Sterile Processing Tech II Days Casual

Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 27,207 - 39,454; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Comprehensive training programs

Sign-on bonus eligibility

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Lake Forest seeks a Sterile Processing Tech II to ensure the sterilization and supply of surgical instruments. This position requires knowledge of aseptic techniques, experience with sterilization processes, and necessary certifications. The role includes flexible shifts and a collaborative work environment. The ideal candidate should be physically capable and detail-oriented, with a commitment to high standards of care.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift 35 lbs, carry 65 lbs, and push/pull 50 lbs.
• Experience with sterilization processes and decontamination.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate, sterilize, and store surgical instruments.
• Dispense instruments to Surgery according to preference sheet.
• Operate ultrasonic cleaner and sterilizers according to protocols.

Skills

Knowledge of aseptic techniques

Knowledge of surgical instrumentation

Strong attention to detail

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

National (CBSPD) or International (IAHCSMM) Certification

Job description

The salary range for this position is $19.75 - $28.64 (Hourly Rate). Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range is guided by the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

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.

Northwestern Medicine is powered by a community of colleagues who are purpose‑driven and committed to our mission to deliver world‑class care. Here, you’ll work alongside some of the best clinical talent in the nation leading the way in medical innovation and breakthrough research with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

We recognize where you’ve been, and we support where you’re headed. We celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences, which fuel our commitment to equity and culture of service.

Grow your career with comprehensive training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, educational support and student loan repayment.

Create the life you envision for yourself with flexible work options, a Reimbursable Well‑Being Fund and a Total Rewards package that support your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well‑being.

Make a difference through volunteer opportunities we offer in local communities and drive inclusive change through our workforce‑led resource groups.

From discovery to delivery, come help us shape the future of medicine.

Description

Casual, 9am-2pm at Lake Forest location with rotating to Grayslake location when needed.

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 of 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 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.
• National (CBSPD) or International (IAHCSMM) Certification.
• Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation, human anatomy, and basic medical terminology.
• 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 OSHA and NIOSH.
• Job Role Requirement: 35 lbs lift; 65 inch carry; Push/pull 50 lbs.

Preferred:

• 3 plus years’ experience in OR instrumentation.

Equal Opportunity

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 (if sign‑on bonus offered for position)

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.