Sterile Processing Tech II

Northwestern Medicine

Lake Forest (IL)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 50,000

Part time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Loan forgiveness

401(k) matching

Lifecycle benefits

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Lake Forest is seeking a Sterile Processing Tech II to manage sterilization processes and workflows, ensuring safety and quality in patient care environments. The role demands knowledge of aseptic techniques and requires a High School diploma with relevant certifications. If you're ready to advance your career while supporting a patient-first approach, this is the opportunity for you. We offer competitive benefits including tuition reimbursement and 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

Experience in the use of sterilization techniques and protocols.
Thorough knowledge of infection control practices.

Responsibilities

Disassemble, decontaminate, and sterilize procedure trays.
Accurately dispense instruments and supplies to Surgery.
Maintain a clean and orderly work environment.

Skills

Knowledge of aseptic techniques

Experience with surgical instrumentation

Knowledge of sterilization processes

Education

High School Diploma or GED

National (CBSPD) or International (IAHCSMM) Certification

Job description

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At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Sterile Processing Tech II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

The Sterile Processing Tech II must have thorough knowledge of aseptic techniques and procedures, sterilization techniques and procedures, infection control and workflow principles and requirements, equipment and supply processing; demonstrates and exercises responsible judgment to provide necessary supplies and equipment for the patient care areas.
To disassemble, decontaminate, assemble, sterilize, and store procedure trays, instruments, and supplies according to prescribed procedure and aseptic technique.
Follows preference sheet to accurately dispense instruments and supplies to Surgery.
This position requires daily flexibility to perform responsibilities, knowledge of routine policies and procedures and adherence to safety and infection control standards.
Demonstrates knowledge and use of the Tray Tracking computer system in assigned areas of the department.
Decontaminate, disinfect and/or sterilize surgical instruments in compliance with all established policies and procedures including infection control protocols.
Inspects, sorts, and processes surgical instrumentation in accordance to policy and procedures.
Reports and isolates damaged and missing items to Resource Coordinator and Manager.
Assembles and organizes surgical instrument sets according to instrument count sheets.
Prepares instrument trays for sterilization by appropriately wrapping or utilizing a sterilization container.
Performs quality assurance and biological testing on equipment and documents accordingly.
Operates ultrasonic cleaner, washer‑decontaminator, heat‑sealing apparatus, sterilizers and cart washers within established guidelines.
Maintains logs, prepares, checks and records test results. Approves or refuses materials from Sterilizer based on test results. Reports to management any adverse results.
Executes proper procedures for equipment malfunctions.
Prepares and delivers accurate and timely case carts for use in surgical procedures.
Responds to instrument and supply requests from customers in a timely manner.
Maintains a friendly, clean and orderly work environment.
Checks and reprocesses any expired items.
Accurately prepares and labels items for the appropriate method of sterilization.
Acts as a resource to other staff.
Maintains a working knowledge of all areas of the department by rotating through assigned work areas to ensure service needs of the customer are met.
Maintains National or International Certification for Sterile Processing and Distribution. Assists in responsibility as a self‑directed professional for continuing education.
Completes work from previous shift to accommodate department schedules.
Dispenses and delivers materials via dumbwaiter, tube system, elevator and/or handcarts.
Performs role of preceptor during training of new employees.
Communicates issues, problems and concerns to management in a timely manner.
Responsible for hand‑off communication to oncoming staff.
Ability to use established communication channels (i.e. Spectralink Phone) in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner, when coverage needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

AA/EOE.

Qualifications

Required

High School Diploma or GED or 3 years related equivalent experience AND
National (CBSPD) or International (IAHCSMM) Certification AND
Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation, human anatomy, and basic medical terminology AND
Experience and Knowledge in the use of all types of sterilization processes, decontamination, packing and shelf life, including aseptic techniques and their applications to various items processed.

Physical Demands: A physical demands test provides an objective way to identify if a candidate can meet the essential tasks for the job the candidate has applied for at Northwestern Medicine. The testing protocol was established with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Job Role Requirement: 35 lbs lift; 65 in carry; Push/pull 50 lbs

Preferred

3 plus years’ experience in OR instrumentation

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

Seniority level