Karen Grace
Castle Rock,CO
Summary
Accomplished Surgical Assistant and surgical technologist with extensive experience at Modern Surgical Arts and proficiency in equipment operation and sterile technique. Demonstrated success in inventory management and surgical support, enhancing operational efficiency. Known for exceptional teamwork and a continuous learning attitude, ensuring high standards of patient care and surgical excellence.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Assistant
Modern Surgical Arts (Formerly The Zwiebel Center)
Highlands Ranch, CO
05.2019 - Current
- Performed dual roles as surgical technologist and assistant for two surgeons, ensuring seamless surgical procedures.
- Actualized inventory management procedures to control medications and supplies as well as to rotate stock and remove expired medications.
- Managed and maintained surgical suite by sterilizing and organizing equipment.
- Organized supply room and ordered supplies and equipment.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Surgical Technologist, Surgical Assistant
The Zwiebel Center for Plastic Surgery
Highlands Ranch, CO
04.2008 - 05.2019
- Assumed the role of surgical technologist for Dr. Paul Zwiebel starting April 2008.
- Maintained reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment, including decontamination, cleaning, sterilizing, storing and distributing.
- Kept inventory of supplies and ordered new items as needed.
- Reviewed surgical requirements and prepped operating room with appropriate tools, equipment and instruments.
- Assisted Dr. Zwiebel during clinical hours by conducting consultations, follow-ups, and pre-operative assessments.
- Managed consignment and non-consignment inventory of Mentor, Allergan, and Sientra breast implants.
- Submitted device tracking forms on implanted silicone breast implants.
- Assumed the role of surgical assistant following the completion of the ACE Surgical Assisting program in 2014, while maintaining the role as a surgical technologist.
Surgical Technologist
Swedish Hospital
Englewood , CO
01.2001 - 04.2003
- Assisted surgeon by passing instruments and sterile supplies throughout operation.
- Recounted surgical instruments and supplies at end of operation, eliminating chance of items left inside patient.
- Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
Surgical Technologist
Denver General Hospital
Denver, CO
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Completed required clinical hours at Denver General Hospital following the surgical technology program at Concorde Career Institute.
- Hired by Denver Health as a certified surgical technologist.
- Assisted surgeon by passing instruments and sterile supplies throughout operation.
- Recounted surgical instruments and supplies at end of operation, eliminating chance of items left inside patient.
- Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
Education
Certificate of Technical Studies - Surgical Assistant
Ace Surgical Assisting
Denver, CO05-2014
Certificate of Technical Studies - Surgical Technologist
Concorde Career College
Denver, CO05-1998
Bachelor of Science - Athletic Training
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM05-1996
Skills
- Suturing
- Proficient in Equipment Operation
- Organized multitasker
- Operating room etiquette
- Medication administration
- Surgical Checklist Management
- Tissue handling techniques
- Suture cutting
- Medical terminology
- Wound dressing
- Sterile technique proficiency
- Pre- and post-surgical counts
- Pre-surgical preparation
- Safe sharps disposal
- Surgical Instrumentation Proficiency
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Continuous learning attitude
- Workplace Professionalism
- Proficient in Patient Now EMR software
Affiliations
- Yoga
- Walking my 3 dogs
- Pickleball
- Traveling with my significant other, friends and children
- Actively involved in my children's' lives
Custom
- Mission trip to China for Cleft Lip and palate repair in 2010
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Surgical Assistant
Modern Surgical Arts (Formerly The Zwiebel Center)
05.2019 - Current
Surgical Technologist, Surgical Assistant
The Zwiebel Center for Plastic Surgery
04.2008 - 05.2019
Surgical Technologist
Swedish Hospital
01.2001 - 04.2003
Surgical Technologist
Denver General Hospital
01.1999 - 01.2001
Certificate of Technical Studies - Surgical Assistant
Ace Surgical Assisting
Certificate of Technical Studies - Surgical Technologist
Concorde Career College
Bachelor of Science - Athletic Training
University of New Mexico