Elise Hentz
Raymore,MO
Summary
Dedicated Surgical First Assistant and Surgical Technologist experienced in hands-on operating room procedures and advanced clinical training. Completed 140 first assist clinical cases across General Surgery, Orthopedics, and OB/GYN, demonstrating proficiency in intraoperative assistance, suturing, and maintaining sterile fields. Committed to continuous improvement and prepared for Surgical First Assistant certification, showcasing strong work ethic and adaptability.
Highly-motivated employee with a desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adapt to working effectively and quickly master new skills.
Overview
2
2
years of post-secondary education
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical First Assist Clinical Training
Cass Regional Medical Center
Harrisonville, Missouri
04.2026 - 09.2026
- Assisted surgeons during procedures through effective retraction and suction to enhance surgical precision.
- Assisted with tissue dissection, hemostasis, and wound closure during surgical procedures.
- Monitored patient vitals and promptly communicated changes to the surgical team to ensure optimal patient safety.
- Participated in intraoperative decision-making regarding instrument selection and technique changes as needed.
- Provided surgical support to facilitate safe operations and improve patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to ensure smooth surgical flow.
- Maintained sterile environment and adhered to infection control protocols.
- Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
- Administered medications prescribed by the attending physician under the direction of the circulating nurse or surgeon.
- Managed the preparation and maintenance of special equipment used in surgical procedures such as endoscopy equipment, arthroscopic shavers, lasers.
- Retrieved specimens for pathology analysis, when necessary.
- Demonstrated appropriate techniques to assist surgeons with closure of incisions.
- Arrived promptly for all scheduled surgeries, ensuring timely operations.
Surgical Technologist
Belton Regional Medical Center
Belton, MO
10.2022 - 09.2026
- Prepared and maintained sterile field for surgical procedures.
- Managed surgical supply inventory, ensuring availability for timely procedures.
- Prepared and maintained a sterile field, supporting optimal conditions for surgical procedures.
- Set up equipment, tools, and supplies for procedures and organized instruments based on surgeons' specifications.
- Cleansed and disinfected operating rooms to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Sterilized medical equipment and properly handle contaminated materials.
- Collaborated with operating room staff to streamline preparation for scheduled and emergency procedures.
- Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
- Prepared and applied dressings or bandages post-surgery to promote healing and comfort.
Education
Certification Currently In Progress -
Meridian Surgical First Assist
Nashville, TN 10.2024 - 09.2026
Associate of Applied Science - Surgical Technology
Metropolitan Community College
Kansas City, MOSkills
- Surgical First Assisting
- Suturing & Wound Closure
- Intraoperative Support
- Hemostasis & Tissue Handling
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Aseptic & Sterilization Techniques
- Sharps & Biohazard Safety
- Sterile Supply Management
- Case preparation
- Surgical Counts
- Specimen handling
- Wound care
- OR Time Management
- Patient safety
- Team Communication
- Critical thinking
SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT CLINICAL TRAINING
- Meridian School of Surgical Assisting | Surgical First Assistant Clinical Training
- 140 Completed Clinical Cases | General Surgery
- Orthopedics
- OB/GYN
- Certification Status: Currently studying/preparing for Surgical First Assistant certification
- Provided hands-on first-assist support during surgical procedures while maintaining sterile technique and adhering to surgeon preference.
- Assisted with exposure, retraction, suction, hemostasis, tissue handling, and other intraoperative needs appropriate to the procedure.
- Performed and assisted with suturing and wound closure techniques, including sterile dressing application and postoperative wound care.
- Prepared and maintained surgical equipment, instruments, supplies, and operative sites to promote efficient case flow.
- Anticipated surgeon and surgical-team needs, communicated effectively, and adapted quickly to changing intraoperative priorities.
- Applied strong time-management and organizational skills to support room readiness, efficient turnover, and safe patient care.
References
- Danny Carroll (Dr.Carroll) 816-536-3767
- Ginger O. Friesz (Cass Regional OR Manager) 816-507-7368
Timeline
Surgical First Assist Clinical Training
Cass Regional Medical Center
04.2026 - 09.2026
Certification Currently In Progress -
Meridian Surgical First Assist
10.2024 - 09.2026
Surgical Technologist
Belton Regional Medical Center
10.2022 - 09.2026
Associate of Applied Science - Surgical Technology
Metropolitan Community College