Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
AST Former Presidents Award
Timeline
Generic

Kay Keehnen, CST

Reno,NV

Summary

Dedicated Clinical Instructor with extensive experience at College of Southern Nevada, recognized for excellence in clinical supervision and student evaluations. Skilled in patient safety, assessment, and innovative teaching methods to enhance learning outcomes. Proven track record in mentoring healthcare professionals and implementing educational programs that improve clinical competencies.

Overview

51
51
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Part Time Clinical Instructor

College of Southern Nevada
08.2017 - 08.2024
  • Enhanced student competency by mentoring in practical skills and patient care.
  • Assessed student performance through evaluations, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Supervised clinical rotations, delivering immediate feedback on student performance and growth.
  • Monitored student progress via exams and skill demonstrations, ensuring program standards met.

Certified Surgical Technologist

Renown Regional Medical Center
05.1998 - 04.2021
  • Enhanced surgical safety by maintaining sterile environments during procedures.
  • Increased efficiency by streamlining workflow through collaboration and communication.
  • Elevated team performance by training technologists on protocols and safety practices.
  • Optimized operations by anticipating surgeon needs with timely instrument handling.
  • Improved surgical preparation by setting up equipment and supplies for procedures.

Certified Surgical Technologist

Alexian Brothers Hospital
10.1992 - 04.1998
  • Enhanced surgical efficiency through effective team collaboration during operations.
  • Reduced room turnover times by preparing for consecutive surgeries efficiently.
  • Supported surgeons in completing complex procedures while minimizing complications.
  • Anticipated surgeon needs, significantly decreasing overall surgery duration.
  • Ensured patient safety by maintaining strict sterile environment protocols.
  • Organized equipment and instruments according to surgeon preferences for optimal workflow.

Certified Surgical Technologist

Private Practice: Drs. Arthur Light; Eugene Folk; Bruce Goldstick
06.1979 - 10.1992
  • Reduced surgery turnover time by streamlining pre-operative preparation processes.
  • Set up equipment and supplies for surgical procedures with precision and efficiency.
  • Practiced sterilization techniques, significantly lowering infection rates during surgeries.
  • Prepared instruments for sterilization, ensuring readiness of surgical suites.
  • Maintained rigorous infection control standards throughout all surgical procedures.
  • Organized surgical tools and managed sterilization of instruments and surfaces effectively.

OR Technician

Augustana Hospital
10.1973 - 1979
  • Enhanced patient safety through efficient preparation of sterile operating rooms.
  • Ensured compliance with safety standards by effectively sterilizing surgical instruments.
  • Executed precise handling of delicate surgical instruments during preparation tasks.
  • Improved patient outcomes by actively assisting in surgical operations and procedures.
  • Participated in training sessions to stay updated on surgical assisting best practices.

Education

No Degree - OR Technician

Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Chicago, IL
09-1973

High School Diploma -

Theodore Roosevelt High School
Chicago, IL
06-1967

Skills

  • Supervising students
  • Patient safety
  • Student evaluations
  • Clinical supervision
  • Assessment skills
  • Progress monitoring

Accomplishments

    In May, 2019 I received the Former Presidents Legacy Award at the National Conference for the Association of Surgical Technologists.

    In August, 2024 I received an Outstanding Surgical Technology Instructor Award from the College of Southern Nevada.

Certification

I received my Certificate of Graduation from Illinois Masonic Medical Center in September, 1973.


I passed the National Certification Exam in September, 1989.

AST Former Presidents Award

I was one of the first volunteers to win this Award.  Previously, the award went to vendors or others that were paid support of the profession. 

Timeline

Part Time Clinical Instructor

College of Southern Nevada
08.2017 - 08.2024

Certified Surgical Technologist

Renown Regional Medical Center
05.1998 - 04.2021

Certified Surgical Technologist

Alexian Brothers Hospital
10.1992 - 04.1998

Certified Surgical Technologist

Private Practice: Drs. Arthur Light; Eugene Folk; Bruce Goldstick
06.1979 - 10.1992

OR Technician

Augustana Hospital
10.1973 - 1979

No Degree - OR Technician

Illinois Masonic Medical Center

High School Diploma -

Theodore Roosevelt High School
Kay Keehnen, CST