STERILE PROCESSING TECH I

Advocate Health Care; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care is seeking a Sterile Processing Tech to perform packaging, wrapping and all sterilization functions (steam, ETO, STERRAD) in a hospital setting. The role includes validating cycles, labeling loads, logging results, and ensuring traceability.

You will work under supervision in a fast-paced department, maintain clean work areas, follow infection control protocols, and support inventory and case cart assembly as needed.

Qualifications

• Good communication and teamwork are required.
• Ability to read and follow written procedures.
• Basic computer literacy for logging and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Perform packaging/wrapping and sterilization functions (steam, ETO, STERRAD).
• Validate sterilization cycles using indicators (biological, chemical, mechanical).
• Open test packs, affix labels, and enter BI logs for processing.
• Record load data in the system and release loads for storage/use.
• Maintain clean work area and proper PPE; report equipment issues.
• Assist with case cart setup, decontamination, and basic instrument assembly.

Skills

Good communication skills

Ability to follow directions

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Major Responsibilities

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

• Validates each sterlization cycle utilizing biological, chemical and mechanical indicators.

Major Responsibilities

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

• Validates each sterlization 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 bioligical 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.

• Reviews, initials and signs sterilization tape at end of cycle, reading tape to ensure all sterlization parameters were met.

Attaches tape to upper right hand corner of corresponding load record.

• 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.

• Reports any malfunctioning equipment to Supervisor and/or Charge Tech immediately.
• Maintains a neat and clean work environment.
• Follows established procedures to package/wrap items for Terminal Sterilization.
• Ablility 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 sterlizers have been serviced, repaired, or an interuption in steam has occurred, and interpret the results.
• Positions each item on sterlization cart/rack to ensure proper sterlization and places a test pack with every load.

Date labels each item in the load with current date and load number sticker.

• Documents each sterilization load in Censitrac by scanning Censitrac label located on each tray/single, or by handwritting 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

• Receives supplies from storeroom and outside vendors, ensuring supplies entering Sterile Processing Department are devoid of external contaminants.
• 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.
• 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.
• Places sterilized items in appropriate areas for distribution to outside departments, ensuring items are accurately sorted and bagged for each department.
• Assists with cleaning storage areas and storage shelves to maintain a contaminant free environment.

CASE CART ASSEMBLY

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

DECONTAMINATION OF BASIC INSTRUMENTS

• Wears proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when performing duties in Decontamination area.

Handles infectious waste in accordance with established hospital guidelines.

• Cleans basic instrument trays.
• Able to load and run washer/decontaminator and case cart washer.

BASIC INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY

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

Communication Skills

• Comprehends written and verbal instructions, asking clarifying questions when in doubt.
• Communicates appropriately with staff and customers using Behavior of Excellence guidelines.
• Able to document appropriately, i.e. Load Records, BI Records.
• Collaborates with co-workers to prioritize workload for productive outputs.
• Identifies own learning needs and uses resources provided, i.e. peers, supervisor, department educator.
• Gives and receives productive feedback to and from co-workers and supervisor.
• 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 required, Healthcare preferred

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.