Sterile Processing Technician (SPD)

Advocate Health • Two Rivers, WI

1d • $21 - $31

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician receives, decontaminates, cleans, assembles, inspects, packages, and sterilizes instruments and equipment. The role includes handling specialized and high-cost instrumentation, performing quality assurance tests for sterilization methods, and responding appropriately to potential sterilizer failures. The technician may prepare case carts, respond to Code 4s with a defibrillator and backup supplies, maintain CPR annies, and test autoclaves.

The position also supports supply management by receiving and recording department orders, checking and stocking supplies, handling returned products and credits, and reporting discrepancies. Additional duties may include patient positioning and transport. Work involves physical activity and exposure to fumes, dust, chemicals, blood, and body fluids; protective clothing must be worn as necessary. The schedule is 0.9 FTE, 36 hours per week, generally 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with hours flexible based on department needs.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• No experience required.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Knowledge of sterilization principles and applications.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above the shoulders throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds from floor to waist and up to 20 pounds overhead; carry up to 40 pounds a reasonable distance; push or pull with 30 pounds of force; and perform a sliding transfer of 150 pounds with a second person present.
• Ability to work in an environment that may contain fumes and dust and involves exposure to chemical hazards, blood, and body fluids; wear protective clothing as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Receive and sort contaminated items in the decontamination area; rinse, clean, and process equipment through sonic tanks and washers.
• Reassemble trays, perform safety checks, sort and hang instruments, and wrap sets, towels, and basins according to policy.
• 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 if sterilizer failure is suspected.
• Clean miscellaneous instruments by hand and ensure proper handling of high-cost and specialized items, including laser instruments, orthopedic implants, cardiac assist devices, and endoscopic and microscopic instrumentation.
• 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 annies; test autoclaves and change graphs as needed.
• Check incoming trays and follow up with departments regarding missing instruments or parts.
• Receive and record supply orders, document product numbers, complete forms for billing, mark and date equipment, and stock or return equipment to the appropriate department.
• Unpack supply boxes, check items and quantities, report discrepancies, process credits for unused returned products, monitor stock, copy supply sheets, check carts for expired supplies, and clean shelves.
• Perform patient positioning and transporting duties as needed, including lifting and pushing or pulling using proper technique.
• Operate equipment necessary to perform the job.

Benefits

• Paid time off programs.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Competitive compensation, premium pay for eligible shifts or on-call work, incentive pay for select positions, and potential annual performance-based increases.
• Career development programs.

What This Job Offers

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