Sterile Processing Tech - Full Time PM Shift

Advocate Health; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health requires a Sterile Processing Technician to decontaminate and sterilize patient care equipment in a fast-paced hospital setting. Responsibilities include assembling test packs for sterilizers, maintaining clean storage areas, and distributing sterile items to OR per schedule; strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures are essential.

CRCST certification within 18 months of hire is mandatory, with a high school diploma and at least one year of related experience

Qualifications

• Decontaminates patient care equipment.
• Performs sterilization processes and monitors cycles.
• Maintains inventory and stores sterile supplies.
• Demonstrates ability to follow procedures and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Decontamination of Patient Care Equipment.
• Wears protective attire and follows decontamination procedures.
• Collects soiled/reusable equipment and transports per shift.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area after shift.
• Handles infectious waste per hospital policy.
• Assembles test packs for sterilizers and monitors cycles.
• Labels and loads items for sterilization; documents process.

Skills

Communication

Follow directions

Computer skills

CRCST certification within 18 months

Education

High school diploma

1 year sterile processing or related experience

Job description

Hours

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

Healthcare experience preferred

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
• 1)Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination.
• 2)Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination completion and correct handling of all Patient Care Equipment.
• 3)Collects soiled/reusable equipment as scheduled for each shift following appropriate transport techniques.
• 4)Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times.
• 5)Reports improper equipment operation to person in charge.
• 6)Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area at completion of shift as assigned.
• 7)Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure.
• Performance of Sterilization
• 1)Assembles test packs for the purpose of monitoring the function of the sterilizers on a daily basis (i.e., chemical and biological monitors).
• 2)Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorder data provided.
• 3)Labels each item processed in the sterilizer with correct load label.
• 4)Positions each item on the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization.
• 5)Documents what type and how many of each item is processed in every load.
• 6)Review the data of the test packs processed, interprets the results and completes required documentation for verification by supervision (i.e., chemical and biological).
• 7)Report malfunctions to manager immediately.
• Performance of Inventory/Storage/Distribution Functions
• 5)Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department.
• 6)Stores sterile items in SPD storage area, ensuring that items are rotated so the first-in/first-out inventory control is maintained.
• 7)Notifies appropriate people on back orders and shortages.
• 8)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.
• 9)Answers the telephone in a courteous manner to take requests for supplies, trays, instruments and promptly responds to ASAP and STAT requests.
• 1)Completes SPD paperwork accurately for supply requisition.
• 2)Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant-free environment.
• 3)Receives supplies from warehouse and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering SPD are devoid of external contaminants.
• 4)Places storeroom order and properly puts away supplies.
• Communication Skill to Support the Accomplishment of Team Outcome
• 5)Cooperates with coworkers to produce productive outputs.
• 6)Identifies own learning needs and uses resources provided.
• 7)Comprehends written and verbal instructions.
• 8)Documents appropriately i.e.; load cards, shift change report, QI data.
• 9)Works in all areas to accomplish daily work loads.
• 1)Gives and receives appropriate feedback to and from co-workers.
• 2)Collaborates with co-worker to prioritize work load.
• 3)Understands verbal instruction.
• 4)Communicates properly with co workers and customers.
• Validation of Patient Care Equipment and Dept. Sterilizers
• 1)Ensures that all the components of the equipment are present and assembled and ready for use each time the equipment returns to SPD.
• 2)Tests the equipment for correct function following established procedures each time the equipment is processed.
• 3)Runs appropriate tests for sterilizers; biological, bowie dick.
• 4)Validates each sterilization cycle utilizing biological, chemical and mechanical indicators.
• Performance of Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping
• 2)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.
• 3)Completes count sheets/supply sheets as necessitated by user departments to document the contents of the tray.
• 4)Follows established procedures to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization.
• 1)Examines surgical instrumentation for cleanliness, proper assembly, proper performance.
• Maintenance of Effective Functions in the Department
• 1)Demonstrates independent function in performing related tasks as deemed necessary by team.
• 2)Reaches consensus with the team to perform unit operations in the most productive manner.
• 3)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.