Sterile Processing Technician I - Lavin, Full-Time, Evenings

Job Description
The Sterile Processing Technician reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, 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.
The Sterile Processing Technician I must have thorough knowledge of aseptic techniques and procedures, sterilization techniques and procedures, infection control and work flow principles and requirements, equipment, and supply processing. This role demonstrates and exercises responsible judgment to provide necessary supplies and equipment for the patient care areas. The Sterile Processing Technician works under the indirect supervision of the Resource Coordinator and Manager to support Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Responsibilities:
To 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
This position requires daily flexibility to perform responsibilities, knowledge of routine policies and procedures and adherence of safety and infection control standards
Demonstrates knowledge and use of the Tray Tracking computer system in assigned areas of the department
Decontaminate, disinfect and/or sterilize surgical instruments in compliance with all established policies and procedures including infection control protocols
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
Prepares instrument trays for sterilization by appropriately wrapping or utilizing a sterilization container
Performs quality assurance and biological testing on equipment and documents accordingly
Operates ultrasonic cleaner, washer-decontaminator, heat-sealing apparatus, sterilizers and cart washers within established guidelines
Maintains logs, prepares, checks and records test results
Approves or refuses materials from Sterilizer based on test results. Reports to management any adverse results
Executes proper procedures for equipment malfunctions
Prepares and delivers accurate and timely case carts for use in surgical procedures
Responds to instrument and supply requests from customers in a timely manner
Maintains a friendly, clean, and orderly work environment
Checks and reprocesses any expired items
Accurately prepares and labels items for the appropriate method of sterilization
Maintains a working knowledge of all areas of the department by rotating through assigned work areas to ensure service needs of the customer are met
Completes work from previous shift to accommodate department schedules
Dispenses and delivers materials via dumbwaiter, tube system, elevator and/or handcarts
Communicates issues, problems and concerns to management in a timely manner
Performs other duties as assigned
AA/EOE.