I have over five years of experience managing a sterile services department, where I oversaw the decontamination, sterilization, and distribution of medical instruments. My role involved ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, training staff on proper sterilization techniques, and maintaining accurate records. I also implemented process improvements that reduced turnaround times by 15% while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

I ensure compliance by staying updated on industry standards such as ISO 13485 and AAMI guidelines. Regular audits, staff training, and detailed documentation are key components of my approach. I also conduct routine equipment maintenance and validation to ensure all sterilization processes meet regulatory requirements. This proactive approach minimizes risks and ensures patient safety.

I prioritize continuous staff training through workshops, hands-on sessions, and e-learning modules tailored to sterilization protocols and safety standards. I also encourage cross-training to enhance team versatility. Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions help identify areas for improvement, ensuring the team remains skilled and compliant with evolving industry practices.

I use a combination of effective scheduling, prioritization, and team collaboration to manage high workloads. By analyzing workflow patterns, I allocate resources efficiently and implement lean practices to reduce bottlenecks. Clear communication and contingency planning ensure that deadlines are met without compromising quality or safety.

I address equipment malfunctions by having a robust preventive maintenance schedule and immediate troubleshooting protocols. In case of failure, I ensure backup equipment is available and follow contingency plans to minimize downtime. I also document incidents, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.