Lotoka Smith
Fort Lauderdale
Summary
Dedicated professional with a robust track record in surgical scheduling and adherence to HIPAA regulations. Known for strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ready to support healthcare teams in delivering optimal patient outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Scheduler
HCA FLORIDA WOODMONT HOSPITAL
TAMARAC FLORIDA
09.2019 - Current
- Coordinated operating room schedules to optimize staff and resource allocation.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to prioritize procedures based on urgency and resources.
- Led initiatives to enhance interdepartmental communication, reducing scheduling conflicts significantly.
- Provided training for new schedulers on department protocols, ensuring they were well-prepared for their roles.
- Improved communication among surgical teams by implementing an efficient scheduling system.
- Performed various administrative tasks by filing, copying and faxing documents.
- Updated surgeons on any changes to their schedules promptly, ensuring proper adjustments were made when necessary.
- Coordinated with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff to ensure timely case start times.
Certified Sterile Processing Technician
HCA FLORIDA WOODMONT HOPITAL
TAMARAC FLORIDA
11.2016 - 09.2019
- Collaborated with surgical teams to prioritize instrument availability for procedures.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced turnaround times for sterile instruments.
- Conducted regular inspections of sterilization equipment to maintain operational efficiency.
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- 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.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
Lead Sterile Processing Technician
Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL
08.2010 - 08.2016
- Oversaw sterilization processes to ensure compliance with health regulations and safety standards.
- Implemented training programs for new staff on sterile processing protocols.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to streamline instrument availability and improve workflow efficiency.
- Led initiatives to enhance quality control measures, reducing errors in instrument preparation by implementing best practices.
- Mentored junior technicians, providing guidance on complex procedures and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
- Managed inventory levels of sterile supplies, optimizing stock management and minimizing waste across departments.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
- Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
- Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- 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.
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
Education
GOLAITH HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY
Miami, FLAssociate of Arts - FUNERAL SCIENCE
Miami Dade College
Miami, FLCOURSE CERTIFICATE - STERIL PROCESSING TECHNICIAN
STERILE PROCESSING IN
Hollywood, FL10-2009
Skills
- Strong organization
- HIPAA compliance
- Surgical scheduling experience
- Medical terminology proficiency
- Office administration
- Data entry proficiency
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Clerical skills
Timeline
Patient Scheduler
HCA FLORIDA WOODMONT HOSPITAL
09.2019 - Current
Certified Sterile Processing Technician
HCA FLORIDA WOODMONT HOPITAL
11.2016 - 09.2019
Lead Sterile Processing Technician
Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale
08.2010 - 08.2016
GOLAITH HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY
Associate of Arts - FUNERAL SCIENCE
Miami Dade College
COURSE CERTIFICATE - STERIL PROCESSING TECHNICIAN
STERILE PROCESSING IN