STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN - CERT
LOCATION: JOHN H. STROGER, JR. HOSPITAL
SHIFT: 3PM-11PM ROTATING WEEKENDS
DEPARTMENT: Sterile Processing & Distribution (SPD) Services
Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement.
Job Summary
Under supervision, receives and processes incoming instruments, equipment, performs cleaning and sterilizing duties, and restocks packs of supplies, linens and instruments in the Main Operating Rooms (MOR) Sterile Processing area and Endoscopy Department of John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital. Prepares operating room surgical procedures carts as necessary to meet procedural needs in a timely manner. Applies age specific standards when preparing setups and surgical trays. Provide and maintain a safe environment and report hazards or potential hazards promptly. Perform other duties as assigned.
Typical Duties
- Completes tasks related to processing supplies and equipment, performing cleaning, sterilization, and high-level disinfection (HLD) duties.
- Uses IMPRESS instrument and tray tracking system in all areas
- Identifies and separates instruments into those which can be routinely decontaminated from those which need special handling based on knowledge of item composition and construction.
- Identifies and decontaminates reprocessable items according to established Cook County Hospital Policies and Procedures, i.e. washes, cleans, sterilizes.
- Maintains Standard Precautions in the handling of contaminated items
- Inspects and evaluates operability of instruments.
- Obtains additional items necessary to reassemble trays.
- Packages and labels trays appropriately and accurately.
- Identifies and separates items for appropriate sterilization or HLD, i.e., steam, hydrogen peroxide, Rapicide, or other.
- Cleans, packages and labels single and/or multiple items in paper/plastic pouches
- Conducts and monitors sterilization and HLD process for all items.
- Notifies appropriate staff of any complications in conditions of sterilization or HLD.
- Ensures appropriate temperature control of all items.
- Prepares operating room surgical procedure carts as necessary to meet surgical procedure needs in a timely manner.
- Performs accurate count of instruments and documents accurately.
- Applies age specific standards when preparing setups and surgical trays, i.e. additional linen for geriatric patients, diapers, smaller instruments, etc.
- Develops and maintains knowledge in identification, care, and handling of operating room and endoscopy instruments and equipment.
- Performs biological and chemical monitoring in accordance with quality assurance standards.
- Recognizes parameters for sterilization and HLD by graphs and/or biological monitoring.
- Assists in the development and maintenance of protocols for processing specialty instruments and equipment.
- Maintains cleanliness of work area as mandated by Infection Control.
- Cleans Autoclaves according to protocol and maintains appropriate log documentation
- Identifies and communicates requests for new instruments and for replacement of broken or lost instruments and equipment. Initiate request for additional instrumentation as necessary.
- Stores sterile and unsterile instruments, equipment, and supplies in designated areas.
- Identifies expired and/or contaminated items and prepares for reprocessing.
- Performs stock rotation to insure current on sterile items.
- Maintains inventory in processing storage areas, including equipment.
- Assumes responsibilities in general sterile storeroom as assigned
- Selects instruments, equipment, and supplies form sterile and unsterile area based on knowledge of surgical procedures and material requirements.
- Ensure confidentiality is maintained in all patient related information.
- Disseminates information regarding availability of supplies, instruments and other patient Sterile Processing needs to all operating room personnel.
- Contributes to the development of programs and policies through participation in weekly staff education programs.
- Participates in multidisciplinary efforts to promote improvements for patient care.
- Prevents potential violations and acts to correct any recognized violations of patient rights.
- Provides and maintains a safe environment and promptly reports hazards and potential hazards.
- Applies the principles of infection control (standard-based and transmission-based precaution), Asepsis, and Safety.
- Participates in interdisciplinary committees regarding supply and instrumentation needs of specialty service
- Plans and conducts in-service programs in area of special expertise; helps evaluate effectiveness of educational programs.
- Attends annual mandatory classes as required.
- Adheres to hospital/departmental policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or GED (Must provide proof at time of interview).
- Current Certification in Sterile Processing and Distribution (Must provide proof at time of interview if already).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- One (1) year of previous Sterile Processing experience
- Graduate of a Sterile Processing Program (Must provide official transcripts at time of interview).
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of Sterile Processing practices including instrument terminology and anatomy
- Knowledge and understanding of sterilization methods, cycles, and parameters
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C88AA33-C7A1-43E2-ACDD-DF8C39D745EE
- Demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
- Ability to read, understand and follow written and verbal instructions and procedures.
- Ability to function autonomously and as a team member in a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to adapt to change in workload.
- Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor and temperature
- Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods of up to twelve (12) hours
- Ability to bend, lift, push and pull up to thirty-five (35) lbs.
- Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
- Ability to use a computer, scanner, and mouse
Physical and Environmental Demands
This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.
VETERAN PREFERENCE
PLEASE READ
When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service
To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:
- Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
- Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”
- Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable
OR
A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.
If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference
VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
BENEFITS PACKAGE
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Basic Term Life Insurance
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
- You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.
- Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U. S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.
- Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.
- CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.
COOK COUNTY HEALTH & HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
