Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Empress Mathes

Gainesville ,FL

Summary

Dynamic Sterile Processing Technician with proven expertise at Travelers, enhancing surgical outcomes through meticulous steam sterilization and decontamination procedures. Recognized for optimizing inventory management and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, while demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and effective communication with surgical teams to ensure timely availability of sterile instruments.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Sterile Processing Technician

Travelers
04.2025 - Current
  • 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.
  • 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.

Sterile Processing Technician

Aya Healthcare
06.2024 - 07.2024
  • Increased operating room efficiency with organized preparation and timely delivery of sterile supplies.
  • Streamlined inventory management, ensuring availability of necessary surgical instruments for variety of procedures.
  • Optimized workflow within sterile processing department, allowing for quicker turnaround times and increased productivity.
  • Conducted regular inspections of sterilization equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
  • Advanced patient safety with rigorous adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Played key role in department achieving high marks during external accreditation audits by maintaining exemplary sterilization practices.

Sterile Processing Technician

Travelers
03.2024 - 06.2024
  • Optimized inventory management by conducting routine audits, identifying discrepancies, and resolving issues promptly.
  • 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.
  • Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement, actively seeking ways to enhance efficiency within the department.
  • Maintained detailed records of sterilization cycles, contributing to hospital's compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Improved surgical outcomes by providing sterile, high-quality instruments, directly impacting patient safety and care.
  • Ensured compliance with industry sterilization standards by meticulously cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment.

Sterile Processing Technician

Cross Country Healthcare
11.2023 - 01.2024
  • Implemented system for tracking maintenance and repair of surgical instruments, reducing instances of equipment failure.
  • Enhanced team knowledge and compliance with best practices in sterilization through regular training sessions and updates.
  • Supported surgical teams by responding promptly to last-minute requests and changes, ensuring no delays in surgical procedures.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement by suggesting and implementing changes to sterilization processes that increased efficiency.
  • Collaborated with surgical departments to tailor instrument sets for specific procedures, enhancing surgical efficiency.
  • Maintained strict adherence to aseptic technique in decontamination process, significantly reducing risk of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Assisted in development of departmental policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with latest industry standards and practices.

Sterile Processing Technician

Travelers
03.2021 - 11.2023
  • 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.
  • Enhanced patient outcomes by ensuring the consistent provision of high-quality, sterile medical equipment and supplies during surgical procedures.
  • Facilitated positive working environment by mentoring new technicians, fostering team-oriented atmosphere.
  • Enhanced departmental performance by actively participating in quality assurance and improvement meetings.
  • Contributed to significant reductions in cross-contamination incidents through meticulous execution of decontamination protocols.

Education

City College
Gainesville, FL
09.2019

Skills

  • Steam sterilization
  • Decontaminating surgical instruments
  • High-level disinfection
  • Decontamination procedures
  • Manual cleaning
  • Sterilization procedures
  • Case cart assembly
  • Ultrasonic cleaning
  • Computerized tracking
  • Picking instruments
  • Chemical handling

Timeline

Sterile Processing Technician

Travelers
04.2025 - Current

Sterile Processing Technician

Aya Healthcare
06.2024 - 07.2024

Sterile Processing Technician

Travelers
03.2024 - 06.2024

Sterile Processing Technician

Cross Country Healthcare
11.2023 - 01.2024

Sterile Processing Technician

Travelers
03.2021 - 11.2023

City College