Kelsee Apodaca

Sterile Processing Manager

Coastal Surgery center

March 2023-Current

Compassionate, detail-oriented, quality-driven, collaborative leader.

Dedicated sterile processing technician with comprehensive experience in decontaminating, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instruments and supplies in fast-paced hospital settings. Adept at leading teams, ensuring compliance with infection control standards, maintaining inventory, and training staff. Committed to improving patient outcomes through excellence in support services.

Contributed to a hospital-wide accreditation inspection that passed with zero citations in SPD.

• Sterilization Techniques (Steam, Gas Plasma, Chemical).
• Instrument Assembly and Quality Control.
• Inventory and Supply Chain Management.
• Safety and Infection Control Protocols
• Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting.
• Staff Scheduling and Training
• Database and Documentation Systems
• Regulatory Compliance (AAMI, OSHA, CDC).
• Sterilize, decontaminate, and assemble surgical instruments using autoclaves and other advanced equipment.
• Monitor and validate sterilization cycles using biological and chemical indicators to ensure consistent quality.
• Serve as the department's subject matter expert for specialized instrumentation and surgical trays.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues, and liaise with vendors for repairs or replacement.
• Ensure continuous compliance with hospital policies and AAMI standards for infection prevention.
• Maintain and operate sterile processing database systems to track instrument usage and patient charges.

Sterile Processing Technician

Alaska Regional Hospital

Jan 2021-March 2022
Delivered and retrieved sterilized supplies, ensuring quick turnaround and inventory accuracy.

• Performed detailed inspections of instruments post-cleaning for cleanliness, damage, and functionality.
• Restocked medical supplies and managed requisitions based on department usage trends.
• Participated in safety audits, and contributed to continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Sterile Processing Management Systems (e.g., SPM, Censitrac, Epic).
• Autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam sterilizers.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel).
• Recognized for reducing tray turnaround time by 25% through workflow improvements.
• Engaged in training sessions about new sterilization technologies and methods.
• Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient processing operations.
• Responded promptly to customer inquiries related to product availability or delivery timelines.