Sterile Processing Technician

OVERVIEW
This job involves cleaning, inspecting, sterilizing, and organizing surgical instruments and medical equipment to ensure they are safe and ready for patient care. The role also includes stocking supplies, delivering sterile equipment, following safety and healthcare regulations, using tracking systems, and providing support to coworkers and clinical staff.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty competently and consistently. The responsibilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, education, training, licensure, certification, experience, and/or abilities required for the role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Follows department procedures and manufacturer's written instructions for use (IFU) to perform the following duties with exceptional accuracy:

• Disassembles, inspects and prepares instruments for manual or mechanical decontamination always following Universal Precautions and proper use of PPE.

• Loads and operates mechanical washers and ultrasonic cleaners. Manually decontaminates and disinfects instruments as appropriate.

• Inspect clean instruments for damage and tests for proper function and sharpness.

• Assembles all instrument procedure sets according to the prescribed manner using tray lists. Replace missing instruments as required to complete instrument sets.

• Prepares instruments for sterilization using an aseptic technique, including wrapping or packaging for sterilization, using chemical indicators, and properly marking packages with identifying data.

• Loads and operates steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers.

• Uses biological, chemical, and process indicators appropriately and reviews and documents results in appropriate logs. Review physical monitoring printouts to confirm cycle parameters.

• Picks supplies and instruments to prepare case carts according to procedural preference lists. Inspects packaging for damage to ensure the integrity of sterility for all items and inspects all items for outdated items before distributing them to customers.

• Performs high-level disinfection of endoscopes. Loads and operates automatic endoscope reprocessors.

• Answers telephone and responds to customers' routine and urgent requests for supplies, instruments, and case carts professionally and expediently at all times.

• Notifies department leadership of facility and equipment problems and submits work requests as needed.

• Maintains assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition to meet standards for handling clean and sterile items and to maintain a safe work environment.

• Maintains a working knowledge of all surgical instrumentation. Maintains a working knowledge of instrument assembly and tracking software.

• Performs rounds to nearby clinical departments to deliver sterile instrumentation and retrieve used instrumentation.

• Cleans non-critical patient care equipment between uses.

• Assists with counting and stocking surgical supply inventory.

• Learns, understands, and is aware of all regulatory standards and bodies that make recommendations (FDA, AAMI, Joint Commission, to name a few).

• Must learn about the different chemistries they use, the effect they have on instrumentation, and what they are used for.

• Learn the proper use of the SPM Instrument tracking system.

• Learn how to prep and prepare instruments using IUSS (Immediate Use Steam Sterilization) for sterilization.

• Learns how to read and interpret instrument and equipment IFUs to ensure the proper reprocessing steps and assembly.

• Actively assist with the onboarding of new partners

• Other duties as assigned based on department need

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Minimum Required:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or certificate from a nationally recognized organization.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

Minimum Required:

N/A

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to follow both written and oral instructions accurately and consistently.

Technical Skills

• List key technical or job-specific skills required (e.g., proficiency with electronic health records, specialized equipment, software applications).

• Include any required training or ongoing education.

Core Competencies

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.

• Adaptability to changing priorities and environments.

• Customer service orientation and cultural sensitivity.

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

Direct Supervision: Instructions are specific, but the employee has a working knowledge of their regular assignments and can execute them satisfactorily with regular checks.

PAY RANGE:

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision

• Life & Disability Insurance

• FSA/HSA Options

• Generous, accruing paid time off

• Paid Parental and caregiver leave

• Career advancement and educational opportunities

• Tuition and certification reimbursement

• Certification Reimbursement

• Well-being Programs

• Employee Discounts

• On-Demand Pay

• Financial Education

• Annual recognition/awards events

• Partner appreciation days

• Family entertainment/attractions discount

• Community service/improvement opportunities

Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.

At Mercyhealth, we don't simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:

• #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50

• One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers

• A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women