Sterile Processing Tech - PRN

PRN - 1st shift, some call required

Sterile Processing Technician

Advocate Sherman Hospital – Elgin, IL

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for supporting patient care through the decontamination, sterilization, assembly, and distribution of patient care equipment and surgical instrumentation. This role ensures safe, high-quality processing in alignment with established procedures to support clinical operations and positive patient outcomes. [R221692 St...All Shifts | PDF]

Advocate Health is committed to helping people live well. As one of the nation’s leading health systems, we provide compassionate, high-quality care across the communities we serve. Our team members are empowered to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact every day.

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

Advocate Sherman Hospital is a full-service acute care hospital located in Elgin, Illinois. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services and is committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and patient-centered care. Team members collaborate across disciplines to support exceptional outcomes for patients and the surrounding community.

• Wear appropriate protective equipment when performing decontamination
• Follow established procedures for decontamination and handling of equipment
• Collect soiled/reusable equipment each shift using proper transport techniques
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment
• Clean and disinfect equipment and work areas at shift completion
• Report equipment malfunctions and handle infectious waste per protocol

• Assemble and monitor test packs (chemical and biological indicators)
• Interpret sterilizer data and monitor all sterilization cycles
• Label and document all sterilized items accurately
• Position items appropriately to ensure effective sterilization
• Report sterilizer malfunctions immediately

• Sort and distribute sterile supplies appropriately by department
• Maintain inventory using first-in/first-out (FIFO) processes
• Prepare and deliver case carts to the operating room per schedule
• Respond to supply requests, including urgent and STAT needs
• Receive and stock supplies from internal and external sources
• Maintain clean, contaminant-free storage and work areas

• Inspect instrumentation for cleanliness, function, and completeness
• Assemble instrument sets according to department specifications
• Complete count sheets and documentation accurately
• Package and wrap items for terminal sterilization

• Ensure equipment is complete, functional, and ready for use
• Perform required sterilizer testing (biological, chemical, Bowie-Dick)
• Validate sterilization cycles using appropriate indicators

• Communicate effectively with team members and clinical partners
• Collaborate to prioritize workload and meet department needs
• Complete documentation including load records, reports, and QI data
• Participate in cross-training and support all areas of the department

• CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) required within 18 months of hire

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Minimum 1 year of sterile processing or related experience required
• Healthcare experience preferred

• Schedule: PRN - As Needed - Day Shift needs, some call required
• FTE: PRN - As Needed
• On-call requirement: some/rotating

• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment

• Ability to lift:
  • 10–20 lbs continuously
  • 25–50 lbs frequently
  • 50–100 lbs occasionally
• Strength and dexterity to handle surgical instruments and equipment
• Ability to stand, walk, and access all areas of the department

• Exposure to blood/body fluids and infectious materials
• Exposure to sterilization chemicals (including ETO)
• Ability to respond quickly to emergent situations
• Hepatitis vaccination required at hire

Advocate Health is committed to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer.

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including: