Maria Ramirez
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Dynamic Lead Sterile Processing Technician at Harborview Medical Center with expertise in sterilization processes and team leadership. Proven track record in enhancing workflow efficiency and ensuring compliance with infection control standards. Skilled in training staff and maintaining high-quality assurance, contributing to optimal surgical instrument availability and patient safety.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Sterile Processing Technician
Harborview Medical Center
Seattle, Washington
04.2024 - Current
- Supervised daily operations of sterilization equipment and processes.
- Trained and mentored new technicians on sterile processing protocols.
- Ensured compliance with infection control standards and safety regulations.
- Coordinated inventory management for surgical instruments and supplies.
- Conducted routine maintenance on sterilizers and processing equipment.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to optimize instrument availability.
- Developed procedures for efficient workflow in sterile processing areas.
- Assisted in quality assurance audits and corrective action plans.
- Provided assistance in resolving customer complaints related to products supplied by the Central Sterile Supply Department.
- Assisted in developing budgets for capital purchases related to sterile processing operations.
- Inspected returned instruments for damage or wear prior to sending them out for repair or replacement as needed.
- Coordinated with other departments such as nursing units to ensure necessary supplies are available when needed.
- Performed regular maintenance checks on all equipment used within the Central Sterile Supply Department.
- Maintained records related to instrument processing such as log books for sterilizers and other pertinent documentation required by accreditation agencies or regulatory bodies.
- Ensured compliance with all federal regulations regarding the reprocessing of medical devices according to standards set forth by AAMI and ANSI.
- Performed daily decontamination and sterilization of instrumentation for surgical procedures.
- Supervised Sterile Processing Technicians by providing guidance, feedback, coaching, and evaluation of performance.
- Assisted in the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality control programs related to instrument processing.
- Trained new hires on proper handling techniques of instruments and equipment used in sterile processing areas.
- Prepared trays, instrument packs and surgical sets.
- Packaged instruments into peel pouches and properly labeled pouches.
- Monitored biological and chemical wash solution to determine quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments and medical equipment.
- Placed orders and restocked supplies for decontamination area.
- Supported departmental initiatives to meet productivity standards and flexible staffing needs.
- Assembled and wrapped trays of instruments for operating rooms and clinics.
- Organized and assembled routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
- Stocked crash carts with appropriate medical supplies.
- Examined equipment to detect leaks, worn, or loose parts or other indications of disrepair.
- Filled verbal and written requests for items based on daily or individual requisition.
Sterile processing technician
ST. Joseph Medical Center
Tacoma, USA
03.2015 - 04.2024
- Infection prevention
- Decontamination
- Quality assurance
- Surgical instruments
- Storage and distribution
- Terminology Medical equipment
- Strategic thinker
- Accountability
- Bilingual (Spanish/English)
- Critical thinker
- Overcoming challenges
- Team player
- Sterilized surgical instruments using autoclaves and chemical disinfectants.
- Organized sterile supplies in designated storage areas for easy access.
- Maintained inventory of sterilization supplies and notified staff of shortages.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure timely availability of sterile instruments.
- Adhered to safety protocols and infection control procedures during all tasks.
- Trained new staff on sterilization processes and equipment usage standards.
- Documented sterilization cycles and maintenance logs accurately in the system.
- Inspected instruments for cleanliness, proper function and breakage by viewing instruments before assembly.
- Prepared trays, instrument packs and surgical sets.
- Operated steam sterilizers, washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, dry heat ovens, and other related equipment.
- Packaged instruments into peel pouches and properly labeled pouches.
- Maintained accurate records of all sterilized items, including item number, date, time, type of sterilizer used, and operator initials.
- Performed decontamination of medical instruments and equipment to prepare for sterilization.
- Assembled instrument trays according to established protocols using aseptic technique.
- Distributed sterile and non-sterile supplies and medical equipment upon request or case cart requisition.
- Assisted in ordering supplies necessary for effective operation of the sterile processing department.
- Verified that all documents were completed accurately before releasing items from the sterile processing area.
- Provided guidance and instructions to new staff members regarding sterile processing techniques.
Education
Respiratory Therapist -
PIMA Institute
Renton, WA01.2021
Sterile processing Certification -
Clover Park Technical College
Lakewood, WA01.2015
Diploma -
Bates Technical college
Lakewood, WA01.2012
Skills
- Sterilization processes
- Infection prevention
- Quality assurance
- Equipment maintenance
- Inventory management
- Surgical instrument handling
- Team leadership
- Training and development
- Strategic planning
- Attention to detail
- Decontamination procedures
- Instrument inspection
- Completing diagnostic tests
- Operating room support
- Inventory management systems
- Instrumentation knowledge
- Chemical handling
- Processing instruments
- Pulling case carts
- Case tracking systems
- Staff training
- Sterilization techniques
- Assembly and packaging
Awards Acknowledgements
Dean's list for two years
Timeline
Lead Sterile Processing Technician
Harborview Medical Center
04.2024 - Current
Sterile processing technician
ST. Joseph Medical Center
03.2015 - 04.2024
Respiratory Therapist -
PIMA Institute
Sterile processing Certification -
Clover Park Technical College
Diploma -
Bates Technical college