Lakia Long
Durham
Summary
Sterile Processing Technician III with 7+ years of experience supporting surgical and medical teams in high-volume hospital environments. Skilled in decontamination, sterilization, instrumentation management, and regulatory compliance (TJC, AAMI, OSHA, CDC). Proven leadership as a Team Lead, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and patient safety. Adept at training staff, troubleshooting OR instrumentation issues, and optimizing workflow to meet critical surgical demands.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sterile Processing Technician, Team Lead
Duke University Hospital
10.2023 - Current
- Lead sterile processing operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards.
- Oversee decontamination, sterilization, inspection, and distribution of surgical instruments.
- Proactively review OR schedules, resolve conflicts, and ensure next-day and emergency case readiness.
- Conduct case cart, post-case, and tray audits; document repairs and manage instrumentation sent out for service.
- Mentor new technicians, promoting accuracy, teamwork, and adherence to quality standards.
Sterile Processing Technician
Strong Memorial Hospital
07.2020 - 10.2023
- Operated sterilization equipment and prepared surgical trays in compliance with CDC, AAMI, and TJC standards.
- Maintained accurate sterilization logs and quality control documentation.
- Performed detailed inspections of instruments, ensuring completeness, function, and cleanliness per OneSource.
- Managed asset tracking and coordinated repairs for malfunctioning instruments.
Sterile Processing Technician
John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital
05.2022 - 07.2022
- Ensured safe and timely delivery of surgical instruments to OR staff.
- Reported and processed replacement of damaged equipment.
- Supported departmental goals by assisting with workflow improvements and staff training.
- Managed and operated departmental machinery—cart washers, instrument washers, sterilizers, ultrasonics, and drying cabinets—ensuring all processes meet infection prevention protocols.
Sterile Processing Technician
Emory University Hospital
03.2019 - 04.2020
- Assembled, sterilized, and distributed surgical instruments while maintaining compliance with Joint Commission standards.
- Operated departmental machinery, including cart washers and sterilizers, to ensure adherence to infection prevention protocols.
- Maintained accurate quality assurance and sterilization records for regulatory compliance.
- Executed cleaning and assembly of surgical instruments in accordance with established procedures.
Sterile Processing Technician
Duke University Hospital
10.2016 - 03.2019
- Ensured compliance with infection control and standard precaution procedures.
- Managed all aspects of sterile processing, including decontamination, cleaning, assembly, wrapping, sterilization, and storage.
- Properly disposed of infectious waste in accordance with safety protocols, maintaining regulatory compliance.
- Consistently adhered to IP standards throughout all sterilization processes.
Sterile Processing Technician
Synergy Health
03.2016 - 10.2016
- Optimized instrument processing and storage in collaboration with nurse managers.
- Executed collection and cleaning of instrument sets using count sheets for precision.
- Maintained accurate inventory management by tracking surgical supply usage.
- Operated departmental machinery, including sterilizers and washers, to uphold infection control standards.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - undefined
Durham Tech Community College
High School Diploma - undefined
Durham School of the Arts
Durham, NCSkills
- Advanced Sterile Processing & Instrumentation Care
- Leadership & Team Development
- OR Case Cart & Tray Auditing
- Surgical Asset & Inventory Management
- SPM, Censitrac, Sonar, SAP Systems
- Regulatory Compliance (AAMI, AORN, TJC, OSHA)
- Infection Control & Safety Procedures
- Problem-Solving & Process Improvement
Certification
- CBSPD Sterile Processing Certification
- BioWork Next Generation Certificate
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Leadership & Professional Development
Recognized for strong leadership and teamwork skills, providing guidance and mentoring to peers. Actively contribute ideas to improve processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure compliance.
Additional Information
References
- Antonio Hubbard – Strong Memorial | Manager | (903) 376-9506
- Terry Washington – Strong Memorial | Supervisor | (678) 382-9580
- Latasha Rutland – Strong Memorial | Supervisor | (585) 315-3624
- Shakira Stinchcomb | Coworker | (678) 760-3066
Timeline
Sterile Processing Technician, Team Lead
Duke University Hospital
10.2023 - Current
Sterile Processing Technician
John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital
05.2022 - 07.2022
Sterile Processing Technician
Strong Memorial Hospital
07.2020 - 10.2023
Sterile Processing Technician
Emory University Hospital
03.2019 - 04.2020
Sterile Processing Technician
Duke University Hospital
10.2016 - 03.2019
Sterile Processing Technician
Synergy Health
03.2016 - 10.2016
Associate of Applied Science - undefined
Durham Tech Community College
High School Diploma - undefined
Durham School of the Arts
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