Sarah Torres

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the proper care and handling of all general and specialty instruments, including the cleaning, sterilization, decontamination, instrument identification, assembly, packaging, and distribution of surgical instrumentation.

Essential duties include:

• Inspected and tested instruments after cleaning to ensure all particles were removed prior to sterilization.
• Recorded sterilizer test results in job-related software.
• Prepared trays, instrument packs and surgical sets.
• Readied instruments for sterilization procedures and completed decontamination protocols.
• Operated steam sterilizers, washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, dry heat ovens, and other related equipment.
• Organized and assembled routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
• 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.
• Maintained accurate records of all sterilized items, including item number, date, time, type of sterilizer used, and operator initials.
• Delivered equipment to specified hospital locations.
• Inspected instruments for cleanliness, proper function and breakage by viewing instruments before assembly.
• Performed decontamination of medical instruments and equipment to prepare for sterilization.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
• Validated the sterility of processed instruments by performing biological and chemical testing.

The Sterile Processing Technician II reprocesses and assembles specialized instruments and equipment utilized throughout the Medical Center, maintains the instruments to ensure high performance during surgical procedures, operates specialized washers and sterilizers, documents required information, and maintains records, restocks equipment and supplies as needed, and follows policies, procedures, techniques, and guidelines according to AAMI, AORN, The Joint Commission, and the facility.

Essential duties include:

• Assembled complex trays in accordance with department standards, utilizing appropriate packaging materials.
• Cleaned instruments to prepare for sterilization.
• Organized and assembled routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
• Responded promptly to requests from operating rooms during surgery procedures when additional sterile supplies were needed.
• Readied instruments for sterilization procedures and completed decontamination protocols.
• Disassembled contaminated instruments and prepared them for decontamination process.
• Performed daily cleaning and sterilization of medical instruments according to established protocols.
• Operated autoclave machine to cleanse surgical tools using high-pressure steam sterilizers.
• Inspected and tested sterilization equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
• Inspected instruments for cleanliness, proper function and breakage by viewing instruments before assembly.
• Maintained records of instrument processing, including tracking and logging data into a computerized system.
• Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.

Legal guardian and power of attorney of two children, ages 12 and 2.

Tasks include:

• Instructed children in health and personal habits involving eating, resting and hygiene habits.
• Transport to medical appointments.
• Enforced rules to teach good manners and maintain safe environment.
• Promoted physical activity by encouraging outdoor playtime activities like sports and games.
• Prepared and served nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with dietary guidelines.

Assisted the National Sales Manager and Sales Associate with MRI and CT parts transactions by processing customer purchase orders and shipping instructions in the company computer system.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managed incoming calls while providing information or transferring callers to appropriate personnel.
• Handled incoming and outgoing correspondence, including email, mail, and package deliveries, ensuring timely distribution.
• Provided product shipment, logistical support, and quality control by coordinating with vendors, resulting in increased revenue.
• Organized files, developed spreadsheets, faxed reports and scanned documents, maintaining front desk and reception area in neat and organized fashion.
• Created spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel for record-keeping and reporting.
• Assisted with the warranty repair process by communicating with the repair department, engineers, and customers.
• Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.

Under the direct supervision of the Operating Room Services Director, I delivered direct patient care as a member of the surgical team in conjunction with the Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, and Charge Nurse. Responsible for anticipating the surgeon's needs, understanding the surgical procedure, and maintaining a sterile field. Responsible for the care and reprocessing of surgical instruments and equipment, assisting with ordering supplies, and maintaining the stock room and OR.

Primary duties include:

• Scrubbed arms and hands and assisted surgical team with scrubbing, masks and surgical clothing.
• Verified correct identification of patient prior to any operation or procedure.
• Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
• Organized operating room by setting up surgical trays with instruments according to surgeon preference.
• Assisted in positioning patients on operating table and covered them with sterile drapes.
• Organized and maintained unobstructed operative fields to foster immediate access to retractors and suctioning and irrigation equipment.
• Recounted surgical instruments and supplies at end of operation, eliminating chance of items left inside patient.
• Maintained reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment, including decontamination, cleaning, sterilizing, storing and distributing.
• Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
• Prepared and maintained sterile field for surgical procedures.
• Observed aseptic technique and infection control protocols at all times.
• Provided assistance to surgeons during operations by passing instruments and other supplies.
• Cleaned and restocked operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies.
• Assist with GI Lab operations on a daily basis.