Amber Ojala
Ramsey,MN
Summary
Results-driven healthcare supply chain professional with over 22 years of expertise in inventory coordination, sterile processing, and cross-departmental collaboration. Proven success in optimizing supply chain operations while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Expertise in building and nurturing strong relationships with physicians, vendors, and leadership teams to enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement. Committed to leveraging extensive industry knowledge to contribute to organizational success and excellence in patient care.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supply Chain Inventory Coordinator
Allina Health, Mercy Hospital
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Managed inventory and supply levels for the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Cardiology Units, and multiple hospital departments.
- Maintained accurate inventory control through audits and reconciliations.
- Processed purchase orders and collaborated with vendors and physicians on new product evaluations.
- Partnered with Supply Chain leadership to manage contracts, monitor backorders, and ensure patient charge compliance through CRM data reports.
- Performed full inventory counts every quarter.
Project Leader / Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST Certified)
Allina Health, Mercy Hospital
01.2015 - 2021
- Oversaw and maintained inventory for the Sterile Processing Department (SPD).
- Ensured compliance with Joint Commission and AAMI sterilization standards.
- Served as departmental expert in decontamination, sterilization, and surgical tray preparation.
- Mentored and trained new hires to promote adherence to best practices and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with OR service leaders and surgeons to ensure surgical instruments were properly maintained, updated, and available.
Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST Certified)
Allina Health, Mercy Hospital
01.2008 - 01.2021
- Performed decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of surgical instruments for multiple departments including OR, PCC, ED, and ICU.
- Ensured sterile integrity of all packaged instruments and maintained compliance documentation.
- Supported OR staff by preparing case carts and delivering instruments as needed during procedures. (50-70 cases a day)
Dietary Aide
Allina Health, Mercy Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Prepared and delivered meals to patients based on dietary requirements.
- Maintained kitchen inventory and cleanliness in compliance with hospital standards.
Education
High School Diploma -
Anoka High School
Anoka, MN06.
Skills
- Inventory Management & Optimization
- Data Analysis & Reporting (CRM, Backorder, Patient Charge Compliance)
- Vendor & Physician Relations
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Process Improvement & Compliance (Joint Commission, AAMI Standards)
- Leadership & Mentorship
Accomplishments
Successfully collaborated with par excellence and led a year-long RFID implementation with zero prior experience, while driving the project from concept to full operational readiness. Delivered a fully functioning system that improved workflow accuracy, Inventory counts and spend, subsequently trained multiple facilities on best practices and adoption.
Certification
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), International Association of Healthcare Central Service and Material Management (IAHCSMM)
Timeline
Supply Chain Inventory Coordinator
Allina Health, Mercy Hospital
01.2021 - 01.2025
Project Leader / Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST Certified)
Allina Health, Mercy Hospital
01.2015 - 2021
Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST Certified)
Allina Health, Mercy Hospital
01.2008 - 01.2021
Dietary Aide
Allina Health, Mercy Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2008
High School Diploma -
Anoka High School