Amanda Alvord
Vancouver,WA
Summary
Accomplished Sterile Processing Technician with a proven track record at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, enhancing patient safety through meticulous sterilization and decontamination procedures. Skilled in flexible endoscope disinfection and fostering teamwork, I significantly reduced infection risks. My expertise in steam sterilization and commitment to quality assurance have streamlined departmental workflows, ensuring compliance and high standards of patient care.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Sterile Processing Technician
PeaceHealth
Vancouver, WA
10.2023 - Current
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
- Supported surgical teams effectively by preparing instrument trays according to procedure requirements.
- Reprocess and handle flexible endoscopes
- Handle repairs of flexible endoscopes
- Onboard and train new employees
- Handle monthly culture of flexible endoscopes
- Reduced risk of infections by maintaining a clean and sterile environment within the processing area.
Sterile Processing Technician
Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital
Vancouver, WA
01.2018 - 03.2022
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
- Supported surgical teams effectively by preparing instrument trays according to procedure requirements.
- Reduced risk of infections by maintaining a clean and sterile environment within the processing area.
- Enhanced patient safety by ensuring proper sterilization and packaging of medical equipment.
- Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
- Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
- Ensured timely availability of surgical instruments by prioritizing urgent requests and efficiently managing workload.
- Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
- Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when troubleshooting issues with autoclaves or other sterilization equipment.
- Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
- Ensured strict adherence to regulatory guidelines during decontamination processes, mitigating risks associated with improper handling of biohazardous materials.
- Achieved high levels of accuracy in record-keeping, logging important data related to sterilization cycles and equipment usage.
- Streamlined workflow for the department by organizing instruments and equipment in a systematic manner.
- Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
- Improved quality assurance processes by implementing documentation procedures for all stages of the sterilization process.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
- Promoted a safe working environment, adhering to established guidelines for handling hazardous materials.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, participating in relevant training programs and workshops.
- Increased compliance with infection control standards through regular inspection and maintenance of sterilizers.
- Responded to equipment malfunctions by troubleshooting and repairing broken and malfunctioning equipment.
- Optimized inventory management by conducting routine audits, identifying discrepancies, and resolving issues promptly.
- Ordered and restocked supplies for decontamination and surgical areas.
- Established constructive relationships with vendors, facilitating timely delivery of supplies necessary for daily operations.
- Facilitated seamless communication between departments, coordinating with clinical staff on equipment needs and availability.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by ensuring the consistent provision of high-quality, sterile medical equipment and supplies during surgical procedures.
- Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
- Assisted in staff development by providing guidance to new team members on proper sterile processing techniques.
- Conducted regular inspections of sterilization equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
- Advanced patient safety with rigorous adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
- Supported surgical teams by responding promptly to last-minute requests and changes, ensuring no delays in surgical procedures.
- Maintained detailed records of sterilization cycles, contributing to hospital's compliance with regulatory standards.
Education
Diploma -
Gervais High School
Gervais, OR05.2003
Skills
- Steam sterilization
- Flexible endoscope disinfection
- Flexible endoscope handling and clean storage
- Decontaminating surgical instruments
- High-level disinfection
- Decontamination procedures
- Sterilization procedures
- Assembling case carts
- Manual cleaning
- Instrument decontamination
- Recording biologicals
- Sterile storage
- Instrument sterilization
- Sterilization techniques
- Case cart assembly
- Supply replenishment
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Computerized tracking
- Infection control
- Picking instruments
- Low-temperature sterilization
- Chemical handling
- Operating room support
- Inventory rotation
- Preventive Maintenance
- Ordering supplies
- Equipment monitoring
- Completing diagnostic tests
- Surgical instrument knowledge
- Staff training
- Quality assurance
- Workflow optimization
- Recording test results
- Decontamination and sanitation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- Certified registered central service technician (CRCST)
- Heartsaver first aid CPR AED
Timeline
Sterile Processing Technician
PeaceHealth
10.2023 - Current
Sterile Processing Technician
Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital
01.2018 - 03.2022
Diploma -
Gervais High School