independent functioning in performing tasks. Reach consensus with the team to perform unit operations productively. Assist in precepting and/or training new technicians. Assist in the revision of policies and/or procedures. Present problem/improvement opportunities with an action plan.

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