Deborah Foss
West,PA
Summary
Dedicated Surgical Technologist with expertise in aseptic techniques and infection control. Committed to enhancing patient safety and streamlining surgical workflows for optimal outcomes.
Skilled Surgical Technologist with a strong focus on teamwork and attention to detail. Proven track record of improving surgical efficiency while maintaining high standards of patient care and safety.
Surgical professional with solid background in supporting complex surgical procedures and ensuring operational efficiency. Known for collaborative teamwork and achieving optimal outcomes in high-pressure environments. Reliable and adaptable with strong skills in sterile techniques and patient interaction.
Experienced with surgical tools and techniques, ensuring precise and efficient assistance during procedures. Utilizes sterile processing and preparation to maintain safe surgical environment. Track record of effective communication with surgical teams and patient care.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Technologist
Geisinger Community Medical Center
Scranton, PA
05.2020 - Current
- Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring sterile environments and instrument availability.
- Collaborated with medical staff to prepare patients for labor and delivery interventions.
- Played a crucial role in reducing maternal morbidity rates through attentive assistance during emergency situations involving hemorrhage or uterine rupture incidents.
- Enhanced surgeon satisfaction levels with well-prepared operating suites that featured properly arranged instruments based on specific preferences.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to provide quality care during high-risk labor and delivery cases.
- Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring surgical instruments and equipment during labor and delivery procedures.
- Ensured sterile environments for successful surgeries by preparing operating rooms with proper tools and supplies.
- Reduced risk of infection by meticulously adhering to strict sterilization protocols before, during, and after each procedure.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the Labor and Delivery unit, contributing valuable insights for ongoing process enhancements.
- Contributed to successful patient outcomes by assisting surgeons in complex cesarean sections and other obstetrical surgeries.
- Exemplified strong teamwork by effectively collaborating with nursing staff, surgical assistants, and anesthesiologists during complex procedures.
- Continually advanced professional skills through ongoing education opportunities, staying up-to-date on best practices in the field of Labor and Delivery Surgical Technology.
- Improved patient comfort during postpartum recovery periods by addressing concerns and ensuring appropriate pain management measures were taken.
- Streamlined workflow efficiency within the operating room team, resulting in shorter surgery times without compromising patient safety.
- Facilitated seamless handoffs between shifts, resulting in consistent care and reduced errors for patients on the unit.
- Supported efficient patient care by maintaining organized and fully stocked surgical supply areas.
- Promoted a positive patient experience by providing emotional support and clear communication throughout the entire labor process.
- Upheld patient confidentiality by diligently adhering to HIPAA regulations and maintaining discretion while working with sensitive information.
- Demonstrated strong adaptability by effectively transitioning between various roles within the Labor and Delivery department when needed.
- Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
- 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.
- Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
- 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.
- Completed continuing education units, staying up to date on surgical technology and meeting organizational requirements.
- Transported patients to and from surgeries to promote timely operating room turnover.
- Contributed to team-based problem-solving to resolve issues that arose during surgery and improve patient outcomes.
- Provided wound care post-operatively to promote healing and reduce risk of infections.
Surgical Technologist
Geisinger Community Medical Center
Scranton, PA
04.2014 - Current
- Assisted in preparing and maintaining sterile surgical environments for various procedures.
- Collaborated with surgeons and nursing staff to ensure efficient surgical workflows.
- Operated and maintained surgical instruments and equipment, ensuring readiness for use.
- Implemented best practices for infection control during surgical operations.
- Trained new staff on surgical protocols and instrument handling techniques.
- Streamlined instrument sterilization processes, enhancing operational efficiency in the OR.
- Led post-operative clean-up efforts, ensuring compliance with hospital safety standards.
- Evaluated and recommended improvements to existing surgical protocols for enhanced patient care.
- 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.
- 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.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and efficiently, contributing to successful completion of critical surgeries.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Ensured sterility of operating rooms and surgical instruments, significantly reducing risk of post-operative infections.
- Improved surgical precision, assisting surgeons with application of sutures and dressings post-operation.
- Reduced surgery times with efficient preparation of operating rooms and expedient assistance during surgeries.
- Contributed to team knowledge, sharing insights from recent advancements in surgical technology during team meetings.
- Facilitated successful surgeries, preparing patients for surgery through washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites.
- Improved patient outcomes with precise handling and passing of surgical instruments during procedures.
- Assisted in complex surgical procedures, providing critical support for successful patient outcomes.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of surgical technology and techniques, ensuring best practices were applied in all procedures.
Labor and Delivery Surgical Technologist
Moses Taylor Hospital
Scranton, PA
06.2007 - 09.2016
- Monitored and maintained surgical equipment, ensuring optimal functionality during operations.
- Trained new staff on best practices for surgical procedures and sterilization techniques.
- Implemented workflow improvements to enhance efficiency in the operating room setting.
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless patient care throughout labor processes.
- Led quality assurance initiatives, adhering to safety protocols and infection control standards.
- Evaluated surgical instruments post-procedure, ensuring proper cleaning and sterilization before reuse.
- Assisted in resolving complications during childbirth, such as shoulder dystocia or fetal distress, through quick thinking and effective teamwork.
- Played a key role in the department''s accreditation success by consistently adhering to professional standards and industry best practices.
- Provided exceptional mentorship to new surgical technologists, fostering an environment of growth and learning within the department.
- Decontaminated, cleaned, assembled, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.
- Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring sterile environments and instrument availability.
- Collaborated with medical staff to prepare patients for labor and delivery interventions.
- Played a crucial role in reducing maternal morbidity rates through attentive assistance during emergency situations involving hemorrhage or uterine rupture incidents.
- Enhanced surgeon satisfaction levels with well-prepared operating suites that featured properly arranged instruments based on specific preferences.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to provide quality care during high-risk labor and delivery cases.
- Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring surgical instruments and equipment during labor and delivery procedures.
- Ensured sterile environments for successful surgeries by preparing operating rooms with proper tools and supplies.
- Reduced risk of infection by meticulously adhering to strict sterilization protocols before, during, and after each procedure.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the Labor and Delivery unit, contributing valuable insights for ongoing process enhancements.
- Contributed to successful patient outcomes by assisting surgeons in complex cesarean sections and other obstetrical surgeries.
- Exemplified strong teamwork by effectively collaborating with nursing staff, surgical assistants, and anesthesiologists during complex procedures.
- Continually advanced professional skills through ongoing education opportunities, staying up-to-date on best practices in the field of Labor and Delivery Surgical Technology.
- Improved patient comfort during postpartum recovery periods by addressing concerns and ensuring appropriate pain management measures were taken.
- Streamlined workflow efficiency within the operating room team, resulting in shorter surgery times without compromising patient safety.
- Facilitated seamless handoffs between shifts, resulting in consistent care and reduced errors for patients on the unit.
- Supported efficient patient care by maintaining organized and fully stocked surgical supply areas.
- Promoted a positive patient experience by providing emotional support and clear communication throughout the entire labor process.
- Upheld patient confidentiality by diligently adhering to HIPAA regulations and maintaining discretion while working with sensitive information.
- Demonstrated strong adaptability by effectively transitioning between various roles within the Labor and Delivery department when needed.
- Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
- 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.
- Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
- 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.
Education
Surgical Technology
McCannSchool of Business And Technology
Scranton, PASkills
- Aseptic techniques
- Critical thinking
- Sterile technique proficiency
- Setting up and operating equipment
- Surgical assistance
- Equipment set up
- Basic life support
- Pre- and post-surgical counts
- Safe sharps disposal
- Infection control protocols
- Leadership qualities
- Workplace safety
- Wound dressing
- OB/GYN procedures
- Specimen collection
- Pre-surgical preparation
- Wound closure techniques
- Patient confidentiality
- Transporting patients
- Supply management
- Safety protocols expertise
- Patient positioning expertise
- Surgical equipment handling
- Organizational growth
- Patient safety
- Safety protocols
- Equipment management
- Surgical procedures
- Anatomy
- Inventory management
- Staff education
- Surgical gowning
- Passing surgical tools
- HIPAA proficiency
- OR preparation
- Biological specimen collection
- Equipment set up and operation
- Surgical site preparation
- Nursing support
- Operating room procedures
- Surgical counts
- Intra-operative assistance
- Preparing for surgeries
- Sterile field management
- Scrub assistance
- Surgical instrumentation
- Dressing wounds
- Disposing of biohazardous waste
- Safely disposing of needles
- Collecting medical specimens
- Aseptic and sterilization techniques
- Instrument preparation
- Sterile processing support
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Sterile field preparation
- Attention to detail
- Flexible and adaptable
- Patient positioning
- Equipment operation
- Team building
- Multitasking Abilities
- Infection control
- Restocking inventory
- Wound dressing techniques
- Surgical technologist
Accomplishments
On a specialty retina team for ten years. Achieved starting and maintaining a bariatric program. Achieved and maintaining starting a robotic program.
Timeline
Surgical Technologist
Geisinger Community Medical Center
05.2020 - Current
Surgical Technologist
Geisinger Community Medical Center
04.2014 - Current
Labor and Delivery Surgical Technologist
Moses Taylor Hospital
06.2007 - 09.2016
Surgical Technology
McCannSchool of Business And Technology
2025 Resident Appreciation
I was given this award from the Northeast General Surgery Residency Program. All the residences vote to give one person this award for mentorship and guided growth and going beyond what is expected to help shape them to be the best surgeons. I had the opportunity to empower them by passing my knowledge of surgery to help their professional development.