Sterile Processing Tech I - Full Time PM Shift

Advocate Health Care; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care is seeking a Central Service Technician for a full-time evening shift in Libertyville, IL. The role involves decontaminating instruments, assembling sterile sets, and preparing items for terminal sterilization.

Responsibilities include operating sterilizers, monitoring cycles, maintaining clean work areas, and ensuring inventory accuracy. A high school diploma is required, with 1 year of related experience preferred but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent.
• 1 year related experience preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate instruments and equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
• Assemble instrument sets and packaging for terminal sterilization.
• Operate steam, Sterrad, and Steris sterilizers and monitor cycles.
• Maintain inventory and store sterile items with FIFO.
• Participate in quality improvement and act as preceptor for new employees.

Skills

Communication

Human relations

Basic computer skills

Job description

Scheduled Hours: Full time; PM Shift including rotating weekends and holidays.

Education/Experience Required

High school education or equivalent.

1 Year Experience Preferred, But Not Required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Ability to Communicate and Follow Directions Good Human Relations Skills Basic computer knowledge skills

Certified Central Service Tech Preferred

Current Employees to Obtain Certification Within 12 Months as of July 1st, 2013 Central Service Tech Certification Obtained within 12 Months Upon Hire

Major Responsibilities

Decontamination of Instruments and Equipment

• Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that soiled instrumentation or equipment delivered to the department is decontaminated in a manner that prevents cross-contamination. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Manager.
• Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination.
• Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination completion.
• Collects soiled/reusable equipment each shift following appropriate transport techniques.
• 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 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 Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping

• Demonstrates independent function in ensuring a sterile product by professional assembly of surgical items, instrument sets, floor trays, and appropriate packaging in preparation for terminal sterilization. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Manager.
• Examination surgical instrumentation for cleanliness, proper assembly, proper performance..
• Assembles 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, using the Aesculap Instacount Instrument Tracking program.
• Follows established procedures to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization.

Performance of Steam, Sterrad, and Steris

• Documents what type and how many of each item is processed in every load, using the Aesculap Instacount Instrument Tracking program.
• Reviews the data of the test packs processed, interprets the results and completes required documentation for verification by supervision (i.e. chemical and biological).
• Reports malfunctions to Manager immediately.
• Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that sterility is achieved utilizing the appropriate sterilization process. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Manager.
• Use of 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.

Performance of Inventory/Storage/Distribution Functions

• Stores sterile items in Sterile Processing Department storage area, ensuring that items are rotated so the first-in/first-out inventory control is maintained.
• Answers the telephone in a courteous manner to take requests for supplies, trays, instruments and promptly responds to ASAP and STAT requests.
• Completes Sterile Processing Department paperwork accurately for supply requisition.
• Demonstrates independent function in maintaining inventory and appropriate storage of sterile items in anticipation of distribution to various departments upon request. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Clinical Lead and/or Preceptor.
• Receives supplies from storeroom and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering Sterile Processing Department are devoid of external contaminants.
• Completes case carts for Operating Room following the standard procedure for loading the cart and ensuring items requested that are ready for distribution to Operating Room utilizing the established schedule.
• Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant-free environment
• Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department.
• Daily monitors(counts) and refills all PAR LEVEL carts according to levels set by each unit.
• Daily receives and restock all supplies coming in from outside vendors through the receiving dock. Each shift rotates and restocks patient care and O.R. supplies.

Participates in the Department related to quality improvement

• Monitors quality assurance indicators.
• Assist in revision of policies and procedures.
• Acts as Preceptor for new employees.
• Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Manager.

Education/Experience Required

High school education or equivalent. 1 year related experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Good communication skills Good human relations skills Basic computer knowledge skills

N/A

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

Heavy lifting, pushing and pulling: Lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly. Job responsibilities involve long periods of standing and walking. Frequent contact with blood and body fluids. TB testing yearly. Hepatitis testing at hire. Ability to respond quickly to emergency situation with full motor function. Strength and dexterity to handle sterilization equipment and supplies. Ability to adjust work schedule when need arises (i.e., illness/vacation of other staff members). Ability to work under time constraints in stressful situations.

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.