Hiking, weightlifting, exploring the outdoors
JAMES CHOATE
Surgical Technician/Retired Military
Durango,CO
Summary
Hi,
I have worked in many different environments in the medical community. I have worked on: Med-Surg. Units, L&D Units, ER, OMFS Clinics, Ophthalmology Units, Pre-Op Dept's, Sterilization Processing Departments and MORs.
I graduated from the Naval School of Health Sciences in San Diego, CA. in 2002 and have been a Surgical Technician for 18 of the past 21 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 18 years and currently seeking a change of environment.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate
2
2
Languages
Work History
Surgical Technician
Centura Health-Mercy Hospital
Durango, CO
2023 - Current
- 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.
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.
- Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.
- "Scrubbed" every service except 'Hearts' and very minimal 'Vascular'.
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
LaJolla, CA
06.2018 - 11.2021
- Hours per week- varied
- Salary: GS6-9
- Supervisor: Anna Hurt
- 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, USN
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 - Surgical Technology
Naval School of Medical Sciences
San Diego, CANo Degree - Dental Technician
United States Navy- Dental Technician
Wichita Falls, TXNo Degree - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Hopkinsville Community College
Hopkinsville, KYNo Degree - Field Medicine
Hospital Corpsman Field Medical School, A" School, States
Camp Lejeune, NCNo Degree - Hospital Corpsman
United States Navy Hospital Corpsman
Great Lakes, ILBachelor of Arts - Human Services
Bethel University
Saint Paul, MN 02.2016 - 06.2020
Skills
Plastics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Neurosurgery, Sports Medicine and Podiatry Transports patientsundefined
Certification
BLS
Interests
Timeline
Surgical Technician
Centura Health-Mercy Hospital
2023 - Current
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
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
Bethel University
02.2016 - 06.2020
Navy Hospital Corpsman
United States Navy, USN
02.1995 - 02.2015
No Degree - Surgical Technology
Naval School of Medical Sciences
No Degree - Dental Technician
United States Navy- Dental Technician
No Degree - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Hopkinsville Community College
No Degree - Field Medicine
Hospital Corpsman Field Medical School, A" School, States
No Degree - Hospital Corpsman
United States Navy Hospital Corpsman
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