Melanie Gillette
Durham, NC,North Carolina
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sterile Processing Technician 2
UNC Health Care
Chapel Hill, NC
09.2023 - Current
- 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.
- Achieved high levels of accuracy in record-keeping, logging important data related to sterilization cycles and equipment usage.
- Ensured strict adherence to regulatory guidelines during decontamination processes, mitigating risks associated with improper handling of biohazardous materials.
- 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.
- Optimized inventory management by conducting routine audits, identifying discrepancies, and resolving issues promptly.
- 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.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by ensuring the consistent provision of high-quality, sterile medical equipment and supplies during surgical procedures.
- 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.
- Advanced patient safety with rigorous adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with industry sterilization standards by meticulously cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment.
- Conducted regular inspections of sterilization equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
- Enhanced team knowledge and compliance with best practices in sterilization through regular training sessions and updates.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by suggesting and implementing changes to sterilization processes that increased efficiency.
- Increased operating room efficiency with organized preparation and timely delivery of sterile supplies.
- Supported surgical teams by responding promptly to last-minute requests and changes, ensuring no delays in surgical procedures.
- Contributed to significant reductions in cross-contamination incidents through meticulous execution of decontamination protocols.
- Facilitated positive working environment by mentoring new technicians, fostering team-oriented atmosphere.
- Implemented system for tracking maintenance and repair of surgical instruments, reducing instances of equipment failure.
- Reduced waste and optimized resource use by accurately assessing and preparing exact quantity of required surgical instruments.
- Improved surgical outcomes by providing sterile, high-quality instruments, directly impacting patient safety and care.
- 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.
- 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.
- Collaborated with surgical departments to tailor instrument sets for specific procedures, enhancing surgical efficiency.
- Enhanced departmental performance by actively participating in quality assurance and improvement meetings.
- Maintained detailed records of sterilization cycles, contributing to hospital's compliance with regulatory standards.
- Played key role in department achieving high marks during external accreditation audits by maintaining exemplary sterilization practices.
- Liaised between medical staff and medical equipment vendors.
- Provided support to medical staff in resolving medical equipment problems.
- Created and implemented medical equipment training programs.
- Collaborated with medical staff to confirm availability of medical equipment for patient care.
- Troubleshot medical equipment malfunctions and reported issues to appropriate personnel.
- Evaluated medical equipment and recommended upgrades when necessary.
Sterile Processing Technician
Duke Raleigh Hospital
Raleigh, NC
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Monitored inventory levels to keep all medical equipment properly stocked.
- Developed and maintained medical equipment databases.
- Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
- 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.
- 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.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
- Achieved high levels of accuracy in record-keeping, logging important data related to sterilization cycles and equipment usage.
- Ensured strict adherence to regulatory guidelines during decontamination processes, mitigating risks associated with improper handling of biohazardous materials.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement, actively seeking ways to enhance efficiency within the department.
- Advanced patient safety with rigorous adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with industry sterilization standards by meticulously cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment.
- Enhanced team knowledge and compliance with best practices in sterilization through regular training sessions and updates.
- Contributed to significant reductions in cross-contamination incidents through meticulous execution of decontamination protocols.
Pharmaceutical Assembler
Almac Clinical Technologies
Durham, NC
02.2022 - 08.2023
- Increased production efficiency by assembling components quickly and accurately.
- Enhanced workplace safety by maintaining a clean and organized work area at all times.
- Maintained high-quality standards with thorough inspections of assembled parts.
- Demonstrated a strong work ethic by consistently arriving on time, prepared to begin work immediately, and contributing positively to the team''s overall success.
- Assembled components with minimal supervision, exceeding expected project milestones.
- Collaborated effectively with team members to meet production targets consistently.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to various types of assemblies, allowing for seamless transition between different projects as needed.
- Organized workstations to maximize productivity, reduce distractions and meet deadlines.
- Collaborated with team members to improve production processes and maintain quality standards.
- Followed outlined specifications to implement assembly plans.
- Consistently met or exceeded daily production quotas while maintaining exceptional quality standards in all completed assemblies.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by offering assistance when needed and maintaining open communication with colleagues.
- Established strong relationships with supervisors and managers through consistent communication regarding progress updates, concerns, or areas for potential improvement.
- Streamlined assembly processes, leading to increased productivity.
- Improved product quality with meticulous attention to detail during assembly.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring all products met rigorous quality standards.
- Upheld strict adherence to safety protocols, significantly reducing workplace accidents.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization, ensuring safe working environment.
- Recognized and reported defective material and equipment to shift supervisor.
- Verified part numbers and placed parts in appropriate shipping containers
- Documented all in-process and out-of-process assembly activities.
Patient Nutrition Services
Duke Raleigh Hospital
Raleigh, NC
12.2019 - 02.2021
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Paralegal / Legal Secretary
Matlock Law Firm
Rock Hill, SC
05.2008 - 08.2009
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Strengthened case presentations with detailed investigative work and evidence gathering.
- Bolstered firm's reputation by consistently maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
- Optimized legal proceedings with precise preparation of trial notebooks and evidence.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
- Organized and maintained an efficient electronic filing system for easy access to critical documents and data.
- Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
- Provided exceptional customer service when greeting clients and answering phone calls, fostering a welcoming environment.
- Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Trained new staff members on office procedures and best practices, promoting a cohesive team dynamic within the firm.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing detailed case updates and maintaining open lines of communication.
Education
Massage Therapy
Lakeland Community College
Willoughby, OH2005
Certificate - Sterile Processing
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC2021
High School Diploma - College Prep
Riverside High School
Painesville, OH01.2004
Skills
- Assembly and production
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Repetitive work
- Steam sterilization
- Decontaminating surgical instruments
- Decontamination procedures
- High-level disinfection
- Sterilization procedures
- Manual cleaning
- Instrument decontamination
- Recording biologicals
- Equipment testing
- Sterilization techniques
- Instrument sterilization
- Infection control
- Computerized tracking
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Picking instruments
- Quality control
- Low-temperature sterilization
- Chemical handling
- Operating room support
- Preventive Maintenance
- Equipment monitoring
- Regulatory compliance
- Surgical instrument knowledge
- Safety protocols
- Staff training
- Quality assurance
- Workflow optimization
- Risk management
- Instrumentation knowledge
- Sterilizer operation
- Assembling packages
- OSHA regulations compliance
- Instrument inspection
- Workstation organization
- Bloodborne pathogen awareness
- Instrument cleaning and sterilization
- Critical thinking
- Infection control protocols
- Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
At UNC I currently act as a preceptor alongside my duties as sterile processing technician. Teaching and guiding new hires, as well as students looking to get hands on experience. I've successfully trained several coworkers in flexible scope and probe processing while complying with all the standards and proper procedures. I've gained a positive reputation with OR management, staff and surgeons as well as vendors due to my knowledge and experience with instrumentation.
Timeline
Sterile Processing Technician 2
UNC Health Care
09.2023 - Current
Pharmaceutical Assembler
Almac Clinical Technologies
02.2022 - 08.2023
Sterile Processing Technician
Duke Raleigh Hospital
02.2021 - 02.2022
Patient Nutrition Services
Duke Raleigh Hospital
12.2019 - 02.2021
Paralegal / Legal Secretary
Matlock Law Firm
05.2008 - 08.2009
Massage Therapy
Lakeland Community College
Certificate - Sterile Processing
Wake Technical Community College
High School Diploma - College Prep
Riverside High School