Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Joseph Salazar

Santa Fe

Summary

Dynamic Certified Surgical Assistant with extensive experience at CHRISTUS St. Vincent, excelling in surgical equipment operation and pre- and post-surgical counts. Recognized for enhancing patient safety and reducing infection risks through strict adherence to protocols. Proven ability to mentor peers and streamline surgical processes, ensuring optimal outcomes in high-pressure environments.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Certified Surgiical Assistant/Certified Surgical Technologist

CHRISTUS St. Vincent
08.1996 - Current
  • Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
  • Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
  • Demonstrated adaptability when faced with emergency situations or unexpected complications during surgeries, providing prompt support to surgical teams.
  • Expedited surgery room turnover times by swiftly preparing operating rooms for subsequent surgeries, maximizing efficiency within the department.
  • Assisted surgeons in complex procedures, ensuring efficient completion and minimized complications.
  • Reduced surgery time by effectively anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
  • Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • Ensured proper handling of specimens during surgeries, aiding in accurate diagnostic results for patients.
  • Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
  • Mentored junior staff members on proper techniques and best practices within the field of surgical technology, promoting professional growth among peers.
  • Performed accurate instrument counts, preventing potential surgical complications due to retained items.
  • Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
  • Contributed to reduced infection rates by diligently practicing proper sterilization techniques for instruments and equipment.
  • Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care throughout the entire perioperative process.
  • Streamlined workflow by organizing instruments efficiently on the back table according to procedure requirements.
  • Used sutures, staples, clips and other tools to close wounds.
  • Prepared instruments for terminal sterilization and reset surgical suites for next procedure.
  • Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.
  • Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
  • Expanded knowledge of surgical procedures through continuous professional development, staying current with industry advancements.
  • Achieved consistent performance evaluations through dedication to excellence in patient care, teamwork, and adherence to established protocols.
  • Maintained high infection control standards.
  • Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
  • Controlled bleeding during procedures by applying hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by actively participating in department meetings and offering constructive feedback on surgical processes.
  • Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
  • Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
  • Provided comprehensive support to surgeons specializing in sports medicine, total joint replacement, spine, and orthopedic trauma treatment.
  • Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
  • Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
  • Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
  • Positioned patients and set up drapes to create comfortable surgical environment for patients.
  • Completed continuing education units, staying up to date on surgical technology and meeting organizational requirements.
  • Contributed to team-based problem-solving to resolve issues that arose during surgery and improve patient outcomes.

Education

GED -

New Mexico State Board of Education
Santa Fe, NM
02-1986

Skills

  • Pre- and post-surgical counts
  • Safe sharps disposal
  • Professionalism and ethics
  • Surgical equipment operation

Certification

Certified Surgical Assistant and Certified Surgical technologist

Timeline

Certified Surgiical Assistant/Certified Surgical Technologist

CHRISTUS St. Vincent
08.1996 - Current

GED -

New Mexico State Board of Education

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Joseph Salazar