Robert Canales
Wildomar
Summary
Dynamic Sterile Processing Technician with extensive experience, excelling in decontamination, sterilization, and instrument assembly. Proven track record in maintaining quality assurance and compliance with safety standards. Strong leadership skills developed through military service, fostering teamwork and mentoring junior staff to enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Sterile Processing Tech. II
Kaiser Permanente
02.2024 - 07.2025
- Performed decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of surgical instruments per AAMI and hospital policies
- Assembled complex instrument trays for OR, labor & delivery, endoscopy, and specialty cases with high accuracy
- Operated and monitored steam autoclaves and low-temperature sterilizers , ensuring proper cycle parameters
- Conducted and documented biological, chemical, and Bowie-Dick tests
- Maintained accurate records in instrument tracking systems to ensure traceability
- Collaborated with OR staff to meet case demands and reduce delays
- Followed infection prevention, PPE, and OSHA safety standards at all times
Supervisor
CA Army National Guard
09.2002 - 01.2025
- Within ten years promoted to team leader and supervisor. Attended Basic Leadership Course, Advanced Leadership Course, and Senior Leadership Course. Retired with twenty-three years of military service.
- Assisted local, county, state, and federal first responders with a wide range of operations and wildfire land management.
- Responsible for leading nine personnel, supervising, training, equipping, and ensuring they understand the assignments for the day and their individual roles. Training and mentoring junior enlisted personnel, fostering a sense of camaraderie nd trust.
- Managing day-to-day operations, including planning and coordinating missions. ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.
- Possessing combat skills and situational awareness, which are essential for effective leadership. Oversaw the training, discipline, and welfare of soldiers.
- Mentoring and Development: I assumed a crucial role in mentoring junior soldiers and newly promoted non-commissioned officers (Team Leaders). Ensuring team leaders developed the skills necessary to succeed when assuming higher responsibilities.
- Performance Evaluation: Evaluated the performance of soldiers under my command and provided constructive feedback through Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Reports (NCOERs).
Administrative Duties: Handled various administrative tasks related to personnel management, training schedules, and resource allocation.
Sterile Processing Tech. I
Los Angeles General Medical Center
02.2020 - 10.2023
- Prepared and distributed sterile supplies and case carts for scheduled and emergency procedures
- Inspected instruments for cleanliness, function, and integrity , removing damaged items from circulation
- Stocked sterile storage areas and maintained proper FIFO inventory rotation
- Assisted with department audits and compliance surveys
- Consistently met productivity and quality benchmarks
Volunteer Sterile Processing Technician
Beverly Hospital
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Operated sterilization equipment to ensure compliance with safety standards and protocols.
- Assembled and disassembled surgical instruments for efficient cleaning and sterilization processes.
- Monitored inventory levels of sterile supplies, coordinating replenishment to meet departmental needs.
- Trained new staff on proper sterilization techniques and equipment operation for enhanced workflow efficiency.
Education
No Degree - Hospital Central Service Technician
Premiere Career College
Irwindale, CA04-2019
High School Diploma -
Rialto High School
Rialto, CA06-1996
Skills
- Decontamination & Sterilization
- Instrument Assembly & Inspection
- Case Cart Preparation
- Steam, Low-Hi Temp, and Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS)
- Biological & Chemical Indicators
- Patient Care & Customer Service
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Tray Accuracy & Count Sheets
- SPD Documentation
- Quality Assurance
- PPE & Safety Compliance
- Tracking Systems (SPM, CensiTrac)
Timeline
Sterile Processing Tech. II
Kaiser Permanente
02.2024 - 07.2025
Sterile Processing Tech. I
Los Angeles General Medical Center
02.2020 - 10.2023
Volunteer Sterile Processing Technician
Beverly Hospital
01.2019 - 06.2019
Supervisor
CA Army National Guard
09.2002 - 01.2025
No Degree - Hospital Central Service Technician
Premiere Career College
High School Diploma -
Rialto High School