SUSAN CASTRO BROSAS
Glen Burnie,MD
Summary
Utilize HSPA certification and 18 years of extensive background in sterile processing to drive efficiency in surgical environments. Proven track record in optimizing complex surgical tray assembly and endoscope reprocessing. Significantly improving turnover speed and ensuring patient safety in alignment with AAMI and JCAHO standards.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
CERTIFIED CENTRAL STERILE TECHNICIAN
University of Maryland Medical Center
Baltimore, MD
07.2008 - Current
- Organize, assemble routine and special surgical instrument trays and other sterilized supplies.
- Clean instruments and other medical devices to prepare them for sterilization.
- Operate and maintain steam, ETO, low temperature gas plasma and dry heat sterilizers.
- Keep records of loads completed items in loads and maintenance procedures performed.
- Record sterilizer test results.
- Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.
- Inspect sterile supplies for integrity and expiration to ensure that they are stored to enhance sterility maintenance and that the packing has not been compromised.
- Deliver sterile supplies and retrieve contaminated supplies.
- Manual cleaning of instruments and equipment.
- Operation and maintenance of decontamination equipment.
- Meticulous examination of instruments and equipment to ensure they are clean.
- Monitor and operate sterilization equipment such as an autoclave.
- Test and report any issues or problems with sterilizing equipment.
- Keep record of items that have been cleaned and sterilized.
- Remove all waste matter from equipment and carts.
- Assemble and sterilize instrument trays.
- Manual cleaning of instruments and equipment.
- Decontaminated items are inspected and cleaned according to healthcare regulations.
- Items are sterilized using autoclaves or similar devices.
- Cleaned and sterilized items or sets are stored until needed.
- Recorded results of biological and diagnostic tests.
- Checked sterile supplies to detect outdated materials.
- Supported departmental initiatives to meet productivity standards and flexible staffing needs.
- Inspected and tested sterilization equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
- Prepared endoscopy equipment and instruments for procedures.
- Reported any malfunctions or problems with equipment to appropriate personnel for repair or replacement.
- Maintain competency in all aspects of endoscope reprocessing as well as knowledge of regulatory standards such as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
- Maintain a safe environment by adhering to safety regulations and standards set forth by the organization.
- Mentored incoming Sterile Processing Technicians.
- Trained new staff on endoscopy techniques and equipment handling procedures.
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
El Cajon, CA
01.1999 - 05.2008
- Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides basic bedside care to sick, elderly, disabled or injured patients.
- Provided direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities.
- Feed patients and record their food consumption, while monitoring the fluids intake and output.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Communicated effectively with patients to understand their needs and concerns.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient rooms and common areas.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff.
- Supported nurses in administering medications and treatments as directed.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records systems.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT)
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
La Mesa, CA
04.2003 - 01.2008
- Familiar with infection control practices, basic nursing skills, body structure and function.
- Work under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. Participate in the implementation and evaluation of patient care in order to ensure the health, comfort and, safety of patients in a Transitional Care Unit.
- Assisted nursing staff with patient care and daily living activities.
- Observe patients’ physical, mental and emotional conditions as well as report any change to the charge nurse.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to medical personnel.
- Utilize and familiar with standard nursing practices, concepts and, procedures.
- Supported patients with mobility tasks, including transfers and ambulation.
- Serve and collect food trays, provide for between-meal nourishment in addition to performing cleaning, sterilization, store and prepare other hospital supplies.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Communicated effectively with patients and families regarding care plans.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records.
- Educated patients on health practices and post-discharge instructions.
Home Health Certified Nursing Assistant
Vita’s Hospice Health Care
San Diego, CA
11.2004 - 09.2005
- Assisted patients with daily living activities and personal care needs.
- Moved patients carefully into different positions to promote better body alignment and comfort.
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores and surgical site wounds.
- Measured and recorded food and liquid intake and output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Monitored vital signs including temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate.
- Observed changes in patients' condition and reported any unusual findings to the RN Case Manager.
- Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients at all times.
- Documented information in patient charts and communicated status updates to interdisciplinary care team.
- Maintained a safe environment for patient care through adherence to establish safety guidelines and policies.
- Provided physical, emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families.
Education
Certified Sterile Technician
HSPA(Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
Baltimore, MD10-2019
Vocational Nursing Program -
Grossmont Health Occupation Center
Santee, CA01-2003
Certified Nurse Assistant/Home Health Care
CDPH(California Department Of Public Health)
San Diego, CA03-2001
Nursing Assistant Program -
Grossmont Health Occupation Center
Santee, CA08-2000
Bachelor Of Science In Business Administration Major In - Banking & Finance
San Sebastian College Recolletos
Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines03-1998
Skills
- Mentoring and training new employees for Sterile Processing and Endoscopy Reprocessing
- Patient oriented
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Experience in CPD
- Decontamination procedures
- Instrument assembly
- Sterilization of instruments
- Maintaining endoscopic equipment
- Endoscope reprocessing
- Endoscope disinfection
- Team collaboration
Awards
- Nominee for Employee of the Month, 11/01/17, Central Sterile Processing Department,University of Maryland Medical Center
- Perfect Attendance Award, 01/01/03, Grossmont Health Occupation Center
- Student Council Secretary, 01/01/03, Vocational Nursing Program, Grossmont Health Occupation Center
References
George Ross
Central Sterile Scope Supervisor
University Of Maryland Medical Center
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore MD 21201
(410)328-8196
Trey Bert Tanksley
Manager Central Sterile Processing
University Of Maryland Medical Center
22 S. Greene Street,Baltimore MD 21201
(410) 328-6688
Tasliim Hayden
Sterile Processing Supervisor
University Of Maryland Medical Center
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore MD 21201
(443)712-6268
Timeline
CERTIFIED CENTRAL STERILE TECHNICIAN
University of Maryland Medical Center
07.2008 - Current
Home Health Certified Nursing Assistant
Vita’s Hospice Health Care
11.2004 - 09.2005
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT)
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
04.2003 - 01.2008
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
01.1999 - 05.2008
Certified Sterile Technician
HSPA(Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
Vocational Nursing Program -
Grossmont Health Occupation Center
Certified Nurse Assistant/Home Health Care
CDPH(California Department Of Public Health)
Nursing Assistant Program -
Grossmont Health Occupation Center
Bachelor Of Science In Business Administration Major In - Banking & Finance
San Sebastian College Recolletos