Nicholas Pantoja
Canyon View Surgery Center
Grand Junction,CO
1
Certification
16
years of professional experience
Results-driven sterile processing leader with 15+ years of experience in instrument reprocessing, documentation, and regulatory compliance. Strong in attention to detail, staff training, and process audits, with a record of improving accuracy, reducing turnaround time, and supporting patient safety.
Work History
Sterile Processing Coordinator II
8 Years 10 Months- Coordinated surgical case processing, maintaining accurate documentation and workflow readiness.
- Verified patient records and insurance details to support compliant procedure scheduling.
- Communicated with clinical and administrative teams to resolve scheduling discrepancies promptly.
- Prepared charts, authorizations, and supporting paperwork for upcoming surgeries.
- Monitored daily processing tasks to ensure timely completion and accurate case movement.
- Resolved documentation issues by following established surgery center procedures and requirements.
- Supported front-end workflow efficiency through organized coordination and consistent follow-through.
- Enhanced processing efficiency by streamlining workflows and implementing new and updated instrument trays.
- Collaborated with colleagues on process improvement initiatives that increased accuracy while reducing processing timeframes.
- Boosted department morale by cultivating a positive work environment that fostered collaboration among team members.
- Conducted regular process audits, identifying inefficiencies and recommending corrective actions to optimize operations.
- Actively participated in cross-training opportunities to develop a well-rounded understanding of company operations and better support various departments.
- Reduced processing errors by implementing stringent quality control measures and providing staff training.
- Managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, and completed competencies.
Sterile Processing Technologist II
7 Years- Decontaminated surgical instruments, following sterilization protocols and infection control standards.
- Assembled instrument trays accurately for diverse surgical procedures and case requirements.
- Inspected instruments for damage, cleanliness, and functionality before sterilization and distribution.
- Operated autoclaves, washer-disinfectors, and sterilizers in compliance with department procedures.
- Tracked instrument sets through workflow, ensuring timely delivery to operating rooms.
- Restocked sterile supplies and maintained organized storage for efficient department access.
- Mentored new technicians on cleaning, packaging, and sterilization best practices.
- Verified documentation, logs, and indicators to support regulatory compliance and process accuracy.
- Collaborated with the surgical team, providing timely delivery of sterile equipment during surgeries.
- Played a crucial role in maintaining Joint Commission accreditation through adherence to best practices in sterile processing operations.
- Assisted in reducing surgical delays, swiftly addressing any issues related to missing or damaged instruments.
- Achieved consistent quality outcomes, closely following manufacturer guidelines for reprocessing reusable medical devices.
- Fostered effective communication within the team, contributing to a seamless workflow between departments involved in patient care.
- Improved patient safety by ensuring all surgical instruments were properly sterilized and assembled.
- Upheld regulatory requirements, diligently performing biological monitoring tests on sterilizers regularly.
- Assured instrument availability by managing inventory and promptly restocking supplies as needed.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by participating in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment for efficient processing of medical equipment.
- Demonstrated commitment to excellence, consistently meeting or exceeding departmental performance metrics in a fast-paced environment.
- Safeguarded patient confidentiality, complying with HIPAA regulations in handling sensitive information throughout the workflow process.
- Reduced the risk of infection by strictly adhering to established guidelines for decontamination procedures.
- Contributed to cost savings initiatives by optimizing resource utilization and minimizing waste in daily operations.
- Advocated for workplace safety measures, proactively identifying potential hazards and taking appropriate corrective actions as necessary.
- Enhanced department efficiency with thorough inspection and functionality testing of surgical instruments.
- Increased compliance with industry standards through meticulous documentation of all sterilization processes.
- Provided exceptional service to healthcare providers by promptly responding to requests for additional instrumentation or supplies during surgery.
- 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.
- Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
- Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
- Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
- Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
- Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
- Ordered and restocked supplies for decontamination and surgical areas.
- Became Lead Orthopedics and Synthes Coordinator for implants, explants, and instrument trays.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
Skills
Compliance awareness
Document management
Workflow coordination
Recordkeeping
Operations management
Production oversight
Order processing
Deadline management
Task management
Task prioritization
Problem-solving
Cross-functional supporting
Attention to detail
Time management
Time management
Team leadership
Staff management
Staff training
Training coordination
Team development
Issue resolution
Conflict resolution
Teamwork
Customer service
Communication skills
Effective communication
Active listening
Collaborative skills
Organizational skills
Critical thinking
Decision-making
Computer proficiency
Operations management
Staff training
Certification
CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician
CIS (Certified Instrument Specialist)
Timeline
Sterile Processing Coordinator II
Canyon View Surgery Center
12.2017 - CurrentRead More
Sterile Processing Technologist II
St. Mary's Hospital
12.2010 - 12.2017Read More
Colorado Mesa University
Bachelor of Arts from Journalism And Mass Communication
Read More
Preceptor Workshop 2026
Workshops and training programs.
Preceptor Workshop focused on experienced Techs, how to mentor, guide, and evaluated new techs in a clinical (sterile processing) setting.