Erica Northern
WINTER HAVEN
Summary
Professional healthcare worker with extensive experience in surgical settings, prepared to excel in high-pressure environment. Proven ability to assist in complex cardiovascular surgeries, ensuring sterile and efficient operations. Valued team player with focus on collaboration and adaptability, possessing strong technical skills and reliability.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Surgical Technologist, CVOR
Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland, FL
08.2023 - Current
- Prepared and sterilized surgical instruments for various procedures, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Assisted surgeons during operations by providing necessary tools and materials in a timely manner.
- Maintained sterile field throughout surgeries, minimizing risk of infection and enhancing patient safety.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to track inventory and ensure availability of essential surgical supplies.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new technology advancements related to CVOR procedures.
- Reduced surgery time by efficiently setting up operating rooms with required equipment and instruments.
- Assisted in training new staff members on CVOR operations protocols ensuring continuous improvement within the healthcare facility.
- 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.
- Handled and prepared specimens for laboratory analysis to provide surgeons with relevant information.
- Completed continuing education units, staying up to date on surgical technology and meeting organizational requirements.
Sterile Processing Technician
Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland, FL
01.2014 - Current
- Sterilized surgical instruments using steam and chemical processes to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Managed inventory of sterile supplies, coordinating restocking efforts to maintain operational efficiency.
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
- Reduced risk of infections by maintaining a clean and sterile environment within the processing area.
- Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
- Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
- Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
- Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
Sterile Processing Technician Team Leader
Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland, FL
02.2022 - 08.2023
- Ensured compliance with sterilization protocols and infection control standards.
- Operated and maintained sterilization equipment, including autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Conducted thorough inspections of surgical instruments for quality assurance before use.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to prioritize instrument needs for upcoming procedures.
- Trained new staff on best practices in sterile processing techniques and safety measures.
- Supported surgical teams effectively by preparing instrument trays according to procedure requirements.
- Enhanced patient safety by ensuring proper sterilization and packaging of medical equipment.
- Ensured timely availability of surgical instruments by prioritizing urgent requests and efficiently managing workload.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when troubleshooting issues with autoclaves or other sterilization equipment.
- Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
Endoscopy Technician
Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland, FL
01.2013 - 01.2022
- Assisted in preparing and maintaining endoscopic equipment for procedures.
- Ensured adherence to safety protocols during patient care and equipment handling.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to optimize patient flow and reduce procedure times.
- Trained new staff on endoscopy processes and equipment usage guidelines.
- Set up endoscopy suites with equipment and supplies needed for procedures.
- Efficiently set-up and tore down procedure rooms in preparation for upcoming procedures.
- Assisted physicians and nursing staff with various tasks and responsibilities during procedures.
- Transferred scopes to appropriate department for repairs and maintenance.
- Prepared patients for procedures to assist doctors, nurses and support staff.
- Supported physicians and nursing staff during procedures.
Patient Care Technician
Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland, FL
04.2010 - 01.2013
- Assisted in monitoring vital signs and documenting patient data for accurate care assessments.
- Supported nursing staff with patient mobility and daily living activities to enhance comfort and safety.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient areas, ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to implement care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, ensuring timely medical interventions when necessary.
- Assisted nurses with essential tasks, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency in the healthcare setting.
- Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
- Contributed to a positive patient experience by keeping rooms clean, organized, and well-stocked with supplies.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Reduced stress for patients and families through effective communication and empathetic support.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Bartow Center
Bartow, FL
01.2000 - 04.2010
- Provided direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities and ensuring comfort.
- Monitored vital signs, documenting changes and reporting to nursing staff promptly.
- Assisted in administering medications under supervision, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
- Trained new staff on best practices for patient care and facility procedures.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Keiser University
Lakeland, FLNo Degree - Nursing
Polk State College
Winter Haven, FLAssociate of Science - Nursing
Rasmussen University
Brandon/Tampa03-2026
Diploma - Surgical Technologist
Erwin Technical College
Tampa, FL06-2023
Skills
- Pre- and post-surgical counts
- Safe sharps disposal
- Surgical equipment operation
- Professionalism and ethics
- Pre-surgical preparation
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- Setting up and operating equipment
- Specimen collection
- Direct patient care
- Transporting patients
- Workplace safety
- Preoperative preparation
- Suturing
- Safely disposing of needles
- Infection control practices
- Passing surgical tools
- Aseptic and sterilization techniques
- Surgical instrumentation
- Surgical counts
- Preparing for surgeries
- Aseptic techniques
- Basic life support
- Instrument sterilization
- Surgical assistance
- Vital sign monitoring
- Surgical procedures
- Instrument preparation
- Nursing support
- CPR/AED
- Surgical technologist (CST)
Certification
- CST - Certified Surgical Technologist
- BLS
- ACLS
Timeline
Certified Surgical Technologist, CVOR
Lakeland Regional Health
08.2023 - Current
Sterile Processing Technician Team Leader
Lakeland Regional Health
02.2022 - 08.2023
Sterile Processing Technician
Lakeland Regional Health
01.2014 - Current
Endoscopy Technician
Lakeland Regional Health
01.2013 - 01.2022
Patient Care Technician
Lakeland Regional Health
04.2010 - 01.2013
Certified Nursing Assistant
Bartow Center
01.2000 - 04.2010
Associate of Science - Nursing
Keiser University
No Degree - Nursing
Polk State College
Associate of Science - Nursing
Rasmussen University
Diploma - Surgical Technologist
Erwin Technical College