Accomplished Sterile Processing Manager with a proven track record at Hackensack University Medical Center, showcasing expertise in regulatory compliance and process improvement strategies. Excelled in leading over 70 employees, significantly reducing instrument turnover time, and driving continuous improvement efforts. Demonstrates exceptional team leadership qualities and problem-solving abilities, ensuring high-quality patient care and operational efficiency.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sterile Processing Manager
Hackensack University Medical Center
02.2020 - Current
Managed 3 Sterile Processing departments at the same facility in 3 separate buildings servicing more than 50 operating rooms, labor & Delivery, NICU, Main nursery, ER, and all the departments that maintain surgical instruments and equipment.
Managed more than 70 employees to include supervisors, educators, technicians, endoscopy techs, and Apprentice techs.
Maintained accurate inventory records for all instruments and equipment, minimizing delays in surgical procedures due to missing or damaged items.
Reduced instrument turnover time by optimizing the decontamination process and improving organization within the department.
Conducted regular audits of sterilization processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Assisted in budget planning for the department, identifying cost-saving measures without compromising quality or patient care standards.
Facilitated communication with vendors and supply chain partners, addressing any issues or concerns related to instrument availability or quality.
Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure timely delivery of sterile instruments and equipment for surgeries.
Stayed current on industry trends, technologies, and regulations by attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses related to sterile processing management.
Coordinated with surgeons during complex cases to ensure proper instrumentation was available as needed during surgery.
Evaluated employee performance regularly, offering constructive feedback and opportunities for professional growth.
Implemented a preventive maintenance program for sterilization equipment, reducing downtime and repair costs.
Implemented a robust quality assurance program, tracking key performance indicators and using data-driven insights to drive continuous improvement efforts within the department.
Initiated staff cross-training programs to increase versatility among team members while reducing potential bottlenecks in workflow productivity during peak periods or absences.
Established a culture of continuous improvement within the department by encouraging staff input on workflow enhancements and process improvements.
Organized staff schedules to maximize productivity while maintaining appropriate staffing levels according to workload demands.
Enhanced patient safety through strict adherence to infection control protocols and guidelines.
Served as a liaison between the sterile processing department and other hospital departments, fostering effective communication regarding instrumentation needs and issues.
Managed a team of sterile processing technicians, providing ongoing training and support to ensure high-quality performance.
Developed policies and procedures for the handling, storage, and transportation of sterile instruments, ensuring consistently safe practices throughout the facility.
Followed safety protocols and precautions for safe and hazard-free work environment.
Operated highly specialized laboratory equipment to process specimens.
Improved sterile processing department efficiency by implementing streamlined workflows and procedures.
Enforced quality control protocols to maintain accuracy of test results.
Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
Sterile Processing Supervisor
Hackensack University Medical Center
10.2016 - 01.2020
Trained new employees in sterile processing techniques, leading to faster onboarding and reduced errors.
Conducted periodic risk assessments to identify potential areas of concern within the department''s operations, leading to proactive problem-solving measures.
Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in workflows and implementing targeted solutions accordingly.
Managed budgets effectively while achieving cost savings through strategic planning and resource allocation.
Established a strong team atmosphere by fostering collaboration and open communication between staff members, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making processes.
Ensured compliance with all relevant local, state and federal regulations through diligent documentation and reporting practices.
Implemented inventory control measures that streamlined supplies management, reducing waste and lowering costs.
Assessed departmental performance regularly through audits and feedback sessions, continually refining processes for enhanced results.
Streamlined workflow for the department by optimizing staff scheduling and task allocation.
Improved patient safety by rigorously monitoring sterilization processes and ensuring adherence to established guidelines.
Developed strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality materials for the department.
Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
Participated in cross-functional meetings with other hospital departments to improve communication and collaboration in patient care efforts.
Stayed current on latest industry trends regarding sterilization techniques by attending conferences or workshops which contributed to the department''s overall knowledge base.
Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
Managed day to day operations and managed staff on the day shift while servicing 24 operating rooms.
Sterile Processing Technician
Hackensack University Medical Center
03.2011 - 10.2016
Achieved high levels of accuracy in record-keeping, logging important data related to sterilization cycles and equipment usage.
Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
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.
Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
Recorded biologicals and test results.
Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
Responded to equipment malfunctions by troubleshooting and repairing broken and malfunctioning equipment.
Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
Ordered and restocked supplies for decontamination and surgical areas.
Conducted regular inspections of sterilization equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
Collaborated with surgical departments to tailor instrument sets for specific procedures, enhancing surgical efficiency.
Played key role in department achieving high marks during external accreditation audits by maintaining exemplary sterilization practices.
Improved surgical outcomes by providing sterile, high-quality instruments, directly impacting patient safety and care.
Increased operating room efficiency with organized preparation and timely delivery of sterile supplies.
Maintained strict adherence to aseptic technique in decontamination process, significantly reducing risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Maintained detailed records of sterilization cycles, contributing to hospital's compliance with regulatory standards.
Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when troubleshooting issues with autoclaves or other sterilization equipment.
Enhanced team knowledge and compliance with best practices in sterilization through regular training sessions and updates.
Sterile Processing Technician
Englewood Medical Center
10.2010 - 08.2014
Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
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.
Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
Recorded biologicals and test results.
Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
Education
Certified Healthcare -
College Diploma - Sterile Processing
Berkeley College
Woodland Park NJ
04-2010
High School Diploma -
John F. Kennedy High School
Paterson, NJ
06-2006
Skills
Documentation and recordkeeping
Medical terminology
Inventory control
Team leadership qualities
Conflict resolution
Process improvement strategies
Project management experience
Quality assurance management
Regulatory compliance
Performance evaluation techniques
Surgical instrumentation
Problem-solving abilities
Teamwork and collaboration
Multitasking Abilities
Decision-making
Accomplishments
Collaborated with team of leaders in the development of the Helena Thuerer building that was built in 2023 to include a state of the art Sterile Processing department. I partook a place in the design, equipment selection, layout, procedures, inspections and execution of the project.
Achieved success by introducing SPM tracking system for tracking surgical instruments throughout all the processes from cleaning, packing, sterilizing and distributing instrument sets for each patient specifically.
Certification
Certified Registered Central Service Technician ( CRCST)- HSPA
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