James Choate
Surgical Technician
Durango,CO
Summary
Greetings,
I have worked in many different environments in the medical community:
1) Medical-Surgical.unit x2 yrs,
2) L&D Unit x1 yr,
3) ER x1 yr,
3) OMFS Clinics x 9 yrs in which 3 of those years I was the clinic manager.,
4). Ophthalmology clinics x 4 1/2 yrs in which 3 of those years I was the clinic manager.
5). Pre-Op department x 1 yr.
6) Sterilization Processing Departments intermittently for 14 years.
7). Main Operating Rooms intermittently for 21 years.
8). CCU x6 months.
I graduated from the Naval School of Health Sciences Surgical Technologist school in San Diego, CA. in 2002 and have been a Surgical Technician for 19 of the past 23 years. I have worked in all surgical environments except for 'Hearts' and have minimal experience in 'Vascular'. I retired from the United States Navy in 2015, have been married for the past 20 years and currently seeking a fulfilling job in the medical community.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Surgical Technician
Centura Health-Mercy Hospital
Durango, CO
09.2023 - 07.2024
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Surgical Technician for all services except Cardiothoracic.
Rural Mail Carrier Associate
USPS
01.2025 - 03.2025
- I delivered the mail in a timely manner in a rural setting.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
- Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
- Collaborated with team members to develop best practices for consistent customer service delivery.
- Participated in training programs to enhance product knowledge and customer service skills.
Surgical Technician
Scripps Memorial Hospital
La Jolla, CA
03.2023 - 06.2023
- Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
- Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
- Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.
- Contributed to positive patient outcomes by anticipating surgeons'' needs throughout procedures and reacting quickly to changes in situations.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Established a reputation for reliability, punctuality, and dedication to providing the highest level of surgical support in all situations.
- Prepared instruments for terminal sterilization and reset surgical suites for next procedure.
- Prepared patients for surgery by cleaning and disinfecting surgical sites and positioning patients.
- Actively participated in continuous education on surgical procedures and techniques, contributing to personal and team growth.
- Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
- Handled and prepared specimens for laboratory analysis to provide surgeons with relevant information.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to facilitate efficient procedure flows, enhancing patient outcomes.
Sterile Processing Technician
Coast Surgical Group
Rancho Bernardo, CA
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
- Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
- Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
- Responded to equipment malfunctions by troubleshooting and repairing broken and malfunctioning equipment.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
- Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
- Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
- Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
- Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
Surgical Technician
Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital
Camp Pendleton South, CA
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
- Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
- Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.
- Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.
- "Scrubbed" Ophthalmological cases Phacoemulsification, Pterygium and Vitrectomies mostly.
Sterile Processing Technician
Animas Surgical Hospital
Durango, CO
01.2022 - 03.2022
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
- Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
- Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
- Responded to equipment malfunctions by troubleshooting and repairing broken and malfunctioning equipment.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
Surgical Technician
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
La Jolla, CA
06.2018 - 11.2021
- Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
- Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
- Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.
- Used sutures, staples, clips and other tools to close wounds.
- Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.
- Prepared instruments for terminal sterilization and reset surgical suites for next procedure.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Maintained sterile fields by following aseptic techniques and adhering to infection control protocols.
- "Scrubbed" every service except for 'Hearts' and very little 'Vascular'.
Surgical Technician
Naval Medical Center San Diego
San Diego, CA
02.2017 - 11.2018
- Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
- Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
- Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.
- Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.
Front Desk Assistant
Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital
Camp Pendleton South, CA
02.2016 - 12.2016
- Sorted, opened, and routed mail and deliveries to meet business requirements.
- Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
- Delivered top-notch administrative support to office staff, promoting excellence in office operations.
- Handled payment and bill processing, change giving and payment collecting for guests.
- Received, screened and routed incoming calls.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly and appropriately handled needs.
- Took reservations over phone, in person, and via computer for guests and provided confirmation information.
Navy Hospital Corpsman
United States Navy
Great Lakes, IL
02.1995 - 02.2015
- Surgical Technician for 13 years, L&D Technician x1 year, Med-Surg. Technician x2 years, Field Medical Corpsman x3 years, OMFS Technician x7.
- One deployment to Iraq from August 2008-April 2009.
- Awarded 'Good Conduct Medal' x6, Navy Achievement Medal x3, as well as many other awards.
- Proficient in working in SPD.
- Provided emergency medical care and conducted physical exams and interviews to gain medical history and relevant health data.
- Provided leadership, delegation, and exceptional medical service in high-pressure situations.
- Rendered emergency medical treatment and administered immunization programs.
- Supported medical staff in providing patient care in high-demand hospital environment.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families.
- Monitored vital signs and documented temperature, pulse and blood pressure to assess patient condition.
Education
No Degree - undefined
01.2002
No Degree - undefined
01.1999
No Degree - undefined
01.1998
No Degree - undefined
01.1997
No Degree - undefined
01.1991
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
06.2020
Skills
- Plastics
- Ophthalmology
- ENT
- Neurosurgery
- Sports Medicine
- Podiatry
- Patient Treatment
- Surgical Assisting
- Testing
- Vital Signs
- IVs
- Documentation
- Medical-Surgical
- Labor & Delivery
- Emergency Room
- Venipuncture
- Patient Transport
- Field Medical Operations
- Communication
- Organizational Collaboration
- Urology
- OB-GYN
- Plastic Surgery
- Orthopedic
- Neurology
- Sterilization
- Quality Control
- Process Improvement
- Post-operative care
- Pharmaceutical administration
- Monitoring vital signs
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- Pre-surgical counts
- Infection control
- Safe sharps disposal
- Equipment operation
- Patient transportation
- Pre-surgical preparation
- Passing surgical instruments
- Wound Dressing
- Specimen collection
- First Aid/CPR
- Flexible
- Adaptable
Certification
BLS
Personal Information
- Title: Surgical Technician/Retired Military
- Marital Status: Married
Hobbies and Interests
- Hiking
- Weightlifting
- Exploring the outdoors
Accomplishments
I retired honorably from the United States Navy in 2015 and received numerous awards and citations throughout my career.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Languages
Japanese
Limited Working
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
Hiking
History
Economics
Enjoying nature
Timeline
Rural Mail Carrier Associate - USPS
01.2025 - 03.2025
Surgical Technician - Centura Health-Mercy Hospital
09.2023 - 07.2024
Surgical Technician - Scripps Memorial Hospital
03.2023 - 06.2023
Sterile Processing Technician - Coast Surgical Group
01.2023 - 03.2023
Surgical Technician - Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital
06.2022 - 12.2022
Sterile Processing Technician - Animas Surgical Hospital
01.2022 - 03.2022
Surgical Technician - Veterans Affairs Medical Center
06.2018 - 11.2021
Surgical Technician - Naval Medical Center San Diego
02.2017 - 11.2018
Front Desk Assistant - Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital
02.2016 - 12.2016
Navy Hospital Corpsman - United States Navy
02.1995 - 02.2015
Surgical Technology - No Degree,
Dental Technician - No Degree,
Liberal Arts And General Studies - No Degree,
Field Medicine - No Degree,
Hospital Corpsman - No Degree,
Human Services - Bachelor of Arts,
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