Latoya Santos
School Counselor
Albany,GA
Summary
School Counselor with organized skills, will counsel students on mental health, academics and interpersonal conflicts. Driven to help students achieve success by providing guidance on career options, higher education choices and life planning. Attentive in identifying early warning signs of harmful behavior in students to provide preventive counseling. Consistent in meeting the established goals of the counseling program.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Technologist
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
09.2012 - Current
- Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
- Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
- Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
- Sterilized instruments and disposed of medical supplies and waste following OSHA guidelines.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of surgical technology.
- Provided compassionate support to patients experiencing anxiety or discomfort prior to surgery, helping alleviate concerns while maintaining professionalism.
- Mentored new surgical technologists, sharing expertise and fostering their growth within the profession.
- Completed continuing education units, staying up to date on surgical technology and meeting organizational requirements.
- Maintained records to document patient medical history and surgical procedure notes.
Surgical Technologist
Palmyra Medical Center
08.2009 - 02.2011
- Mentored new surgical technologists, sharing expertise and fostering their growth within the profession.
- Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
- Played a key role in reducing OR turnaround time by implementing process improvements for equipment preparation and room cleanup procedures.
- Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care before, during, and after surgery.
- Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
- Contributed to successful operations by assembling and organizing surgical equipment with precision.
- Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Completed continuing education units, staying up to date on surgical technology and meeting organizational requirements.
- Maintained records to document patient medical history and surgical procedure notes.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the endoscopy unit by championing adherence to established protocols and reporting all incidents or near misses as required.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory guidelines governing endoscopy practice by consistently following strict protocols for sterilization, equipment maintenance, and patient safety measures.
- Advanced skillset through participation in specialized trainings on various types of endoscopic equipment, broadening capabilities as a technician.
- Transferred scopes to appropriate department for repairs and maintenance.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices through ongoing professional development opportunities and training seminars.
- Assisted in the collection of diagnostic specimens during endoscopic procedures, ensuring proper labeling and handling for accurate laboratory analysis.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
04.1999 - 09.2003
- Performed accurate documentation of patient information according to established protocols for record-keeping purposes.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Served as an advocate for each patient's needs during shift handoffs or interdisciplinary conferences with other healthcare professionals.
- Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
- Improved patient satisfaction ratings by delivering compassionate and personalized care.
Education
Master of Science - School Counselor
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Troy University
Troy, AL 05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Albany Technical College
Albany, GA 05.2001 -
Diploma - Surgical Technology
Albany Technical College
Albany, GA 05.2001 -
Skills
Student Counseling
Individual Counseling
Empathy Development
Parent-teacher collaboration
Cultural Competency
Group therapy facilitator
Student Advocacy
Compassionate
Multicultural Competence
Professional referral network
Mediation
Timeline
Surgical Technologist
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
09.2012 - Current
Surgical Technologist
Palmyra Medical Center
08.2009 - 02.2011
Master of Science - School Counselor
Walden University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Troy University
05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Albany Technical College
05.2001 -
Diploma - Surgical Technology
Albany Technical College
05.2001 -
Certified Nursing Assistant
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
04.1999 - 09.2003