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 patientsTo various units Assistant to Primary Lead in Sports MedicinePatient Treatment, Surgical Assisting, Ophthalmology, Testing, Vital Signs, IVs, DocumentationMedical-Surgical, Labor & Delivery, Emergency Room, Venipuncture, Patient Transport, FieldMedical Operations, Communication, Organizational Collaboration, Urology, OB-GYN, PlasticSurgery, Orthopedic, Neurology, Sterilization, Quality Control and Process ImprovementPROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEUnited States Navy-Medical Support Assistant (GS)Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Dental DeptOphthalmology Surgical Technician, Office Manager and Lead Petty OfficerContributed medical skills and expertise to ophthalmological procedures Tasked with oversightOf medical supply inventory and placed orders for replenishments as necessary Participated inConducting general, neurological, orthopedic, urological, plastic, OB-GYN and trauma surgeriesAnd was member of Ophthalmology DepartmentProficiently assisted physicians and nurses in treating patients Diligently monitored pre- andPost-operative patients, administered pharmaceuticals and transported individuals toAppointments Monitored vital signs and performed venipuncture
Biohazardous waste disposal
Pre- and post-surgical counts
Infection control protocols
Safe sharps disposal
Setting up and operating equipment
Patient transportation
Pre-surgical preparation
Passing surgical instruments
Wound Dressing
Specimen collection
First Aid/CPR
Flexible and Adaptable
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