About the job
Full-time position from 2 PM to 10:30 PM with weekend rotation and holiday shifts required.
Weekend rotation occurs approximately once a month.
The Sterile Processing Technician II embodies the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine (NM), adhering to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, while ensuring compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory and accreditation standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Possess comprehensive knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques, infection control protocols, and workflow principles to effectively manage equipment and supply processing, exercising responsible judgment to ensure appropriate supplies and equipment are available for patient care.
- Efficiently disassemble, decontaminate, assemble, sterilize, and store procedure trays, instruments, and supplies following established protocols and aseptic techniques.
- Utilize preference sheets to accurately dispense instruments and supplies to the Surgery department.
- Exhibit flexibility in daily responsibilities, maintaining adherence to safety and infection control standards.
- Demonstrate proficiency with the Tray Tracking computer system within designated departmental areas.
- Decontaminate, disinfect, and sterilize surgical instruments in accordance with established policies and infection control protocols.
- Inspect, sort, and process surgical instrumentation per policy and procedure guidelines.
- Report damaged or missing items to the Resource Coordinator and Manager promptly.
- Assemble and organize surgical instrument sets according to instrument count sheets.
- Prepare instrument trays for sterilization using appropriate wrapping techniques or sterilization containers.
- Conduct quality assurance and biological testing on sterilization equipment and maintain accurate documentation.
- Operate ultrasonic cleaners, washer-decontaminators, heat-sealing apparatus, sterilizers, and cart washers according to established guidelines.
- Maintain logs, check, and record test results, approving or rejecting materials based on sterilization test outcomes, and reporting any adverse findings to management.
- Implement proper procedures for addressing equipment malfunctions.
- Prepare and deliver accurate case carts for surgical procedures in a timely manner.
- Respond promptly to instrument and supply requests from clinical staff.
- Ensure a friendly, clean, and orderly work environment.
- Check and reprocess expired items as necessary.
- Prepare and label items accurately for the appropriate sterilization method.
- Serve as a knowledgeable resource for staff members.
- Maintain familiarity with all departmental areas to ensure comprehensive support.