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Sterile Processing Tech II - Feinberg, Full-time, Nights

Northwestern Medicine · Chicago, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you worked under time pressure without cutting corners.

What they are checking: Whether speed ever beats quality for them, which matters when ORs are waiting.

This is an overnight role from 11 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. How do you stay accurate on nights?

What they are checking: Whether they have proven habits for focus during long overnight shifts.

What would you do

You're assembling a set and an instrument on the count sheet is missing. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report and isolate rather than send an incomplete tray to surgery.

You notice a coworker skipping a step to keep up with the night's volume. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they will speak up on safety even when it is uncomfortable.

About the work

Walk me through how you decontaminate a surgical instrument tray from the moment it arrives from the OR.

What they are checking: Whether they know the steps in order and why each one matters for infection control.

What's the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing, and when is each enough?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the Spaulding levels behind how instruments are handled.

How do you use a tray tracking system, and why does it matter?

What they are checking: Whether they see tracking as essential for traceability and recalls, not just paperwork.

A biological indicator comes back positive. What happens next?

What they are checking: Whether they know a failed load triggers a recall and reporting, and they would never ignore it.

How do you inspect instruments for damage before packaging them?

What they are checking: Whether they check for cracks, rust, bioburden and function, since damaged instruments can hurt patients.

How do you choose between wrapping a tray and using a rigid container?

What they are checking: Whether they understand packaging methods and follow manufacturer instructions for use.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

Schedule : 11:00pm-7:30am, 40 hours per week The Sterile Processing Tech II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. • The Sterile Processing Tech II must have thorough knowledge of aseptic techniques and procedures, sterilization techniques and procedures, infection control and work flow principles and requirements, equipment and supply processing; demonstrates and exercises responsible judgment to provide necessary supplies and equipment for the patient care areas. RESPONSIBILITIES • Demonstrates knowledge and use of the Tray Tracking computer system in assigned areas of the department. • Decontaminate, disinfect and/or sterilize surgical instruments in compliance with all established policies and procedures including infection control protocols. • Inspects, sorts, and processes surgical instrumentation in accordance to policy and procedures. • Reports and isolates damaged and missing items to Resource Coordinator and Manager. • Assembles and organizes surgical instrument sets according to instrument count sheets. • Prepares instrument trays for sterilization by appropriately wrapping or utilizing a sterilization container. • Performs quality assurance and biological testing on equipment and documents accordingly. • Operates ultrasonic cleaner, washer-decontaminator, heat-sealing apparatus, sterilizers and cart washers within established guidelines. • Maintains logs, prepares, checks and records test results. Approves or refuses materials from Sterilizer based on test results. Reports to management any adverse results. • Executes proper procedures for equipment malfunctions. • Prepares and delivers accurate and timely case carts for use in surgical procedures. • Responds to instrument and supply requests from customers in a timely manner. • Maintains a friendly, clean and orderly work environment. • Checks and reprocesses any expired items. • Accurately prepares and labels items for the appropriate method of sterilization. • Acts as a resource to other staff. • Maintains a working knowledge of all areas of the department by rotating through assigned work areas to ensure service needs of the customer are meet. • Maintains National or International Certification for Sterile Processing and Distribution. Assists in responsibility as a self-directed professional for continuing education. • Completes work from previous shift to accommodate department schedules. • Dispenses and delivers materials via dumbwaiter, tube system, elevator and/or handcarts. • Performs role of preceptor during training of new employees. • Communicates issues, problems and concerns to management in a timely manner. • Ability to use established communication channels (i.e. Spectralink Phone) in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner, when coverage needed. • Performs other duties as assigned. Required : • High School Diploma • Current certification by the National Institute for the Certification of Healthcare Sterile Processing and Distribution Personnel (NICHSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution (CBSPD) • Experience and knowledge of surgical instrumentation • Experience and knowledge in the use of all types of sterilization processes, decontamination, packing and shelf life, including aseptic techniques and their applications to various items processed. Preferred : • Previous experience Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information NorthwesternMedicine Career Page https://jobs.nm.org/benefits Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings. If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception : New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.

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