About the job
Schedule: 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM, 40 hours per week, 1.0 FTE
The Sterile Processing Technician II embodies the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adhering to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program while complying with all pertinent policies, procedures, guidelines, and applicable regulatory standards.
- The Sterile Processing Technician II is expected to possess comprehensive knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques, infection control protocols, and workflow principles, exercising sound judgment to ensure the provision of necessary supplies and equipment for patient care.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Utilize the Tray Tracking computer system proficiently in designated departmental areas.
- Decontaminate, disinfect, and/or sterilize surgical instruments in accordance with established policies and infection control protocols.
- Inspect, sort, and process surgical instruments per company policies and procedures.
- Report and isolate damaged or missing items to the Resource Coordinator and Manager.
- Assemble and organize surgical instrument sets according to instrument count sheets.
- Prepare instrument trays for sterilization, ensuring appropriate wrapping or use of sterilization containers.
- Conduct quality assurance and biological testing on equipment, documenting results accordingly.
- Operate ultrasonic cleaners, washer-decontaminators, heat-sealing apparatus, sterilizers, and cart washers within established guidelines.
- Maintain logs, prepare, check, and record test results, approving or refusing materials from the sterilizer based on these results, and informing management of any adverse outcomes.
- Follow proper procedures for equipment malfunctions.
- Prepare and deliver accurate and timely case carts for surgical procedures.
- Promptly respond to instrument and supply requests from customers.
- Maintain a friendly, clean, and organized work environment.
- Check and reprocess any expired items.
- Accurately prepare and label items for the appropriate method of sterilization.
- Act as a resource for other staff members.
- Maintain a working knowledge of all departmental areas by rotating through assigned workstations to meet customer service needs.
- Retain National or International Certification in Sterile Processing and Distribution and take responsibility for ongoing professional development.
- Complete work from the previous shift to accommodate departmental scheduling.
- Dispense and deliver materials using dumbwaiters, tube systems, elevators, or handcarts.
- Serve as a preceptor during the training of new employees.

