Sterile Processing Technician - Full-Time

Mercyhealth•Freeport, IL

About The Position

As a Sterile Processing Technician, you will help protect patient safety by cleaning, inspecting, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment used throughout the hospital. You will follow established procedures, manufacturer instructions, and quality standards to ensure equipment is properly processed and available when needed. The role requires attention to detail, the ability to follow written and verbal instructions, teamwork, and a commitment to quality care. The schedule is 40 hours per week, 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with rotating weekend call shifts. The position works under direct supervision. Instructions are specific, and the employee is expected to know regular assignments and complete them satisfactorily with regular checks. The employee also maintains accurate documentation, supports an organized and safe work environment, and assists with onboarding new partners. Other duties may be assigned based on department needs.

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

Follow department procedures and manufacturers’ written instructions for use (IFUs).
Disassemble, inspect, and prepare instruments for manual or mechanical decontamination using Universal Precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment.
Load and operate mechanical washers and ultrasonic cleaners; manually decontaminate and disinfect instruments as appropriate.
Inspect clean instruments for damage, proper function, and sharpness.
Assemble instrument procedure sets according to 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 results, and document them in appropriate logs.
Review physical monitoring printouts to confirm sterilization 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.
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.
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 and follow applicable regulatory standards and recommendations, including those from the FDA, AAMI, and Joint Commission.
Learn about the chemistries used, their effects on instrumentation, and their purposes.
Learn and use the SPM Instrument Tracking System.
Learn to prepare instruments for Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS).
Read and interpret instrument and equipment IFUs to ensure proper reprocessing and assembly.
Assist with onboarding new partners.
Perform other duties as assigned based on department need.