JobsAdvocate Health

Sterile Processing Technician - FT40 Nights

Advocate Health · Downers Grove, IL

Posted Sep 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 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.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you caught an error before it became a bigger problem, whether that was a missing instrument, a mislabeled tray, or something else.

attention to detail and willingness to speak up rather than let something slide

Tell me about a time you had to tell a coworker or a nurse something they didn't want to hear, like a tray wasn't ready or an instrument was missing.

comfort with direct communication under pressure and professionalism with clinical staff

Tell me about a time you had to keep working carefully even though you were tired, rushed, or the department was short-staffed.

whether fatigue or pressure has ever led them to cut corners, since this is a night-shift, high-consequence job

Technical

Walk me through what you'd do if a tray comes into decontamination and you're not sure every instrument on it was actually used, versus ones that just got contaminated sitting nearby.

whether the candidate understands decontamination scope and won't cut corners on ambiguous instruments

How do you personally verify that an instrument set matches the count sheet before you package it for sterilization?

whether they have a real, repeatable process rather than a vague answer about being careful

Explain the difference between chemical and biological monitoring and why a department would use both.

actual working knowledge of sterilization quality control, not just familiarity with the terms

What steps do you take when a sterilizer's cycle data looks off, even if the load technically passed?

whether they trust and act on data rather than just checking a box

Describe how you'd process a crash cart after it's been used, from start to finish.

depth of knowledge on code cart turnaround, since a slow or incomplete cart can affect patient safety directly

Have you worked toward or held Central Service Tech certification, and if not, how do you feel about needing to get it within twelve months of hire?

awareness of and readiness for the certification requirement built into this role

Situational

A biological indicator comes back positive after a load has already been distributed to the OR. What do you do first, and who do you notify?

knowledge of recall procedures and understanding of the stakes when sterility assurance fails

It's 3 a.m., you're the only tech available, and the OR calls for a STAT tray while a crash cart also needs to go out. How do you decide what happens first?

prioritization under pressure on a night shift with minimal backup

This job involves lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally, standing most of the shift, and working nights with rotating weekends. What has your experience been with physically demanding or overnight schedules?

realistic self-assessment of fit with the physical and scheduling demands, not just willingness to say yes

If a new employee you're precepting keeps skipping a step in the assembly process because it's 'faster,' how do you handle it?

ability to mentor and enforce standards without just letting things slide for the sake of speed

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Advocate Health from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Advocate Health.

Department: 37719 Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital - Sterile Processing Services Status: Full time Benefits Eligible: Yes Hou rs Per Week: 40 Schedule Details/Additional Information: Night shift 11p-730a Rotating weekends no on call Holiday requirement Pay Range: $20.80 - $31.20 Major Responsibilities: Decontamination of Instruments and Equipment 1)Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that soiled instrumentation or equipment delivered to the department is decontaminated in a manner that prevents cross-contamination. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor. 2)Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination. 3)Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination completion. 4)Collects soiled/reusable equipment each shift following appropriate transport techniques. 5)Sets up decontamination equipment for operation and ensures proper function and continuous work flow throughout the shift. 6)Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times. 7)Reports improper equipment operation to person in charge. 8)Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area at completion of shift as assigned. 9)Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure. Performance of Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping 1)Demonstrates independent function in ensuring a sterile product by professional assembly of surgical items, instrument sets, floor trays, and appropriate packaging in preparation for terminal sterilization. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor. 2)Examination surgical instrumentation for cleanliness, proper assembly, proper performance. 3)Assembles instrument sets, ensuring that the correct number and type of instruments are present following established lists provided by the user department and placing the instruments appropriately to ensure sterilization and ease of use by the user. 4)Completes count sheets/supply sheets as necessitated by user departments to document the contents of the tray. 5)Follows established procedures to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization. Performance of all equipment in Sterile Processing: Steam sterilizer, VPRO Max etc. 1)Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that sterility is achieved utilizing the appropriate sterilization process. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor. 2)Use of test packs for the purpose of monitoring the function of the sterilizers on a daily basis (i.e., chemical and biological monitors). 3)Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorder data provided. 4)Labels each item processed in the sterilizer with correct load label. 5)Positions each item on the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization. 6)Documents what type and how many of each item is processed in every load. 7)Reviews the data of the test packs processed, interprets the results and completes required documentation for verification by supervision (i.e. chemical and biological). 8)Reports malfunctions to Sterile Processing Supervisor immediately. Performance of Inventory/Storage/Distribution Functions 1)Demonstrates independent function in maintaining inventory and appropriate storage of sterile items in anticipation of distribution to various departments upon request. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor. 2)Receives supplies from storeroom and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering Sterile Processing Department are devoid of external contaminants. 3)Completes case carts for Operating Room following the standard procedure for loading the cart and ensuring items requested that are ready for distribution to Operating Room utilizing the established schedule. 4)Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant-free environment 5)Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department. 6)Stores sterile items in Sterile Processing Department storage area, ensuring that items are rotated so the first-in/first-out inventory control is maintained. 7)Answers the telephone in a courteous manner to take requests for supplies, trays, instruments and promptly responds to ASAP and STAT requests. 8)Completes Sterile Processing Department paperwork accurately for supply requisition. Exchange and Delivery of Code Blue case carts 3)Demonstrates independent function in processing crash carts to guarantee a complete cart with equipment that is operational at all times. Cleans cart, removing all soil. Examines the existing inventory, removing non-standard items and checking the packaging integrity if sterile items to ensure that sterility has not been compromised. Checks operation of the flashlight, laryngoscope handle and blades, wall suction each time the cart is processed, along with bulbs and back-up batteries. Competency is demonstrated through observation by Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor. 1)Follows established procedures for exchange of crash carts. Works with the units and pharmacy to ensure a timely exchange. 2)Correctly assembles the intubation roll after use and readies it for exchange. Participates in the Department related to quality improvement. 1)Monitors quality assurance indicators. 2)Assist in revision of policies and procedures. 3)Acts as Preceptor for new employees. 4)Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor. Education/Experience Required: High school education or equivalent. 1 year experience preferred, but not required. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Ability to Communicate and Follow Directions Good Human Relations Skills Basic computer knowledge skills Certified Central Service Tech preferred, but not required. Current Employees to Obtain Certification Within 12 Months as of July 1st, 2013 Central Service Tech Certification Obtained within 12 Months Upon Hire Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Heavy lifting: Lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly. Job responsibilities involve long periods of standing and walking. Frequent contact with blood and body fluids. Ability to respond quickly to emergency situation with full motor function. Strength and dexterity to handle sterilization equipment and supplies. Ability to adjust work schedule when need arises (i.e., illness/vacation of other staff members). Ability to work under time constraints in stressful situations. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties. Our Commitment to You: 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: Compensation • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job • Incentive pay for select positions • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance Benefits and more • Paid Time Off programs • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs • Educational Assistance Program Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About Advocate Health  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.

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