Sterile Processing Technician I

Department:

37719 Advocate Christ Medical Center - Sterile Processing Services

Status:


Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hou rs Per Week:

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

Monday - Friday 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM, weekends and holidays

Pay Range:
$20.80 - $31.20

Major Responsibilities:
Decontamination of Instruments and Equipment
1)Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that soiled instrumentation or equipment delivered to the department is decontaminated in a manner that prevents cross-contamination. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor.


2)Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination.


3)Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination completion.


4)Collects soiled/reusable equipment each shift following appropriate transport techniques.


5)Sets up decontamination equipment for operation and ensures proper function and continuous work flow throughout the shift.


6)Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times.


7)Reports improper equipment operation to person in charge.


8)Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area at completion of shift as assigned.


9)Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure.


Performance of Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping
1)Demonstrates independent function in ensuring a sterile product by professional assembly of surgical items, instrument sets, floor trays, and appropriate packaging in preparation for terminal sterilization. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor.


2)Examination surgical instrumentation for cleanliness, proper assembly, proper performance.


3)Assembles instrument sets, ensuring that the correct number and type of instruments are present following established lists provided by the user department and placing the instruments appropriately to ensure sterilization and ease of use by the user.


4)Completes count sheets/supply sheets as necessitated by user departments to document the contents of the tray.


5)Follows established procedures to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization.


Performance of all equipment in Sterile Processing: Steam sterilizer, VPRO Max etc.
1)Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that sterility is achieved utilizing the appropriate sterilization process. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor.


2)Use of test packs for the purpose of monitoring the function of the sterilizers on a daily basis (i.e., chemical and biological monitors).


3)Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorder data provided.


4)Labels each item processed in the sterilizer with correct load label.


5)Positions each item on the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization.


6)Documents what type and how many of each item is processed in every load.


7)Reviews the data of the test packs processed, interprets the results and completes required documentation for verification by supervision (i.e. chemical and biological).


8)Reports malfunctions to Sterile Processing Supervisor immediately.


Performance of Inventory/Storage/Distribution Functions
1)Demonstrates independent function in maintaining inventory and appropriate storage of sterile items in anticipation of distribution to various departments upon request. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor.


2)Receives supplies from storeroom and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering Sterile Processing Department are devoid of external contaminants.


3)Completes case carts for Operating Room following the standard procedure for loading the cart and ensuring items requested that are ready for distribution to Operating Room utilizing the established schedule.


4)Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant-free environment


5)Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department.


6)Stores sterile items in Sterile Processing Department storage area, ensuring that items are rotated so the first-in/first-out inventory control is maintained.


7)Answers the telephone in a courteous manner to take requests for supplies, trays, instruments and promptly responds to ASAP and STAT requests.


8)Completes Sterile Processing Department paperwork accurately for supply requisition.


Exchange and Delivery of Code Blue case carts
3)Demonstrates independent function in processing crash carts to guarantee a complete cart with equipment that is operational at all times. Cleans cart, removing all soil. Examines the existing inventory, removing non-standard items and checking the packaging integrity if sterile items to ensure that sterility has not been compromised. Checks operation of the flashlight, laryngoscope handle and blades, wall suction each time the cart is processed, along with bulbs and back-up batteries. Competency is demonstrated through observation by Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor.


1)Follows established procedures for exchange of crash carts. Works with the units and pharmacy to ensure a timely exchange.


2)Correctly assembles the intubation roll after use and readies it for exchange.


Participates in the Department related to quality improvement.
1)Monitors quality assurance indicators.


2)Assist in revision of policies and procedures.


3)Acts as Preceptor for new employees.


4)Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor.

Education/Experience Required:
High school education or equivalent. 1 year experience preferred, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
Ability to Communicate and Follow Directions Good Human Relations Skills Basic computer knowledge skills
Certified Central Service Tech preferred, but not required. Current Employees to Obtain Certification Within 12 Months as of July 1st, 2013 Central Service Tech Certification Obtained within 12 Months Upon Hire

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Heavy lifting: Lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly. Job responsibilities involve long periods of standing and walking. Frequent contact with blood and body fluids. Ability to respond quickly to emergency situation with full motor function. Strength and dexterity to handle sterilization equipment and supplies. Ability to adjust work schedule when need arises (i.e., illness/vacation of other staff members). Ability to work under time constraints in stressful situations.


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.

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
• Incentive pay for select positions
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.