Processing Tech - Sterile Processing (Full Time, Nights)

Shift, Full time, Nights, Rotating weekends, 40 hrs/week

Reporting to the Manager of Sterile Processing with accountability to the Sterile Processing Team Leads. Is responsible for providing decontaminated, clean, and complete sterile equipment and supplies to user areas according to AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation). Initiates equipment-tracking controls necessary to appropriately charge departments or patients for supplies and equipment issued.

1. Performs decontamination and sterilization of all trays, instruments and tools associated with assigned area (orthopedic, general, cardiovascular, Pediatrics, Podiatry etc.). Operates gas plasma, steam sterilizers, utensil washers, sonic washers, case cart washers, Medivator High Level disinfector, and Steam Sterilizers to clean and sterilize user instruments, Scopes, Cameras and powered equipment. Ensures that proper sterilization parameters are met and takes appropriate action when equipment fails. Disinfects and dispatches patient treatment equipment to user area. Cleans shelves, cabinets, and general sterile processing surface areas in accordance with JCAHO standards.

2. Inspects and assembles a variety of basic and specialty trays, surgical instruments and tools as appropriate. Wraps all units for sterilization appropriately. Sets up sterile supply carts, operating room back-up carts. Assembles case carts for surgery according to pick lists provided by the O.R. staff and delivers cart to O.R. suite.

3. Performs every cycle biological testing on sterilizers per manufacturer recommendations.

4. Collaborates with user departments to determine instrument/equipment priorities and inventory needs. Stocks disposable items on shelves and reports impending inventory shortages to Manager. Notifies charge person and user departments of defective instrumentation

5. May oversee the training and work progress of other Processing Technicians and or Processing Technician students performing tray assembly or any other job function in sterile processing department(s). Tests new products and equipment to ensure proper functioning and troubleshoots minor repairs. Handles user area stock supply procurement, distribution and return. Rotates stock and inspects all in-house supplies and satellite reusables for expiration replacing outdated supplies according to guidelines.

6. Coordinates, and tracks shared instrumentation resources between the day surgery venture, Northwest Foot and Ankle Center and the main operating room, and delivers as needed.

7. Transports items as assigned, may include, medications which are not controlled substances (unless they are locked), medical supplies to various locations internally and may include off site Northwest foot and ankle center as requested.

8. Cross trains and covers open shifts in the day surgery venture, the main operating room, and the Northwest foot and ankle center sterile processing department as assigned.

9. Helps manage vendors to ensure Vendor Reps have logged into Reptrax, coordinates, documents, and prepares vendor instrumentation for following day’s cases. Notifies O.R. business analyst when items not received.

10. Monitors the efficacy of manual cleaning of flexible scopes, various re-usable surgical instruments, and work surfaces for any signs of residual ATP proteins as part of the department’s quality assurance program. Utilizes 3M Clean trace system to document testing and the results.

11. Other duties as assigned.

12. Adheres to all NCH standards, policies and procedures.

1. The level of knowledge normally obtained through the completion of four years of high school or the equivalent; some science and/or medical terminology coursework preferred.

2. Certification in sterile processing techniques by an accredited organization such as the International Association Hospital Central Service Material Management “IAHCSMM” within 1 (one) year of assuming the position.

3. Required to maintain current and up to date certification, once obtained.

4. Demonstrated understanding of specialty area surgical instrument names, types of use and care requirements.

5. Knowledge of instrument use in specialty area normally acquired through Facilitator observation of 6 -12 cases.

6. Knowledge of and/or experience in the correct use of body mechanics.

7. The ability to train new employees in all areas of the department including specialty treatment areas.

8. The written and verbal skills necessary to communicate with various levels of the organization.

9. The ability to learn basic computer skills for the storage and retrieval of data.

10. The ability to operate sterilization equipment and to comprehend the scientific and infection control principles involved.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Considerable physical effort. Requires continuously lifting or moving average weight material, frequent lifting or moving heavy weight material or occasionally lifting or moving heavy weight material in difficult work positions. Requires continuous standing and walking.
2. The flow of work and character of duties involves normal mental and visual attention along with manual coordination.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Conditions are poor. There is continuous exposure to at least one disagreeable working conditions or limited exposure to multiple disagreeable working elements, i.e.; exposure to ETO, hot steam, high noise levels, and contaminated (blood) instruments. Moderate hazardous conditions exist.

About Northwest Community Healthcare

In January 2021, Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) joined NorthShore University HealthSystem, which is now NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health. The NCH Arlington Heights campus features a 509-bed hospital with a Level II Trauma Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a dedicated pediatric acute care center. Throughout the northwest suburbs, NCH has 23 doctor’s offices; five immediate care centers; seven physical rehabilitation sites; and 13 lab locations.

NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. Located in Naperville, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, provides for the mental health needs of area residents. For more information, visit NorthShore.org, SwedishCovenant.org, NCH.org and EEHealth.org.