AUTUMN SAWYER
Corralitos,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented Certified Surgical Technologist skilled in diverse surgical specialties, including Whipple procedures and advanced spine interventions. Expertise in managing the DaVinci Xi Robot platform while ensuring a sterile field. Anticipates surgeons' needs and applies critical thinking to enhance patient outcomes in high-pressure settings.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Kaiser Permanente
San Jose, CA
01.2024 - Current
- Maintaining the sterile field, ensuring the safety of the OR, equipment, and instruments.
- Supported surgeons in HPB, robotic, and various specialties, ensuring readiness of instruments and supplies for complex procedures.
- Provided support by anticipating surgeons' needs to facilitate smooth surgical procedures.
- Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
- Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
- Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
- Maintained high infection control standards.
- Facilitated team-based problem-solving during surgery to address challenges and enhance patient outcomes.
- Demonstrated strong teamwork by actively participating in collaborative surgical efforts.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess situations and make informed decisions in the OR.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Handled specimens according to established protocols to ensure accurate collection and preservation.
LAB INSTRUCTOR
Silicon Valley Surgi-Tech Institute
Milpitas, CA
06.2019 - 12.2023
- Guided Surgical Technology students in career exploration and professional development.
- Fostered a hands-on laboratory environment that enhanced student skills and engagement in the field.
- Utilized advanced education to support students in mastering challenging material and techniques.
- Organized and instructed students in a classroom, and laboratory setting.
- School for Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing
CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST-PER DIEM
Forest Surgery Center
San Jose, CA
11.2021 - 01.2023
- Maintained patient safety by adhering to infection control standards and protocols.
- Maintained aseptic surgical environment throughout procedures to prevent infection and ensure patient safety.
- Assisted the surgeon by efficiently passing instruments during procedures to enhance workflow.
- Collaborated with surgical team to support successful outcomes in each procedure through teamwork and communication.
- Responded quickly and appropriately to unexpected situations arising in the operating room environment.
- Performed counts of instruments, sharps and sponges with circulating nurse.
- Dressed wounds according to established protocols after the surgery was complete.
CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
El Camino Hospital
Mountain View, CA
09.2017 - 06.2019
- Assisted surgeons in the operating room by preparing and passing instruments, equipment, and supplies during surgery to facilitate the procedure.
- Prepared operating rooms with appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment needed for specific procedures.
- Maintained a sterile field environment throughout surgical procedures.
- Displayed knowledge of aseptic technique while setting up sterile fields for each procedure.
- Demonstrated proficiency in scrubbing for various types of surgeries.
- Applied knowledge of surgical procedures to anticipate the surgeon's needs throughout intraoperative phase.
- Set up instruments for use during surgical procedures.
- Collaborated with surgeons and surgical team members to optimize surgical outcomes through effective teamwork.
- Coordinated communication among operating team members to ensure seamless workflow during procedures.
Education
CERTIFICATE - SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
Carrington College
CA06-2017
Skills
- Advanced Case Management: Serve as the primary scrub technologist for high-acuity, complex cases, including Whipple procedures/HPB, DIEP flap reconstructions, microvascular/peripheral nerve repairs, and advanced spine interventions (Laminoplasty/Discectomy)
- Robotic & Minimally Invasive Excellence: Manage full-cycle operational readiness for the DaVinci Xi Robot platform—including precise setup, draping, and troubleshooting—alongside routine General, Laparoscopic, GYN, and Podiatry surgeries
- Aseptic Technique & Safety Leadership: Evaluate upcoming case requirements to prepare operating rooms, open sterile supplies, and meticulously maintain the sterile field while strictly enforcing infection control and Joint Commission safety standards
- Intra-Operative Efficiency: Actively anticipate surgeons' needs in fast-paced environments to streamline instrument transitions, minimize case delays, and ensure precise, compliant specimen handling
- Crisis management: Leverage advanced critical thinking and team-based problem-solving to remain calm under pressure and seamlessly adapt to sudden anatomical changes or emergencies in the OR
- Collaborative Excellence: Cultivate strong teamwork within the surgical triad (Surgeon, Anesthesia, Circulator) and maintain a consistent willingness to learn new surgical techniques, preferences, and technologies
- Patient advocacy
Personal Information
Title: CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Certification
CST - Certified Surgical Technologist
Timeline
SENIOR SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Kaiser Permanente
01.2024 - Current
CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST-PER DIEM
Forest Surgery Center
11.2021 - 01.2023
LAB INSTRUCTOR
Silicon Valley Surgi-Tech Institute
06.2019 - 12.2023
CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
El Camino Hospital
09.2017 - 06.2019
CERTIFICATE - SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
Carrington College