Sterile Processing Tech II - Lavin, Full-time, Days

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine in Chicago is seeking a Sterile Processing Tech II to support sterile instruments and aseptic procedures. The role involves decontamination, sterilization, instrument preparation, and compliance with infection control standards.

This position requires active certification in sterile processing and prior experience with instrument handling and sterilization methods. Schedule is 7:00am-3:30pm, 40 hours per week, with duties rotating across the department to ensure timely

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Current certification by NICHSPD or IAHCSMM or CBSPD.
• Experience with surgical instrumentation.
• Experience with sterilization processes and aseptic techniques.

Responsibilities

• Operate Tray Tracking computer system.
• Decontaminate, disinfect and sterilize surgical instruments per policies.
• Inspect, sort and process surgical instrumentation.
• Report damaged/missing items to Resource Coordinator and Manager.
• Assemble and organize instrument sets.
• Prepare instrument trays for sterilization and wrapping.
• Perform quality assurance and biological testing on equipment.
• Operate sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaner, washer-decontaminator, and related equipment.
• Maintain logs and document test results.
• Communicate issues to management in a timely manner.
• Provide coverage and support across department areas as needed.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Surgical instrumentation

Sterilization procedures

Education

NICHSPD Certification

IAHCSMM Certification

CBSPD Certification

High School Diploma

Job description

Description

Schedule: 7:00am-3:30pm, 40 hours per week

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.

• The Sterile Processing Tech II must have thorough knowledge of aseptic techniques and procedures, sterilization techniques and procedures, infection control and work flow principles and requirements, equipment and supply processing; demonstrates and exercises responsible judgment to provide necessary supplies and equipment for the patient care areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 meet.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma
• Current certification by the National Institute for the Certification of Healthcare Sterile Processing and Distribution Personnel (NICHSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution (CBSPD)
• Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation
• 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.

Preferred:

• Previous experience

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.

Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information https://jobs.nm.org/benefits

Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings.

If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: 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 as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.