The Sterile Core Tech assists in the daily setup of the operating room. They assist in room preparation by obtaining the correct equipment needed to perform the specific surgery under the supervision of the Registered Nurse. The tech will also assist in the maintenance of inventory, transporting of patients, participate in OR case turnover to include equipment procurement and instrument processing when necessary.
Knowledge and application of NorthShore policies and procedures that apply to job and area of responsibility.

Minimum Formal Education:

• High school Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in OR environment preferred

Responsibility:

The Sterile Core Tech will utilize numerous pieces of equipment in the performance of duties including but not limited to: patient carts, video equipment, operating room tables, sterilizers (steam, Steris, Sterrad)

• Assists in dispensing to sterile field supplies, instruments and equipment required for the surgical procedure.
• Performs surgical prep and shaves
• Applies principles of aseptic technique
• Anticipates equipment needs
• Assists in moving and positioning patients
• Assists in the application of dressings or casts.
• Maintains good attendance and is punctual
• Complies with dress expectations
• Complies with established policies and procedures
• Adheres to safety, emergency, sterilization standards, infection control and universal precautions
• Handles specimens according to policy and procedures
• Assists in decontamination/reprocessing as necessary
• Assists in maintaining OR room and OR core inventory
• Assists with transporting equipment to and from operating rooms
• Maintains tanks as needed
• Obtains supplies for case carts and review for accuracy
• Assists in sterilization record maintenance
• Reports malfunctioning, missing or broken equipment to charge nurse
• Follows all policies and procedures to maintain safe environment for patients, coworkers, self and the hospital.
• Adheres to proper safety and infection control technique and procedures
• Practices electrical and fire hazard safety
• Understands and practices approved sterilization standards
• Practices all safety precautions to prevent injury to patients, coworkers and self

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
A. Potential exposure to blood, body fluids and other potentially infectious materials, chemicals and hazardous conditions which possess a potential health risk. Each employee is trained and is expected to observe all fire and safety procedures and blood borne pathogen and hazard communication standards.
B. Ability to stand, walk, stoop and move freely for extended periods of time
C. Ability to work for extended periods
D. Ability to lift 25 pounds.
E. Ability to push heavy objects.

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.