Candace Okafor
Merrillville,USA
Summary
Results-driven Certified Surgical Technologist with over 20 years of experience providing critical intraoperative support across diverse specialties, including CVOR, neurosurgery, orthopedics, plastics, trauma, ENT, ophthalmology, and general surgery. Adept at anticipating surgeon needs, ensuring optimal sterile technique, and facilitating safe, efficient procedures. Recognized for technical expertise, adaptability in high-acuity environments, and exceptional collaboration with multidisciplinary surgical teams. Seeking to contribute extensive clinical knowledge and proven performance to a leading healthcare institution.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Travel Surgical Technologist
Nurses PRN
10.2015 - Current
- Supported high-volume operating rooms across Level I Trauma Centers and Academic Hospitals (Franciscan, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins, HCA Westside, Northwestern Palos, Advocate Christ, AdventHealth).
- Circulated and scrubbed cases including robotics, trauma, CVOR, neuro, ortho, plastics, ENT, ophthalmology, and general surgery.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in critical emergencies and complex surgical procedures.
- Praised for calm demeanor, adaptability, and consistent performance under pressure.
CVOR Surgical Technologist (Travel)
Aya Healthcare
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Assigned to Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, specializing in open heart and complex cardiovascular surgeries.
- Ensured precision in setup, draping, and instrumentation for high-risk cardiac cases.
Travel Surgical Technologist
Accountable Healthcare Staffing
09.2014 - 06.2015
- Supported neurology and orthopedic surgeries at Good Shepherd Hospital.
- Assisted in maintaining turnover efficiency and equipment troubleshooting for specialty procedures.
Surgical Technologist
Franciscan Physician Network
01.2004 - 08.2014
- Designated Lead Bariatric Technologist, with advanced skill in open heart and orthopedic/spine procedures.
- Served as clinical preceptor, mentoring new surgical technologists and RN circulators in perioperative standards.
- Increased operating room efficiency by reducing turnover times in spine surgery.
- Selected to join hospital committees for employee engagement and patient safety initiatives.
- Frequently chosen to support ‘difficult’ surgeons due to ability to remain composed and solution-oriented.
- Cross-trained in endoscopy and labor & delivery to expand departmental flexibility.
- Recognized as Employee of the Month for teamwork and operational excellence.
Education
Diploma - Surgical Technology
Olympia College
Merrillville, IN06.2004
Skills
- CVOR
- Neurology
- Plastics
- Orthopedics
- Burns
- ENT
- Robotics
- Ophthalmology
- General
- Endoscopy
- Labor & Delivery
CORE SKILLS
Trusted for complex and emergent cases, demonstrating strong situational awareness and quick decision-making., Consistently exceeded departmental benchmarks for turnover time and procedural readiness., Delivered peer training in new surgical technologies and techniques, ensuring rapid adoption across teams., Known for resolving conflicts and maintaining cohesion with challenging surgeons and high-acuity surgical teams.
Timeline
CVOR Surgical Technologist (Travel)
Aya Healthcare
06.2022 - 09.2023
Travel Surgical Technologist
Nurses PRN
10.2015 - Current
Travel Surgical Technologist
Accountable Healthcare Staffing
09.2014 - 06.2015
Surgical Technologist
Franciscan Physician Network
01.2004 - 08.2014
Diploma - Surgical Technology
Olympia College
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