Margarita Guerrero
Linden,NJ
Summary
Seasoned Certified Surgical Technologist and Tissue Recovery Team Leader with expertise in surgical technology and human tissue recovery. Proven ability to effectively manage recovery teams while supporting complex surgical procedures, ensuring strict adherence to sterile techniques, safety protocols, and regulatory standards. Acknowledged for exceptional leadership, precision, and an unwavering commitment to patient and donor safety in high-pressure environments. Prepared to leverage extensive experience to enhance surgical outcomes and contribute to a collaborative healthcare team.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Tissue Recovery Team Leader
LiveOn NY
Long Island City, NY
07.2023 - Current
- Lead recovery teams in the surgical retrieval of human tissues for transplant, ensuring adherence to strict medical and ethical standards.
- Manage donor assessment and documentation, ensuring compliance with FDA, AATB, and organizational protocols.
- Coordinate with hospitals, surgical teams, and transportation teams to ensure timely and safe recovery process.
- Train and mentor recovery technicians, focusing on best practices in sterile technique and donor care.
Surgical Technologist I
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, NY
08.2017 - 12.2022
- Performed over 1,200 orthopedic, spine, and trauma procedures annually in a leading surgical environment.
- Anticipated surgeon needs and provided instrumentation accurately, reducing operative delays.
- Collaborated with circulators to ensure accurate counts of sponges, sutures, and instruments, with no discrepancies.
- Ensured compliance with sterile protocols and enhanced patient safety during each procedure.
Auxiliary Recovery Technician
Eversight Eye Bank
Clark, NJ
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Performed in-situ human eye enucleations, corneal excisions, and other ocular tissue recoveries.
- Reviewed donor medical charts and conducted body examinations to confirm procurement suitability.
- Completed all recovery documentation and maintained strict confidentiality of donor and recipient information.
- Packaged and transported recovered tissue and samples in accordance with quality standards.
OR Tech III
New York-Presbyterian Hospital
New York, NY
06.2015 - 07.2017
- Assisted with general, neurology, pediatric, orthopedic, urology, spine, and gynecology procedures.
- Prepared supplies and equipment for surgeries, ensuring they are ready and efficient.
- Stayed focused and attentive to anticipate the surgeon's needs during critical moments.
- Responded effectively to emergencies, contributing to successful patient outcomes.
Certified Surgical Technologist
Hackensack UMC at Pascack Valley
Westwood, NJ
04.2013 - 05.2016
- Assisted in a wide range of surgeries, including general, neurological, spine, urology, orthopedic, pediatric, and gynecological procedures.
- Coordinated with Sterile Processing to organize instruments and supplies for upcoming procedures.
- Performed daily sterilization monitoring (biological ATTEST) to ensure compliance and patient safety.
- Took monthly on-call shifts to provide surgical support for urgent cases.
Education
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) - Surgical Technology
Berkeley College
Woodland Park, NJSkills
- Tissue recovery leadership
- Aseptic procedure knowledge
- Adherence to surgical safety standards
- Crisis intervention skills
- Workflow management expertise
- Team collaboration across disciplines
- Knowledge of compliance regulations
- Team leadership and development
Certification
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), NBSTA - 12/2009
- Basic Life Support (BLS), AHA - 02/2026
Timeline
Tissue Recovery Team Leader
LiveOn NY
07.2023 - Current
Auxiliary Recovery Technician
Eversight Eye Bank
07.2021 - 12.2021
Surgical Technologist I
Hospital for Special Surgery
08.2017 - 12.2022
OR Tech III
New York-Presbyterian Hospital
06.2015 - 07.2017
Certified Surgical Technologist
Hackensack UMC at Pascack Valley
04.2013 - 05.2016
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) - Surgical Technology
Berkeley College