Patty Trudeau
Mokena,IL
Summary
Experienced Certified Sterile Processing Technician with proven expertise spanning 23 years at St. Joseph Medical Center, excelling in instrument decontamination and sterilization of medical instruments. Utilizes comprehensive knowledge of infection control protocols to maintain safety and hygiene. Track record of ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and working effectively within a team.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Sterile Processing Technician
St. Joseph Medical Center
Joliet, IL
10.2011 - Current
- Collaborated with the surgical teams in every applicable department, including off-site locations, 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.
- Improved patient safety by ensuring all surgical instruments were properly sterilized and assembled.
- Assisted in reducing surgical delays, swiftly addressing any issues related to missing or damaged instruments.
- Upheld regulatory requirements, diligently performing biological monitoring tests on sterilizers regularly.
- Achieved consistent quality outcomes, closely following manufacturer guidelines for reprocessing reusable medical devices.
- 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.
- Supported operational excellence by accurately assembling instrument trays according to procedure-specific requirements.
- Demonstrated commitment to excellence, consistently meeting or exceeding departmental performance metrics in a fast-paced environment.
- Reduced the risk of infection by strictly adhering to established guidelines for decontamination procedures.
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
- Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
- 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.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
- Troubleshot medical equipment malfunctions and reported issues to appropriate personnel.
- Liaised between medical staff and medical equipment vendors.
- Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Technician
St. Joseph Medical Center
Joliet, IL
12.2012 - 04.2014
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Demonstrated adaptability, working effectively with various surgical teams and specialties, ensuring seamless collaboration.
- Promoted teamwork within the surgical team by communicating effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other staff members during procedures.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Enhanced team coordination by acting as liaison between surgeons, nursing staff, and vendor representatives.
- Reduced turnaround times for operating rooms by streamlining cleaning and preparation processes.
- Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.
- Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
Sterile Processing Technician I
St. Joseph Medical Center
Joliet, IL
08.2003 - 08.2011
- 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.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
- 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.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, participating in relevant training programs and workshops.
- Facilitated seamless communication between departments, coordinating with clinical staff on equipment needs and availability.
- Maintained strict adherence to aseptic technique in decontamination process, significantly reducing risk of hospital-acquired infections.
- Supported surgical teams by responding promptly to last-minute requests and changes, ensuring no delays in surgical procedures.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
Material Management and SPD Transporter
St. Joseph Medical Center
Joliet, IL
10.2001 - 08.2003
- Developed strong working relationships with coworkers, surgical team, and hospital floor staff through effective communication skills, contributing to a positive work atmosphere for all parties involved in the supply and transport of medical equipment.
- Handled sensitive materials responsibly, ensuring proper packaging and secure transport to surgical team and critical areas of the hospital.
- Cleaned, sanitized and moved hospital equipment.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lincoln-Way Central High School
New Lenox, IL06-2001
Skills
- Ethics and professionalism
- Tool identification
- Patient confidentiality
- Workload prioritization
- Instrument decontamination
- Sterilization technique
- Biological monitoring, and recording results
- Computerized Instrument tracking systems
- Case cart assembly
- Diagnostic testing, sterilizer operation, and HLD
- Ordering supplies
- Sterilizer operation
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
Certified Registered Central Service Technician License
CPR Certified
HSPA Continued Education
CIVCO Medical Solutions ASTRA End User Training
Timeline
Minimally Invasive Surgical Technician
St. Joseph Medical Center
12.2012 - 04.2014
Certified Sterile Processing Technician
St. Joseph Medical Center
10.2011 - Current
Sterile Processing Technician I
St. Joseph Medical Center
08.2003 - 08.2011
Material Management and SPD Transporter
St. Joseph Medical Center
10.2001 - 08.2003
High School Diploma -
Lincoln-Way Central High School