Sterile Processing Technician - PT.5 PMs

Advocate Health; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking a Sterile Processing Tech to support decontamination, assembly, and sterilization of surgical instruments. You will ensure proper cleaning, test instrument function, and assemble trays according to pack lists while maintaining sterile processing area integrity.

The role requires attention to detail, basic computer/record-keeping skills, and the ability to coordinate with OR staff. Prior SPD experience is preferred, and familiarity with Censitrac is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma is required.
• 1 year SPD experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate and follow directions.
• Computer skills and familiarity with tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate instruments and equipment following procedures.
• Assemble, wrap, and package trays per tray count sheets.
• Run and document sterilization cycles using biological and chemical indicators.
• Maintain clean, organized work area and report equipment issues.
• Manage inventory and case carts for OR distribution.
• Demonstrate leadership by adjusting daily work assignments as needed.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and share process insights.

Skills

Decontamination procedures

Equipment operation

Quality control

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Censitrac Instrument Tracking

Sterilizers

Tyvek pouches

Job description

Major Responsibilities: Decontamination of Instruments and Equipment 1)Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination. 2)Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination is complete and correct. 3)Sets up decontamination equipment for operation and ensures proper function and continuous work flow throughout the shift. 4)Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times. 5)Reports improper equipment operation to clinical engineers, red tags the equipment, and documents on the Shift report. 6)Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area at completion of shift as assigned. 7)Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure. Performance of Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping 1)Examines and ensure that all the components of the surgical instrumentation is clean and properly function prior to tray assembly. 2)Test all instrumentation for correct function following established procedures each time the instrumentation is processed. 3)Electrical test all instrumentation that has an insulation coating each time the instrument is processed. 4)Assembles instrument sets, ensuring that the correct number and type of instruments are present following the tray count sheet created in the Censitrac Instrument Tracking system. Placing the instruments appropriately to ensure sterilization and ease of use by the user. 5)Follow all manufacture information for use sheets approved processes to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization. Validation of Sterilization Equipment: 1)Runs appropriate tests for sterilizers; biological, bowie dick. 2)Validates and document in Censitrac Instrument Tracking system each sterilization cycle utilizing biological, chemical and mechanical indicators. Performance of Sterilization 1)Utilizing the Censitrac Instrument Tracking system, scan all items into each sterilizer load. 2)Labels each item processed in the sterilizer with correct load label. 3)Position each item on the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization. 4)Include Biological Challenge pack on the second load for each Steam Sterilizer and any load containing Implantable. 5)Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorded data strip provided. Scan the strip into Censitrac Instrument Tracking system and document results of chemical and biological test. 6)Initiate a recall should any load fail to meet specified parameter. Notify Manager immediately. Performance of Inventory/Storage/Distribution Functions 1)Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department. 2)Receives supplies from warehouse and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering SPD are devoid of external contaminants. 3)Completes case carts for OR following the standard work for loading the cart and ensuring items requested are ready for distribution to OR. 4)Complete case cart assembly log and Case Cart Communication form per Standard work for each case cart built. 5)Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant-free environment. Performance of Low Temperature, Sterrad, Sterilization 1)Assure that all items are completely dry prior to assembly. Utilize Censitrac Instrument tracking system to assemble trays/instruments. 2)Wrap or containerize items for sterilization. Use Tyvek pouches for single instruments. 3)Run a biological test in the first load for each sterilizer daily. 4)Label each item placed in a sterilizer with a correct load label. 5)Position each item in the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization. 6)Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorded data strip provided. Scan the strip into Censitrac Instrument Tracking system and document results of chemical and biological test. Demonstration of Leadership Behaviors 1)Assists with adjustment in daily work assignments to compensate for fluctuation to work flow. 2)Observes employee activities throughout the shift to ensure that established procedures are being followed for quality control. 3)Assists in ensuring that equipment is properly functioning by communicating equipment malfunctions to manager and/or Engineering/Biomed and filling out appropriate work orders. 4)Acts as liaison between SPD and other departments to interpret problems that occur and communicate back to them in a courteous and professional manner. 5)Assists in maintaining SPD inventory by periodically ordering and receiving supplies and maintaining the appropriate paperwork. Implementation of Quality Improvement Ideas to Enhance Operation and Team Function 1)Presents problem/improvement opportunities with an A3 action plan. 2)Monitors process improvement indicators and reports to staff. 3)Assists in precepting new associates and sterile processing students. Communication Skill to Support the Accomplishment of Team Outcome: 1)Understands verbal instruction. 2)Communicates properly with co-workers and customers. 3)Comprehends written and verbal instructions. 4)Documents appropriately ie: Censitrac Instruments tracking system, Shift report. 5)Collaborates with co-workers to prioritize work load. 6)Cooperates with co-workers to produce productive outputs. 7)Works in all areas to accomplish daily work loads. 8)Gives and receives appropriate feedback to and from co-workers. Maintenance of Effective Functions in the Department 1)Demonstrates independent function in performing related tasks as deemed necessary by team. 2)Reaches consensus with the team to perform unit operations in the most productive manner. 3)Supports team decision made by team outputs. Education/Experience Required: High school diploma. 1 yr. SPD experience Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Ability to communicate and follow directions. Computer skills. Experienced in operating sterilization equipment Certified Central Service Tech within 90 days of hire Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Exposure to blood/body fluids. Heavy lifting 30 to 35 lbs. Hepatitis vacc. at hire. Ability to respond quickly to emergent situations. Strength/dexterity to handle surgical instruments/equipment Ability to access all areas of the department Rotation to all shifts to accommodate the departments scheduling needs Positions with patient contact lifting requirements should use the following standard lifting requirement: Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. 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.