Milena Costa
Wilmington,NC
Summary
Adept at steam sterilization and fostering teamwork, I significantly enhanced patient safety and department efficiency at Novant Health. With expertise in decontamination and a knack for problem-solving, I played a pivotal role in achieving high compliance marks, streamlining processes, and mentoring new technicians, directly impacting surgical outcomes and patient care.
Professional in healthcare field, well-versed in sterile processing and infection prevention. Known for effectively managing instrument sterilization and ensuring compliance with strict hygiene standards. Valued team member who adapts to changing priorities and consistently delivers reliable results with focus on patient safety and quality care.
Qualified CSP tech with solid background in sterile processing and infection control. Successfully managed instrument sterilization processes and ensured highest standards of cleanliness in clinical settings. Demonstrated expertise in decontamination procedures and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Experienced with sterilization techniques critical to maintaining safe clinical environment. Utilizes decontamination procedures to ensure all instruments meet stringent cleanliness standards. Knowledge of regulatory compliance and best practices in infection control.
Professional with experience ensuring safe and efficient sterilization of medical instruments and equipment. Skilled in decontamination, sterilization, and inventory management, with strong focus on maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety. Reliable team player known for adapting to changing needs and consistently delivering results. Known for attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication.
Experienced in assembling carts and selecting instruments and supplies for procedures. Competent in performing and documenting test results, restocking supplies and managing records. Focused on working quickly and accurately to maintain efficient facility operations.
Detail-oriented Sterile Processing Technician with over 5 years of related experience. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with hardworking and diligent nature.
Systematic professional with exceptional organizational, planning and multitasking abilities. Specializing in decontaminating and sterilizing instruments for use in medical procedures. Positive and upbeat with a team-oriented attitude.
Meticulous technician with extensive experience in routine laboratory tasks. Skilled in sterilizing, testing and monitoring medical equipment with strong understanding of infection control practices. Responsible and committed to providing safe and reliable medical equipment to healthcare professionals.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sterile Processing Technician
Novant Health
03.2015 - Current
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
- Supported surgical teams effectively by preparing instrument trays according to procedure requirements.
- Reduced risk of infections by maintaining a clean and sterile environment within the processing area.
- Enhanced patient safety by ensuring proper sterilization and packaging of medical equipment.
- 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.
- Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when troubleshooting issues with autoclaves or other sterilization equipment.
- Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
- Achieved high levels of accuracy in record-keeping, logging important data related to sterilization cycles and equipment usage.
- 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.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
- Promoted a safe working environment, adhering to established guidelines for handling hazardous materials.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, participating in relevant training programs and workshops.
- Increased compliance with infection control standards through regular inspection and maintenance of sterilizers.
- Responded to equipment malfunctions by troubleshooting and repairing broken and malfunctioning equipment.
- Optimized inventory management by conducting routine audits, identifying discrepancies, and resolving issues promptly.
- Ordered and restocked supplies for decontamination and surgical areas.
- Established constructive relationships with vendors, facilitating timely delivery of supplies necessary for daily operations.
- Facilitated seamless communication between departments, coordinating with clinical staff on equipment needs and availability.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by ensuring the consistent provision of high-quality, sterile medical equipment and supplies during surgical procedures.
- Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
- Assisted in staff development by providing guidance to new team members on proper sterile processing techniques.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement, actively seeking ways to enhance efficiency within the department.
- Increased operating room efficiency with organized preparation and timely delivery of sterile supplies.
- Implemented system for tracking maintenance and repair of surgical instruments, reducing instances of equipment failure.
- Improved surgical outcomes by providing sterile, high-quality instruments, directly impacting patient safety and care.
- Streamlined inventory management, ensuring availability of necessary surgical instruments for variety of procedures.
- Collaborated with surgical departments to tailor instrument sets for specific procedures, enhancing surgical efficiency.
- Facilitated positive working environment by mentoring new technicians, fostering team-oriented atmosphere.
- Advanced patient safety with rigorous adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
- Enhanced departmental performance by actively participating in quality assurance and improvement meetings.
- Enhanced team knowledge and compliance with best practices in sterilization through regular training sessions and updates.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by suggesting and implementing changes to sterilization processes that increased efficiency.
- Maintained strict adherence to aseptic technique in decontamination process, significantly reducing risk of hospital-acquired infections.
- Optimized workflow within sterile processing department, allowing for quicker turnaround times and increased productivity.
- Supported surgical teams by responding promptly to last-minute requests and changes, ensuring no delays in surgical procedures.
- Reduced waste and optimized resource use by accurately assessing and preparing exact quantity of required surgical instruments.
- Contributed to significant reductions in cross-contamination incidents through meticulous execution of decontamination protocols.
- Played key role in department achieving high marks during external accreditation audits by maintaining exemplary sterilization practices.
- Conducted regular inspections of sterilization equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
- Ensured compliance with industry sterilization standards by meticulously cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment.
- Maintained detailed records of sterilization cycles, contributing to hospital's compliance with regulatory standards.
- Assisted in development of departmental policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with latest industry standards and practices.
- Monitored inventory levels to keep all medical equipment properly stocked.
Patient Transporter
Wilmington Eye Surgery Center
08.2023 - 03.2025
Education
High School Diploma -
Dr.Dorde Radic
Kraljevo, Serbia06-1994
Skills
- Steam sterilization
- Decontaminating surgical instruments
- Decontamination procedures
- High-level disinfection
- Sterilization procedures
- Assembling case carts
- Manual cleaning
- Instrument decontamination
- Recording biologicals
- Equipment testing
- Sterile storage
- Sterilization techniques
- Instrument sterilization
- Case cart assembly
- Supply replenishment
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Computerized tracking
- Infection control
- Picking instruments
- Quality control
- Chemical handling
- Low-temperature sterilization
- Operating room support
- Inventory rotation
- Preventive Maintenance
- Equipment monitoring
- Completing diagnostic tests
- Surgical instrument knowledge
- Safety protocols
- Staff training
- Quality assurance
- Workflow optimization
- Risk management
- Instrumentation knowledge
- Equipment calibration
- Technical documentation
- Communicable disease knowledge
- Case tracking systems
- Pulling case carts
- Workstation organization
- Sterilizer operation
- Aseptic technique
- Instrument storage
- Compliance standards knowledge
- Instrument inspection
- OSHA regulations compliance
- Aseptic environment maintenance
- Assembly and packaging
- Decontamination and sanitation
- Recording test results
- Tray preparation
- Assembling packages
- Processing instruments
- Bloodborne pathogen awareness
- Sterility assurance testing
- Problem-solving
- Instrument cleaning and sterilization
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Sterilizer testing
- Infection control protocols
- Documentation and reporting
- Steam autoclaves operation
- Equipment disinfection
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Equipment inspection
- Equipment preparation
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Pre-surgical preparation
- Supply restocking
- Certified registered central service technician (CRCST)
- Safe sharps disposal
- Inventory recordkeeping
- Expiry date verification
- Sterile processing technician (SPT)
- Flexible schedule
- Safety protocols expertise
- Patient confidentiality
- first aid CPR
- Surgical instrument processor certification
- Certified registered central service technician
- Registered central service technician certification
- Quality control analysis
- Patient and equipment transport
- Electronic charting
Certification
- First Aid Certification – American Red Cross or other accredited providers.
- NC Driver's License
- Sterile Processing Technician , HSPA , 2020
Speaking multiple languages: English,Serbian,Croatian,Bosnian,Russian,Spanish,
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Limited Working
Croatian
Native or Bilingual
Serbian
Native or Bilingual
Russian
Elementary
Macedonian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Patient Transporter
Wilmington Eye Surgery Center
08.2023 - 03.2025
Sterile Processing Technician
Novant Health
03.2015 - Current
High School Diploma -
Dr.Dorde Radic
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