Sterile Processing Tech

Advocate Health; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Park Ridge, IL is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to perform packaging, sterilization, and testing workflows. The role requires following procedures, carrying out Bowie Dick and biological tests, and ensuring accurate load documentation.

The incumbent will handle inventory, case cart assembly, decontamination, and basic instrument assembly while maintaining a clean work environment. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and basic computer skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• SPD certification to be obtained within 9 months of hire.
• Strong communication skills and ability to document accurately.
• Ability to follow directions and work with teams.
• Proficiency with computer systems and load documentation.

Responsibilities

• Package/wrap items for Terminal Sterilization following procedures.
• Perform Bowie Dick and Biological Testing and interpret results.
• Log sterilization loads in Censitrac or manually when needed.
• Report equipment malfunctions to supervisor or lead.
• Maintain neat, clean workstation and shared work areas.
• Assist with inventory, storage, and distribution of supplies.
• Assemble case carts and ensure proper scanning and room delivery.
• Decontaminate basic instruments and operate washer/decontaminator.
• Assist with basic instrument assembly and prep for sterile processing.
• Communicate effectively with staff and customers per guidelines.

Skills

Good communication

Follow directions

Computer skills

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

SPD certification (to be obtained within 9 months)

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

PERFORMANCE OF PACKAGING/WRAPPING AND ALL STERILIZATION FUNCTIONS: STEAM, ETO AND STERRAD

• 6)Validates each sterilization cycle utilizing biological, chemical and mechanical indicators. Opens each test pack verifying chemical indicator strip has passed and affixes to corresponding load record. Attaches corresponding date label to top of the biological vial out of the test pack and places BI into the correct incubator for processing, filling out BI log for each BI entered into an incubator.
• 5)Reviews, initials and signs sterilization tape at end of cycle, reading tape to ensure all sterilization parameters were met. Attaches tape to upper right hand corner of corresponding load record.
• 7)Verifies and completes paperwork after BI has finished processing, filling out BI log to release load for storage/use. Releases load in Censitrac. Stores sterile items in appropriate areas.
• 8)Reports any malfunctioning equipment to Supervisor and/or Charge Tech immediately.
• 9)Maintains a neat and clean work environment.
• 1)Follows established procedures to package/wrap items for Terminal Sterilization.
• 2)Ability to perform Bowie Dick and Biological Testing (i.e. Chemical and Biological Monitors) for the purpose of monitoring the sterilizers on a daily basis, or after sterilizers have been serviced, repaired, or an interruption in steam has occurred, and interpret the results.
• 3)Positions each item on sterilization cart/rack to ensure proper sterilization and places a test pack with every load. Date labels each item in the load with current date and load number sticker.
• 4)Documents each sterilization load in Censitrac by scanning Censitrac label located on each tray/single, or by handwriting items that are not in Censitrac (e.g. items received from outside department or affiliated facility), on the printed load record. Affix corresponding date label in upper righthand corner of load record.

PERFORMANCE OF INVENTORY/STORAGE/DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS

• 1)Receives supplies from storeroom and outside vendors, ensuring supplies entering Sterile Processing Department are devoid of external contaminants.
• 2)Places supplies received from storeroom and outside vendors on the proper shelves, ensuring stock is rotated so that the first in/first out inventory system is maintained.
• 3)Returns unused sterile trays and single peel pack items to appropriate shelf, scanning trays with hand held scanners for location purposes, ensuring that trays can be located when needed.
• 4)Places sterilized items in appropriate areas for distribution to outside departments, ensuring items are accurately sorted and bagged for each department.
• 5)Assists with cleaning storage areas and storage shelves to maintain a contaminant free environment.

CASE CART ASSEMBLY

• 1)Assembles case carts for MOR, ASC, and L&D according to the preference card.
• 2)Missing supplies and/or instruments are noted.
• 3)MOR and ASC instruments are scanned to the case cart. The case cart is than scanned to the room.
• 4)Case carts are delivered to the unit.

DECONTAMINATION OF BASIC INSTRUMENTS

• 1)Wears proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when performing duties in Decontamination area. Handles infectious waste in accordance with established hospital guidelines.
• 2)Cleans basic instrument trays.
• 3)Able to load and run washer/decontaminator and case cart washer.

BASIC INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY

• 1)Able to assemble basic instrument trays with minimal supervision.
• 2)Ability to assemble/package items from ancillary areas.
• 3)Maintain a neat and clean workstation.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• 1)Comprehends written and verbal instructions, asking clarifying questions when in doubt.
• 2)Communicates appropriately with staff and customers using Behavior of Excellence guidelines.
• 3)Able to document appropriately, i.e. Load Records, BI Records.
• 4)Collaborates with co-workers to prioritize workload for productive outputs.
• 5)Identifies own learning needs and uses resources provided, i.e. peers, supervisor, department educator.
• 6)Gives and receives productive feedback to and from co-workers and supervisor.
• 7)Answers department phone in a timely and courteous manner, responding promptly to STAT or ASAP requests.

Education/Experience Required:

• High school diploma.
• 1 year experience in Healthcare preferred .SPD certification is to be obtained within 9 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and follow directions.
• Computer skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• ETO exposure.
• Exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Heavy Lifting 30-40 lbs.
• Hepatitis vaccination at hire
• Ability to respond quickly to emergent situations.
• Strength/dexterity to handle surgical instruments/equipment
• Ability to access all areas of the department

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.