Sterile Processing Technician - Webster Surgery Center

Advocate Health • Chicago, IL

3d • $21 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the decontamination, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment. This role ensures that all instruments are clean, functional, and sterile, meeting the highest standards for patient safety and surgical procedures. The technician will operate and maintain sterilization equipment, manage inventory, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives within the Sterile Processing Department (SPD).

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• 1 year SPD experience.
• Ability to communicate and follow directions.
• Computer skills.
• Experienced in operating sterilization equipment.
• Certified Central Service Tech within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination.
• Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination is complete and correct.
• Sets up decontamination equipment for operation and ensures proper function and continuous work flow throughout the shift.
• Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times.
• Reports improper equipment operation to clinical engineers, red tags the equipment, and documents on the Shift report.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area at completion of shift as assigned.
• Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure.
• Examines and ensures that all components of surgical instrumentation are clean and properly function prior to tray assembly.
• Tests all instrumentation for correct function following established procedures each time the instrumentation is processed.
• Electrical test all instrumentation that has an insulation coating each time the instrument is processed.
• Assembles instrument sets, ensuring that the correct number and type of instruments are present following the tray count sheet created in the Censitrac Instrument Tracking system. Places the instruments appropriately to ensure sterilization and ease of use by the user.
• Follows all manufacturer information for use sheets approved processes to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization.
• Runs appropriate tests for sterilizers; biological, bowie dick.
• Validates and documents in Censitrac Instrument Tracking system each sterilization cycle utilizing biological, chemical and mechanical indicators.
• Utilizing the Censitrac Instrument Tracking system, scans all items into each sterilizer load.
• Labels each item processed in the sterilizer with correct load label.
• Positions each item on the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization.
• Includes Biological Challenge pack on the second load for each Steam Sterilizer and any load containing Implantable.
• Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorded data strip provided. Scans the strip into Censitrac Instrument Tracking system and documents results of chemical and biological test.
• Initiates a recall should any load fail to meet specified parameters. Notifies Manager immediately.
• Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department.
• Receives supplies from warehouse and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering SPD are devoid of external contaminants.
• Completes case carts for OR following the standard work for loading the cart and ensuring items requested are ready for distribution to OR.
• Completes case cart assembly log and Case Cart Communication form per Standard work for each case cart built.
• Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant-free environment.
• Assures that all items are completely dry prior to assembly. Utilizes Censitrac Instrument tracking system to assemble trays/instruments.
• Wraps or containerizes items for sterilization. Uses Tyvek pouches for single instruments.
• Runs a biological test in the first load for each sterilizer daily.
• Assists with adjustment in daily work assignments to compensate for fluctuation in work flow.
• Observes employee activities throughout the shift to ensure that established procedures are being followed for quality control.
• Assists in ensuring that equipment is properly functioning by communicating equipment malfunctions to manager and/or Engineering/Biomed and filling out appropriate work orders.
• Acts as liaison between SPD and other departments to interpret problems that occur and communicate back to them in a courteous and professional manner.
• Assists in maintaining SPD inventory by periodically ordering and receiving supplies and maintaining the appropriate paperwork.
• Presents problem/improvement opportunities with an A3 action plan.
• Monitors process improvement indicators and reports to staff.
• Assists in precepting new associates and sterile processing students.
• Understands verbal instruction.
• Communicates properly with co-workers and customers.
• Comprehends written and verbal instructions.
• Documents appropriately (e.g., Censitrac Instruments tracking system, Shift report).
• Collaborates with co-workers to prioritize work load.
• Cooperates with co-workers to produce productive outputs.
• Works in all areas to accomplish daily work loads.
• Gives and receives appropriate feedback to and from co-workers.
• Demonstrates independent function in performing related tasks as deemed necessary by team.
• Reaches consensus with the team to perform unit operations in the most productive manner.
• Supports team decisions made by team outputs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs
• Competitive compensation
• Generous retirement offerings
• Programs that invest in your career development
• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
• Incentive pay for select positions
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED