Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Open To Work

Linda Wolfe

Newport News,VA

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Open to discussion

Desired Job Title

Sterilization TechnicianOffice AssistantOffice ManagerHuman Resources CoordinatorInfection Control Coordinator

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeConsulting

Location Preference

On-SiteRemote
Location: Evarts, KY
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Healthcare benefits

Summary

Dynamic Sterilization Technician with proven expertise at DHA, enhancing operational efficiency through effective workflow optimization and rigorous infection control practices. Skilled in steam autoclave operation and committed to quality assurance, I excel in team collaboration and training, ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance in sterile processing environments.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sterilization Technician

DHA
Fort Eustis, VA
09.2010 - Current
  • Operated sterilization equipment ensuring compliance with safety standards and protocols.
  • Assisted in preparing surgical instruments for sterilization processes, maintaining high-quality hygiene standards.
  • Monitored sterilization cycles and documented results to ensure accuracy and effectiveness of procedures.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline sterilization workflows, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
  • Conducted routine maintenance checks on sterilization machinery to prevent downtime and ensure reliability.
  • Trained new staff on proper sterilization techniques and safety practices to promote a knowledgeable workforce.
  • Implemented improvements in storage systems for sterile supplies, optimizing space utilization and accessibility.
  • Maintained accurate inventory records of sterilized instruments, supporting effective supply chain management.
  • Received deliveries to stock supply closet and manage inventory of dental products and equipment.
  • Maintained accurate records of all sterilized items, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.
  • Performed thorough inspections of instruments for damage or contamination before releasing them for use in surgical procedures.
  • Operated and maintained steam autoclaves by using distilled water, checking for leaks and cleaning air traps and water sensors.
  • Sterilized and disinfected dental instruments to prevent growth of bacteria on instruments and surfaces, using American Dental Association protocols.
  • Prepared trays with standard dental instruments to promote quick turnover from one patient to next.
  • Ensured sterilization quality by meticulously following standard operating procedures and guidelines.
  • Reduced risks of infection by consistently maintaining a clean and sterile work environment.
  • Supported surgical teams with timely delivery of properly sterilized instruments required for various procedures.
  • Conducted regular inventory checks, minimizing shortages and overstock situations in the department.
  • Collaborated effectively with fellow team members to ensure efficient completion of daily tasks and responsibilities.
  • Contributed to the prevention of healthcare-associated infections with diligent adherence to proper sterilization techniques.
  • Promoted workplace safety through active participation in training programs and implementation of recommended practices within the department.
  • Streamlined workflow by organizing and prioritizing items for processing based on urgency and departmental needs.
  • Elevated departmental performance by actively participating in team meetings and sharing valuable insights to enhance overall processes.
  • Purged waste from Type equipment by connecting equipment to water sources and flushing water through systems.
  • Managed preventative maintenance schedules for all sterilization machinery, reducing downtime due to repair or replacement needs.
  • Maintained records on sterilizing procedures and parameters using Software.
  • Increased patient safety by adhering to strict guidelines for the handling, storage, and transport of sterile medical equipment.
  • Operated a variety of advanced sterilization equipment proficiently, ensuring optimal outcomes each time.
  • Offered exceptional customer service while working closely with hospital departments to meet their specific instrumentation needs.
  • Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
  • Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
  • Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
  • Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
  • Ordered and restocked supplies for decontamination and surgical areas.
  • Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
  • Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
  • Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
  • Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
  • Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
  • Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
  • Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
  • Recorded biologicals and test results.
  • Responded to equipment malfunctions by troubleshooting and repairing broken and malfunctioning equipment.
  • Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
  • Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
  • Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
  • Assisted with development and coordination of medical equipment inventories.
  • Troubleshot medical equipment malfunctions and reported issues to appropriate personnel.
  • Monitored inventory levels to keep all medical equipment properly stocked.
  • Liaised between medical staff and medical equipment vendors.
  • Collaborated with medical staff to confirm availability of medical equipment for patient care.
  • Evaluated medical equipment and recommended upgrades when necessary.
  • Provided support to medical staff in resolving medical equipment problems.
  • Developed and maintained medical equipment databases.
  • Created and implemented medical equipment training programs.

Education

Dental Assistant Program Certificate - Dental Assisting

Red Cross Dental Assisting Program
Fort Sill, OK
09-2009

High School Diploma -

Kecoughtan High School
Hampton, VA
06-2000

Skills

Instrument decontamination

Personal protective equipment

Infection control expertise

Cross-contamination prevention

Medical terminology

Microbiological testing

Quality assurance procedures

Chemical handling

Ultrasonic cleaning

Hazardous waste disposal

Workflow optimization

Low-temperature sterilization

Equipment sterilization

Ethylene oxide sterilization

Biological monitoring

Sterile storage management

Manual cleaning techniques

Standard precautions adherence

Steam autoclave operation

Dry heat sterilization

Managing materials

Decontaminating surgical instruments

Sterilization techniques

Decontamination procedures

Safety protocols

Infection control

Quality control

Assembling case carts

Staff training

Case cart assembly

Preventive Maintenance

Recording biologicals

Equipment testing

Quality assurance

Equipment monitoring

Risk management

Picking instruments

Computerized tracking

Diagnostic testing

Ordering supplies

Equipment calibration

Instrument sterilization

Technical documentation

Supply replenishment

Supply management

Sterilization procedures

Inventory rotation

Completing diagnostic tests

Regulatory compliance

Communicable disease knowledge

OSHA regulations compliance

Assembly and packaging

Microbiology

Pulling case carts

Tray preparation

Processing instruments

Recording test results

Instrument storage

Assembling packages

Sterilizer operation

Decontamination and sanitation

Surgical kit assembly

Workstation organization

Instrument inspection

Delivering equipment

Aseptic technique

Teamwork

Teamwork and collaboration

Customer service

Problem-solving

Troubleshooting ability

Time management

Instrument cleaning and sterilization

Hand and power tools

Attention to detail

Problem-solving abilities

Multitasking

Multitasking Abilities

Reliability

Excellent communication

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Machine operation

Active listening

Effective communication

Adaptability and flexibility

Verbal and written communication

Data entry skills

Decision-making

Setting up and operating equipment

Patient confidentiality

Teamwork skills

Relationship building

Safety procedures

Safe sharps disposal

Biohazardous waste disposal

Sterilizer testing

Equipment cleaning

Flexible schedule

Accomplishments

Two time OSAP attendance. (2019-2021)

15 years government employment

Patient Safety Rep for my clinic.

Certification

CPR certified through Redcross.

Dental x-ray certified.

HIPPA certified

CBRNE certified

Timeline

Sterilization Technician

DHA
09.2010 - Current

Dental Assistant Program Certificate - Dental Assisting

Red Cross Dental Assisting Program

High School Diploma -

Kecoughtan High School
Linda Wolfe