Amber Sheppard
Columbus,OH
Summary
Meticulous Surgical Technologist excited to bring 11-year background to growing organization. Knowledgeable in all aspects of surgery, including setting up operating rooms, preparing patients and assisting surgeons. Committed to maintaining highest standards of health and safety.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Technologist
Planet Healthcare
Columbus, OH
07.2023 - Current
- Maintained high infection control standards.
- Prepared operating rooms with required instruments, ensuring efficient setup for various surgical cases.
- Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
- Minimized infection risks by strictly adhering to aseptic techniques when handling surgical supplies and equipment.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and efficiently, contributing to successful completion of critical surgeries.
- Assisted surgeons in complex procedures for optimal patient outcomes and reduced recovery time.
- Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
- Supported smooth transitions between surgeries by promptly preparing the operating room for subsequent cases.
- Increased efficiency during surgeries by anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges or changes during surgery, responding quickly without compromising patient safety or procedural success.
- Sterilized instruments and disposed of medical supplies and waste following OSHA guidelines.
- Mentored new surgical technologists, sharing expertise and fostering their growth within the profession.
- Ensured proper care of surgical instruments through meticulous cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance processes.
- Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
- Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
- Provided compassionate support to patients experiencing anxiety or discomfort prior to surgery, helping alleviate concerns while maintaining professionalism.
- Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
- Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.
- Maintained specialty equipment, implant, and instrumentation inventories.
- Played a key role in reducing OR turnaround time by implementing process improvements for equipment preparation and room cleanup procedures.
- Performed inventory management duties for the operating room supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels at all times.
- Contributed to successful operations by assembling and organizing surgical equipment with precision.
- Provided comprehensive support to surgeons specializing in sports medicine, total joint replacement, spine, and orthopedic trauma treatment.
- Decontaminated, cleaned, assembled, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.
- Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of surgical technology.
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Supported surgeons during cosmetic surgeries, gynecological and orthopedic procedures and general appointments.
- Received recognition for excellent performance in assisting with emergency surgeries, resulting in positive patient outcomes.
- Assisted in the development of updated policies and procedures for the surgical department, resulting in improved safety measures and overall efficiency.
- Communicated effectively with patients and families about pre-operative preparations and post-operative care instructions.
- Maintained accurate records of surgical procedures and patient information, contributing to streamlined documentation and effective patient care.
- Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
- Positioned patients and set up drapes to create comfortable surgical environment for patients.
- Handled and prepared specimens for laboratory analysis to provide surgeons with relevant information.
- Prepared sterile solutions to support surgical processes and helped physicians scrub in for procedures.
- Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
- Contributed to team-based problem-solving to resolve issues that arose during surgery and improve patient outcomes.
- Transported patients to and from surgeries to promote timely operating room turnover.
- Provided wound care post-operatively to promote healing and reduce risk of infections.
- Sterilized instruments and equipment for specific procedures and arranged for surgeons.
- Maintained records to document patient medical history and surgical procedure notes.
Surgical Technologist
Trustaff
Cincinnati, OH
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Maintained high infection control standards.
- Prepared operating rooms with required instruments, ensuring efficient setup for various surgical cases.
- Minimized infection risks by strictly adhering to aseptic techniques when handling surgical supplies and equipment.
- Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and efficiently, contributing to successful completion of critical surgeries.
- Assisted surgeons in complex procedures for optimal patient outcomes and reduced recovery time.
- Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
- Supported smooth transitions between surgeries by promptly preparing the operating room for subsequent cases.
- Increased efficiency during surgeries by anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges or changes during surgery, responding quickly without compromising patient safety or procedural success.
- Sterilized instruments and disposed of medical supplies and waste following OSHA guidelines.
- Mentored new surgical technologists, sharing expertise and fostering their growth within the profession.
- Ensured proper care of surgical instruments through meticulous cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance processes.
- Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
- Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
- Provided compassionate support to patients experiencing anxiety or discomfort prior to surgery, helping alleviate concerns while maintaining professionalism.
- Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
- Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.
- Maintained specialty equipment, implant, and instrumentation inventories.
- Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care before, during, and after surgery.
- Played a key role in reducing OR turnaround time by implementing process improvements for equipment preparation and room cleanup procedures.
- Performed inventory management duties for the operating room supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels at all times.
- Contributed to successful operations by assembling and organizing surgical equipment with precision.
- Provided comprehensive support to surgeons specializing in sports medicine, total joint replacement, spine, and orthopedic trauma treatment.
- Decontaminated, cleaned, assembled, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.
- Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of surgical technology.
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Supported surgeons during cosmetic surgeries, gynecological and orthopedic procedures and general appointments.
- Received recognition for excellent performance in assisting with emergency surgeries, resulting in positive patient outcomes.
- Assisted in the development of updated policies and procedures for the surgical department, resulting in improved safety measures and overall efficiency.
- Communicated effectively with patients and families about pre-operative preparations and post-operative care instructions.
- Created and maintained unobstructed operative fields using diverse range of tools.
- Maintained accurate records of surgical procedures and patient information, contributing to streamlined documentation and effective patient care.
- Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
- Positioned patients and set up drapes to create comfortable surgical environment for patients.
- Handled and prepared specimens for laboratory analysis to provide surgeons with relevant information.
- Prepared sterile solutions to support surgical processes and helped physicians scrub in for procedures.
- Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
- Completed continuing education units, staying up to date on surgical technology and meeting organizational requirements.
- Contributed to team-based problem-solving to resolve issues that arose during surgery and improve patient outcomes.
- Transported patients to and from surgeries to promote timely operating room turnover.
- Provided wound care post-operatively to promote healing and reduce risk of infections.
- Sterilized instruments and equipment for specific procedures and arranged for surgeons.
- Selected and purchased equipment for surgical procedures.
- Educated patients on expected side effects and discomfort levels post-surgery.
- Maintained records to document patient medical history and surgical procedure notes.
Certified Surgical Technologist
Trinity Health
Westerville, OH
04.2014 - 07.2022
- Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
- Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
- Demonstrated adaptability when faced with emergency situations or unexpected complications during surgeries, providing prompt support to surgical teams.
- Expedited surgery room turnover times by swiftly preparing operating rooms for subsequent surgeries, maximizing efficiency within the department.
- Reduced surgery time by effectively anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
- Assisted surgeons in complex procedures, ensuring efficient completion and minimized complications.
- Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Ensured proper handling of specimens during surgeries, aiding in accurate diagnostic results for patients.
- Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
- Performed accurate instrument counts, preventing potential surgical complications due to retained items.
- Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
- Contributed to reduced infection rates by diligently practicing proper sterilization techniques for instruments and equipment.
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Streamlined workflow by organizing instruments efficiently on the back table according to procedure requirements.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care throughout the entire perioperative process.
- Used sutures, staples, clips and other tools to close wounds.
- Prepared instruments for terminal sterilization and reset surgical suites for next procedure.
- Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.
- Supported colleagues by serving as a resource on surgical technology best practices, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.
- Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
- Expanded knowledge of surgical procedures through continuous professional development, staying current with industry advancements.
- Achieved consistent performance evaluations through dedication to excellence in patient care, teamwork, and adherence to established protocols.
- Maintained high infection control standards.
- Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
- Controlled bleeding during procedures by applying hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by actively participating in department meetings and offering constructive feedback on surgical processes.
- Improved team communication through active participation in pre-and post-operative discussions, resulting in better patient outcomes.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores through compassionate care and clear communication during pre-and post-surgery stages.
- Optimized inventory management processes by routinely assessing supplies levels and promptly ordering necessary items for successful surgeries.
- Strengthened patient trust and alleviated anxiety through empathetic communication when explaining steps involved in their upcoming procedures.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards through meticulous documentation of relevant information during each surgery performed.
- Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.
- Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
- Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
- Supported surgeons during cosmetic surgeries, gynecological and orthopedic procedures and general appointments.
- Created and maintained unobstructed operative fields using diverse range of tools.
- Maintained specialty equipment, implant, and instrumentation inventories.
- Decontaminated, cleaned, assembled, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.
- Provided comprehensive support to surgeons specializing in sports medicine, total joint replacement, spine, and orthopedic trauma treatment.
- Sterilized instruments and disposed of medical supplies and waste following OSHA guidelines.
- Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
- Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
- Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
- Positioned patients and set up drapes to create comfortable surgical environment for patients.
- Handled and prepared specimens for laboratory analysis to provide surgeons with relevant information.
- Completed continuing education units, staying up to date on surgical technology and meeting organizational requirements.
- Prepared sterile solutions to support surgical processes and helped physicians scrub in for procedures.
- Transported patients to and from surgeries to promote timely operating room turnover.
- Sterilized instruments and equipment for specific procedures and arranged for surgeons.
- Provided wound care post-operatively to promote healing and reduce risk of infections.
- Contributed to team-based problem-solving to resolve issues that arose during surgery and improve patient outcomes.
- Educated patients on expected side effects and discomfort levels post-surgery.
- Selected and purchased equipment for surgical procedures.
- Maintained records to document patient medical history and surgical procedure notes.
Certified Surgical Technologist
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
12.2013 - 04.2014
- Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
- Assisted in the development of standard operating procedures for the department, providing valuable input based on practical experience.
- Assisted in surgical procedures with prompt delivery of sterile supplies, contributing to successful outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Optimized workflow within the department through effective scheduling and prioritization of tasks, maximizing productivity while maintaining quality standards.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry advancements and enhance skills as a Sterile Supply Technician.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop best practices for sterilization and supply management, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Facilitated efficient movement of supplies between storage areas and operating rooms using appropriate transportation methods such as carts or trolleys.
- Streamlined inventory management through diligent tracking and organization, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
- Provided thorough training to new Sterile Supply Technicians, fostering a high level of expertise within the team.
- Demonstrated commitment to patient care by consistently meeting or exceeding quality assurance benchmarks for sterile supply processing and handling.
- Ensured timely availability of required supplies through proactive communication with other departments, minimizing delays in patient care delivery.
- Supported nursing staff by efficiently assembling trays for various medical procedures, enabling them to focus on direct patient care.
- Enhanced sterilization processes by implementing advanced techniques and equipment, ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Contributed to overall cost savings efforts by monitoring inventory levels closely and ordering stock adjustments as needed.
- Maintained accurate records of instrument usage and sterilization cycles to ensure traceability and adherence to established protocols.
- Improved patient safety by meticulously inspecting surgical instruments for defects or contamination before use.
- Consistently achieved high levels of cleanliness in workspaces by following strict sanitation protocols during daily routine maintenance activities.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry standards and regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines.
- Enhanced communication between team members by participating in daily huddles and sharing pertinent information about work progress or changes in priorities.
- Conducted regular audits of sterilization processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
- Reduced risk of infection transmission by diligently adhering to proper handling protocols when transporting contaminated materials between departments.
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
- Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
- Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
- Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
- Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
- Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
- Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
- Ordered and restocked supplies for decontamination and surgical areas.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
- Responded to equipment malfunctions by troubleshooting and repairing broken and malfunctioning equipment.
- Monitored inventory levels to keep all medical equipment properly stocked.
- Provided support to medical staff in resolving medical equipment problems.
- Liaised between medical staff and medical equipment vendors.
- Troubleshot medical equipment malfunctions and reported issues to appropriate personnel.
- Collaborated with medical staff to confirm availability of medical equipment for patient care.
- Assisted with development and coordination of medical equipment inventories.
Education
Associate Of Science - Nursing
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OHAssociate Of Science - Surgical Technology
Miami Jacobs Career College
Columbus, OH12.2013
Skills
- Aseptic Techniques
- Sterile Technique Proficiency
- Surgical Instrument Knowledge
- Setting up and operating equipment
- Surgical Assistance
- Equipment set up
- Instrument Sterilization
- Anatomy Understanding
- Pre- and post-surgical counts
- Safe sharps disposal
- Surgical Procedure Familiarity
- Patient preparation
- Organizational abilities
- Infection control protocols
- Leadership Qualities
- Workplace Safety
- Wound Dressing
- OB/GYN procedures
- Specimen Collection
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- Pre-surgical preparation
- Wound Closure Techniques
- Patient confidentiality
- Transporting patients
- Preoperative preparation
- Supply Management
- Safety protocols expertise
- Suturing
- Patient positioning expertise
- Patient transportation
- Preoperative Checklists
- Medication Administration
- Administering Medications
- Electronic Charting
- Hospital Pre-Screenings
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Sterile Field Preparation
- Critical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Flexible and Adaptable
Accomplishments
- Built strong relationships with surgeons and learned set up preferences to streamline surgeries.
- Assisted in over 1000 procedures during 2013 to 2024.
Timeline
Surgical Technologist
Planet Healthcare
07.2023 - Current
Surgical Technologist
Trustaff
08.2022 - 08.2023
Certified Surgical Technologist
Trinity Health
04.2014 - 07.2022
Certified Surgical Technologist
Ohio State University
12.2013 - 04.2014
Associate Of Science - Nursing
Columbus State Community College
Associate Of Science - Surgical Technology
Miami Jacobs Career College