Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Suffix
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
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Denise Gaich

CLEVELAND,Tennessee

Summary

Dedicated surgical care professional with 33 years of practical experience in instrument reprocessing and patient care ethics. Proven track record of delivering exceptional surgical outcomes through meticulous attention to detail and adherence to best practices. Core competencies include advanced surgical techniques, patient safety protocols, and efficient instrument sterilization processes. Committed to continuous improvement in surgical care standards and enhancing patient experiences.

Dynamic professional with exceptional interpersonal skills, excelling in collaborative and independent work environments. Proven ability to foster teamwork while effectively imparting knowledge and skills to others. Demonstrates a strong sense of initiative and self-motivation, consistently achieving objectives without direct oversight.

Insightful Clinical Educator known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in curriculum development, clinical instruction, and healthcare technology integration. Excel in communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, ensuring effective teaching strategies and positive learning environments for healthcare professionals.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Catering Coordinator

Self-employeed
Cleveland, TN
02.2024 - Current
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors for competitive pricing on services and products.
  • Resolved any customer complaints in a professional manner.
  • Collaborated with food and beverage director to determine menu plans, seating arrangements and entertainment.
  • Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of food, beverages, and other supplies.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Developed menus based on client preferences and budget constraints.
  • Ensured compliance with health regulations related to food handling and sanitation practices.
  • Ordered necessary catering supplies from approved vendors when required.
  • Generated weekly reports summarizing upcoming events, staffing needs, menu items.
  • Maintained an inventory of all catering equipment and supplies.
  • Oversaw the setup of catering areas including tables, chairs, linens, décor.

Clinical Educator II

STERIS Corporation
Chattanooga, Tennessee
08.2021 - 02.2024
  • Assist with new hire orientation and training
  • Technician assessments for adherence to policy, standard work, and regulatory requirements to identify competency deficiencies.
  • Subject Matter Expert for standards, regulations, and QMS documents.
  • Extensive knowledge of multi-specialty instrumentation, including endoscopes.
  • Current documentation of all technicians' education files.
  • Physical education files and company database files.
  • Ongoing reeducation as well as an extensive and hands-on in-service schedule
  • Work closely with Operations Leadership for reeducation for technician errors and instrument tray deficiencies
  • Technician Progression Program
  • Managed vendor-specific training sessions.

Certified Surgical Technician/First Assistant

Integrity Nursing Solutions
Dalton, Georgia
05.2020 - 08.2021
  • Surgical Technician/First Assistant
  • Sterile Processing
  • Preceptor for new hires

Sterile Processing Supervisor/Educator

Tennova Hospital
Cleveland, Tennessee
10.2018 - 05.2020
  • Supervisor and Educator of the Sterile Processing Department
  • Preceptor for all new hires and reeducation for all current technicians
  • Created Competencies for Decontamination, Prep/Pack, and Sterilization
  • Created Competencies for Endoscope Reprocessing
  • Flexible and Rigid Scopes
  • Initiated biweekly meetings with OR coordinators.
  • Initiated monthly meetings with the Quality and Infection Control departments
  • Directed scheduling and facilitation of vendor-focused inservice needs.

Certified Surgical Technician-Surgical First Assistant

Williams Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Dalton, Georgia
09.2015 - 10.2018
  • Certified Surgical Technician – Surgical First Assistant
  • Preceptor for all new hires
  • Sterile Processing Coordinator
  • Oversaw inventory and supply chain management for optimal stock levels.
  • Implemented effective infection control protocols.
  • Administered medications as directed by surgeon or anesthesiologist.
  • Used hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment to control bleeding.
  • Analyzed patient chart data and identification to verify accurate information.
  • Prepared operating rooms by setting up sterile field and equipment.
  • Monitored vital signs, blood loss and fluid balance during surgical procedures.
  • Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  • Assisted with the draping of patients in a sterile manner.
  • Prepared dressings or bandages, applying or assisting with application following surgery.
  • Provided direct patient care before, during and after surgical procedures.
  • Assisted with post-operative wound care including dressing changes, suturing removal.
  • Educated patients on pre-operative instructions related to their upcoming procedure.
  • Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
  • Communicated effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other personnel involved in the operation process.

Certified Surgical Technician-Surgical First Assistant

Eye Surgery Center of Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
12.2003 - 10.2015
  • Certified Surgical Technician – Surgical First Assistant
  • Mentored new employees on company protocols.
  • Performed sterilization of medical instruments as a Sterile Processing Technician.
  • Oversaw inventory control operations.
  • Administered medications as directed by surgeon or anesthesiologist.
  • Analyzed patient chart data and identification to verify accurate information.
  • Prepared operating rooms by setting up sterile field and equipment.
  • Ensured that all necessary items were available at the start of each procedure.
  • Organized operating room for efficient workflow prior to surgery commencing.
  • Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  • Operated or monitored lights, machines or equipment to support proper operation.
  • Assisted with the draping of patients in a sterile manner.
  • Provided direct patient care before, during and after surgical procedures.
  • Prepared dressings or bandages, applying or assisting with application following surgery.
  • Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
  • Ensured proper disposal of contaminated items according to infection control guidelines.
  • Collaborated with operating room staff to cultivate efficiency and prepare for scheduled and emergency procedures.
  • Provided assistance to nurses in preparing patients for surgery.
  • Responded quickly to any changes in patient's condition or needs during surgery.
  • Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
  • Communicated effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other personnel involved in the operation process.
  • Participated in the maintenance and cleaning of all surgical instruments and equipment.
  • Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
  • Completed routine maintenance and repair.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
  • Conducted system analysis and testing to identify and resolve technical issues or inefficiencies.

Certified Surgical Technician

Bradley Memorial Hospital
Cleveland, Tennessee
08.2000 - 12.2003
  • Certified Surgical Technician
  • Guided new hires in each of three specialized areas.
  • Plastic Surgery Coordinator.
  • ENT Surgery Coordinator.
  • Ophthalmology Coordinator.
  • I began training as a First Assistant in 2001.
  • Performed counts of sponges, needles and instruments according to established protocols.
  • Assisted surgeon with patient preparation for total joint replacement procedures.
  • Prepared patients for surgery by positioning on operating table and covering with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
  • Cleaned and restocked operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies.
  • Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
  • Held instruments and quickly handed to surgeon during procedures.
  • Used hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment to control bleeding.
  • Communicated effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other personnel involved in the operation process.
  • Prepared operating rooms by setting up sterile field and equipment.
  • Addressed patient bleeding and applied sterile dressings to close wounds.
  • Gathered specimens for laboratory analysis when required.
  • Provided assistance to nurses in preparing patients for surgery.
  • Organized operating room for efficient workflow prior to surgery commencing.
  • Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  • Assisted with the draping of patients in a sterile manner.
  • Administered medications as directed by surgeon or anesthesiologist.
  • Assisted surgeons by passing instruments or other materials needed during operations.
  • Responded quickly to any changes in patient's condition or needs during surgery.
  • Monitored and assessed operating room conditions and patient and surgical team needs.
  • Collaborated with operating room staff to cultivate efficiency and prepare for scheduled and emergency procedures.

Certified Surgical Technician/Medical Assistant Intern

Cleveland Head and Neck Clinic
Cleveland, Tennessee
02.1994 - 08.2000
  • Certified Surgical Technician
  • Medical Assistant.
  • Phlebotomist.
  • Certified Head, Sinus, and Neck X-ray Technician.
  • Mentored new employees.
  • Educated patients on pre-operative instructions related to their upcoming procedure.
  • Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  • Gathered specimens for laboratory analysis when required.
  • Provided assistance to nurses in preparing patients for surgery.
  • Provided direct patient care before, during and after surgical procedures.
  • Performed counts of sponges, needles and instruments according to established protocols.
  • Prepared operating rooms by setting up sterile field and equipment.
  • Observed patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.
  • Monitored and assessed operating room conditions and patient and surgical team needs.
  • Cleaned and restocked operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies.
  • Responded quickly to any changes in patient's condition or needs during surgery.
  • Participated in the maintenance and cleaning of all surgical instruments and equipment.
  • Assisted with the draping of patients in a sterile manner.
  • Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
  • Assisted with post-operative wound care including dressing changes, suturing removal.
  • Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
  • Used hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment to control bleeding.
  • Operated or monitored lights, machines or equipment to support proper operation.
  • Ensured that all necessary items were available at the start of each procedure.
  • Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
  • Administered medications as directed by surgeon or anesthesiologist.
  • Analyzed patient chart data and identification to verify accurate information.
  • Prepared patients for surgery by positioning on operating table and covering with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
  • Monitored vital signs, blood loss and fluid balance during surgical procedures.
  • Prepared dressings or bandages, applying or assisting with application following surgery.
  • Observed approved sterilization techniques to ensure aseptic conditions.
  • Collaborated with operating room staff to cultivate efficiency and prepare for scheduled and emergency procedures.
  • Organized operating room for efficient workflow prior to surgery commencing.
  • Provided technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses or anesthesiologists.
  • Communicated effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other personnel involved in the operation process.

Certified Surgical Technician

Erlanger Hospital
Chattanooga, Tennessee
11.1991 - 02.1994
  • Certified surgical Technician
  • Preceptor 1993-1994
  • Open Heart Team Member.
  • Used hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment to control bleeding.
  • Collaborated with operating room staff to cultivate efficiency and prepare for scheduled and emergency procedures.
  • Prepared dressings or bandages, applying or assisting with application following surgery.
  • Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
  • Assisted with the draping of patients in a sterile manner.
  • Performed counts of sponges, needles and instruments according to established protocols.
  • Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
  • Handed instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants.
  • Assisted surgeons by passing instruments or other materials needed during operations.
  • Organized operating room for efficient workflow prior to surgery commencing.
  • Responded quickly to any changes in patient's condition or needs during surgery.
  • Ensured that all necessary items were available at the start of each procedure.
  • Prepared operating rooms by setting up sterile field and equipment.
  • Cleaned and restocked operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies.
  • Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  • Prepared patients for surgery by positioning on operating table and covering with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
  • Monitored and assessed operating room conditions and patient and surgical team needs.
  • Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
  • Provided technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses or anesthesiologists.
  • Held instruments and quickly handed to surgeon during procedures.
  • Communicated effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other personnel involved in the operation process.

Education

Certified Surgical Technician -

CSTCC/Surgical Technology Program
Chattanooga, TN
09.1992

Skills

  • Clinical Educator II
  • Certified Surgical Technician
  • Sterile Processing supervisor
  • CRCST, CHL, CIS and CER Certification with HSPA
  • Infection control
  • Quality Assurance
  • Quality Control
  • Training Program Implementation
  • Cost-saving measures
  • Surgical assistance
  • Inventory management
  • Policy creation
  • Collaboration with the surgical team
  • Equipment validation
  • Best Practice Standards Implementation
  • Safety Program Development
  • Materials management
  • Employee Recognition

References

References are available on request.

Suffix

Gaich

Affiliations

  • Volunteer for North Carolina/West Tennessee Hurricane victims.

Accomplishments

  • Boost Your Career Success by Developing Your Soft Skills: Completed
  • Collaboration and Emotional Intelligence: Completed
  • Influencing Others Positively at Work and in Life: Completed
  • 12 Strategies for Dealing With Difficult People.
  • Write Better Emails: Tactics for Smarter Team Communication: Completed
  • Management Skills: New Manager Training Update 2022: Completed
  • Steris Employee of the Month: August 2023.
  • Promotion from Clinical Educator I to Clinical Educator II in February 2024.

Certification

  • Certified Surgical Technician: 1992-Current.
  • Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST): 2018-Current.
  • Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL): 2020-Current.
  • Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS): 2021-Current.
  • Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER): 2022-Current.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Catering Coordinator

Self-employeed
02.2024 - Current

Clinical Educator II

STERIS Corporation
08.2021 - 02.2024

Certified Surgical Technician/First Assistant

Integrity Nursing Solutions
05.2020 - 08.2021

Sterile Processing Supervisor/Educator

Tennova Hospital
10.2018 - 05.2020

Certified Surgical Technician-Surgical First Assistant

Williams Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
09.2015 - 10.2018

Certified Surgical Technician-Surgical First Assistant

Eye Surgery Center of Chattanooga
12.2003 - 10.2015

Certified Surgical Technician

Bradley Memorial Hospital
08.2000 - 12.2003

Certified Surgical Technician/Medical Assistant Intern

Cleveland Head and Neck Clinic
02.1994 - 08.2000

Certified Surgical Technician

Erlanger Hospital
11.1991 - 02.1994

Certified Surgical Technician -

CSTCC/Surgical Technology Program

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