Sterile Processing Tech

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Sterile Processing Tech 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.

Receives, cleans, distributes and sterilizes medical instruments and equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cleans, disinfects, decontaminates and sterilizes medical instruments and equipment using appropriate methods, substances and equipment.
• Receives, stocks, packages and distributes medical instruments and equipment.
• Performs and documents required quality assurance testing and inspection on stock. Inventories and reorders supplies.
• Properly disposes of biohazardous substances, chemicals, medical waste and unusable equipment and supplies.
• 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.
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of the Tray Tracking computer system in assigned areas of the department.
• 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.
• Maintains logs, prepares, checks and records test results. Approves or refuses materials from Sterilizer based on test results. Reports to management any adverse results.
• Prepares and delivers accurate and timely case carts for use in surgical procedures.
• Checks and reprocesses any expired items.
• Accurately prepares and labels items for the appropriate method of sterilization.
• Dispenses and delivers materials via dumbwaiter, tube system, elevator and/or handcarts
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED or 2 years related equivalent experience AND must obtain GED within 1 year of start date AND
• Sterile processing certification -National (CBSPD) or International (IAHCSMM) Certification within 2 years of start date AND
• Basic computer skills

Preferred:

• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy
• One year of prior sterilizing experience

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.