Heather Skerven
Healthcare
Cudahy,WI
Summary
Talented surgical technologist with over 9 years’ experience in preparing, maintaining and anticipating instrument and procedure needs. Expertise in OB and general surgery. Proven leader focused on developing highly collaborative surgical support for my team. 33 years in the healthcare industry.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Finance Assistant
Froedtert Health
Menomonee Falls, WI
09.2023 - Current
- Provided administrative support to the finance department, such as filing documents and responding to queries.
- Entered data into accounting software packages accurately and efficiently.
- Advised senior management on financial matters relating to current business activities.
- Performed database entry updates to keep information current.
- Assisted managers with additional duties during employee absences.
Surgical Ob Technician
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
10.2017 - Current
- Facilitated invasive, non-invasive, and minimally-invasive procedures by creating safe and functional operating room environments
- Collected and prepared tissue specimens for laboratory analysis
- Handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures
- Set up equipment, tools and supplies needed for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards
- Cleaned and sterilized operating rooms
- Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields
- Counted and recorded sponges, instruments, and needles at beginning and end of surgical procedures
- Closed wounds using sutures, staples and other tools
- Used hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures, and electrocautery equipment to control bleeding
- Reviewed surgical requirements and prepped operating room with appropriate tools, equipment and instruments
- Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste
- Trained 6 staff members on operating room procedures, infection control and over safety and functionality procedures; and a de-escalation advocate.
Surgical OB Technician
ProHealth Care
Waukesha, WI
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Assisted in the preparation of surgical equipment and instruments for procedures.
- Restocked supplies in operating rooms between cases.
- Sterilized surgical instruments according to accepted standards.
- Maintained records of instrument counts and patient data throughout procedures.
- Provided assistance to surgeons during cesarean sections, hysterectomies, laparoscopies, and other gynecological surgeries.
- Observed sterile technique protocols when handling specimens in the operating room environment.
- Performed specimen collection according to protocol.
- Followed safety protocols while transporting patients via stretcher or wheelchair.
- Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
- Used hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment to control bleeding.
- Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Counted sponges, needles and instruments before and after operation.
- 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.
- Handed instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants.
- Provided technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses or anesthesiologists.
- Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
Phlebotomist
CSL Plasma Behring
South Milwaukee, WI
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Performed venipuncture and other blood collection procedures according to established standards.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
- Verified patient information prior to specimen collection.
- Educated patients on proper blood draw techniques.
- Followed all safety protocols when handling hazardous materials.
- Calibrated equipment according to manufacturer specifications.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations governing laboratory procedures.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies used in phlebotomy services.
- Documented patient information into electronic medical records system.
- Adhered to HIPAA guidelines regarding patient privacy.
- Provided excellent customer service while interacting with patients.
- Assisted in the training of new phlebotomists.
- Reported any abnormal results or trends to supervisor or laboratory manager.
- Responded quickly and effectively to emergency situations.
- Maintained fully-stocked phlebotomy cart, carrier and station.
- Observed patient for unusual reactions or events to take appropriate action under established guidelines.
- Upheld donor confidentiality throughout intake and collection process.
- Counseled patients to ease fears, explain procedures and enhance cooperation during blood draws.
- Enforced infection control and sharps disposal procedures to protect patients, co-workers and self.
- Offered snacks and beverages to blood and plasma donors to maintain proper sugar levels.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Administration
DeVry University
Naperville, IL 08.2020 - Current
Associate of Science - Surgical Technology
Anthem College
Brookfield, WI 06.2012 - 02.2014
Associate of Science - Certified Nursing Assistant
Mid-State Technical College
Stevens Point, WI 06.1999 - 08.1999
Skills
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Collecting medical specimens
- Electronic Charting
- Aseptic and sterilization techniques
- Disposing of biohazardous waste
- HIPAA proficiency
- CPR Certification
- Interpersonal abilities
- Stress management techniques (Deescalation)
Activities
- Special Olympics swim coach and volunteer and the Aquatics Commissioner Co-Chair for North Central WI for 5 years.
- Student Ambassador at Anthem College for high honors.
- Dean’s list DeVry University
Accomplishments
- Trained 7 new surgical technologists.
- Built strong relationships with surgeons and learned set up preferences to streamline surgeries.
- Multiple "excellent in action" awards for superior collaboration and assistance on unit.
Certification
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Basic Lifesaving Skills (CPR)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Finance Assistant
Froedtert Health
09.2023 - Current
Surgical OB Technician
ProHealth Care
01.2023 - 05.2024
Phlebotomist
CSL Plasma Behring
08.2021 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Administration
DeVry University
08.2020 - Current
Surgical Ob Technician
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin
10.2017 - Current
Associate of Science - Surgical Technology
Anthem College
06.2012 - 02.2014
Associate of Science - Certified Nursing Assistant
Mid-State Technical College
06.1999 - 08.1999
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Basic Lifesaving Skills (CPR)
Similar Profiles
Sarriah WilliamsSarriah Williams
Medical Assistant at Froedtert HealthMedical Assistant at Froedtert Health
Aimee LaliberteAimee Laliberte
Registered Nurse, Internal Medicine at Froedtert HealthRegistered Nurse, Internal Medicine at Froedtert Health
Kirsten JohnsonKirsten Johnson
Operating Room Manager at Froedtert HealthOperating Room Manager at Froedtert Health