Job Description
The Sterile Processing Technician I reflect the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, 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 Technician I 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:
Works under the indirect supervision of the Resource Coordinator and Manager to support Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
- To disassemble, decontaminate, assemble, sterilize, and store procedure trays, instruments, medical equipment, and supplies according to prescribed procedure and aseptic technique.
- Follows preference sheet to accurately dispense instruments and supplies to Surgery and Patient care areas.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- Completes work from previous shift to accommodate department schedules.
- Dispenses and delivers materials via dumbwaiter, tube system, elevator and/or handcarts.
- Communicates issues, problems and concerns to management in a timely manner.
- Biological spore testing, documentation and recording results of all sterilization methods. (Steam-Pre-Vaccum and Flash, Steris, Plasma, and ETO sterilization)
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
- High School Diploma
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- 3+ years-experience in OR instrumentation
- Basic Computer Skills
- Physical Demands Requirement:
- Physical demands required for this role include lift/carry up to 35 pounds and a push/pull force up to 50 pounds
Preferred:
- Certification desired within 18 months.
- Have knowledge of aseptic techniques and procedures, sterilization techniques and procedures, infection control and work flow principles and requirements, instrument and supply processing; demonstrates and exercises responsible judgment to provide necessary supplies and instruments for the patient care areas.
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer 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.
If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.
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.
