Sterile Processing Tech - Full Time PM Shift

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

Job summary

Advocate Health Care is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician for a full-time PM shift (3:00 pm–11:30 pm) Monday–Friday with weekend/holiday rotation. Minimum high school diploma and 1 year sterile processing experience required.

Must obtain CRCST certification within 18 months of hire and demonstrate strong communication and computer skills. The role encompasses decontamination, sterilization monitoring, inventory management, and collaboration with OR staff to ensure safe, efficient patient

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• 1 year sterile processing or related experience.
• Must be CRCST certified (or equivalent) within 18 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Decontamination of patient care equipment following procedures.
• Sterilization: load labeling, monitoring, and documenting each cycle.
• Inventory/storage: rotate stock and fulfill back-orders.
• Communications: assist with requests and document shift reports.
• Validate equipment and sterilizers using standard indicators.
• Assemble instrument sets and prepare trays for terminal sterilization.
• Maintain department cleanliness and follow safety procedures.
• Support team operations and adapt to daily workload.

Skills

Communication

Follow directions

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Hours:

Full Time; PM Shift 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm Monday through Friday, Weekend and holiday rotation required.

Education/Experience Required

• High school diploma.
• 1 year sterile processing or related experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

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

Must be CRCST certified (or equivalent) within 18 months of hire.

Major Responsibilities

Decontamination of Patient Care Equipment

• Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination.
• Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination completion and correct handling of all Patient Care Equipment.
• Collects soiled/reusable equipment as scheduled for each shift following appropriate transport techniques.
• Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times.
• Reports improper equipment operation to person in charge.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area at completion of shift as assigned.
• Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure.

Performance of Sterilization

• Assembles test packs for the purpose of monitoring the function of the sterilizers on a daily basis (i.e., chemical and biological monitors).
• Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorder data provided.
• Labels each item processed in the sterilizer with correct load label.
• Positions each item on the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization.
• Documents what type and how many of each item is processed in every load.
• Review the data of the test packs processed, interprets the results and completes required documentation for verification by supervision (i.e., chemical and biological).
• Report malfunctions to manager immediately.

Performance of Inventory/Storage/Distribution Functions

• Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department.
• Stores sterile items in SPD storage area, ensuring that items are rotated so the first-in/first-out inventory control is maintained.
• Notifies appropriate people on back orders and shortages.
• Completes case carts for OR following the standard procedure for loading the cart and ensuring items requested are ready for distribution to OR utilizing the established schedule.
• Answers the telephone in a courteous manner to take requests for supplies, trays, instruments and promptly responds to ASAP and STAT requests.
• Completes SPD paperwork accurately for supply requisition.
• Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant‑free environment.
• Receives supplies from warehouse and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering SPD are devoid of external contaminants.
• Places storeroom order and properly puts away supplies.

Communication Skill to Support the Accomplishment of Team Outcome

• Cooperates with coworkers to produce productive outputs.
• Identifies own learning needs and uses resources provided.
• Comprehends written and verbal instructions.
• Documents appropriately i.e.; load cards, shift change report, QI data.
• Works in all areas to accomplish daily work loads.
• Gives and receives appropriate feedback to and from co-workers.
• Collaborates with co-worker to prioritize work load.
• Understands verbal instruction.
• Communicates properly with co workers and customers.

Validation of Patient Care Equipment and Dept. Sterilizers

• Ensures that all the components of the equipment are present and assembled and ready for use each time the equipment returns to SPD.
• Tests the equipment for correct function following established procedures each time the equipment is processed.
• Runs appropriate tests for sterilizers; biological, bowie dick.
• Validates each sterilization cycle utilizing biological, chemical and mechanical indicators.

Performance of Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping

• Assembles general instrument sets, ensuring that the correct number and type of instruments are present following established lists provided by the user department and placing the instruments appropriately to ensure sterilization and ease of use by the user.
• Completes count sheets/supply sheets as necessitated by user departments to document the contents of the tray.
• Follows established procedures to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization.
• Examines surgical instrumentation for cleanliness, proper assembly, proper performance.

Maintenance of Effective Functions in the Department

• 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 decision made by team outputs.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• ETO exposure.
• Exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Heavy lifting-lifting 50 to 100 lbs. occasionally and/or 25 to 50 lbs. frequently and/or 10 to 20 lbs. constantly.
• Hepatitis vacc. 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.