Sterile Processing Technician

Department:

37719 Advocate South Suburban Hospital - Sterile Processing Services

Status:

Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

PM shift Monday through Friday with weekend work and call rotation.

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, ens