Markisha (Shanae) Howell
Summary
Dynamic Certified Surgical Tech with 10+ years of OR experience supporting trauma, pediatric, and labor and delivery specialties. Skilled in robotic surgery, sterile field maintenance, and operative room turnovers, with a strong record in assisting surgeons and precepting new techs. Holds BCLS, CPR, and Certified Surgical Technologist credentials, ensuring effective, safe patient care.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
St. David’s Medical Center
Austin, TX
10.2025 - Current
- Specialized in Davinci robotic surgery, demonstrating advanced technical skills in the operating room
- Assisted in kidney transplants and served as 1st scrub for Labor and Delivery, supporting direct patient care
- Worked in Gynecology, General, and Neuro surgery, collaborating closely with surgical teams and Registered Nurses
- Set up and maintained a sterile field, ensuring surgical asepsis and proper handling of instruments and specimens
- Supported operating room turnover by preparing suites and maintaining cleanliness between cases
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Dell Children Medical Center
Austin, TX
09.2023 - 07.2025
- Specialized in Pediatric Surgery, including plastic, general, and orthopedic procedures in a Level 1 Pediatric trauma hospital
- Operated as 1st assist for General surgery and assisted in Cesarean sections, providing direct patient care
- Set up and maintained a sterile field, ensuring surgical asepsis and proper handling of surgical instruments
- Assisted in pulling cases and preparing the operating room suite for upcoming procedures
- Supported operating room turnover and collaborated with Registered Nurses and surgical teams
- Acted as a preceptor for surgical technology students, sharing best practices in aseptic technique and patient care
Certified Surgical Technologist
VCU Health System
Richmond, VA
10.2016 - 08.2019
- Specialized in General, Surgical Oncology, Trauma, and Bariatric surgery at a Level 1 hospital
- Supported trauma surgeries and worked in specialties including Colorectal, Gynecology, Cesarean Sections, and Plastic surgery
- Acted as preceptor to train new surgical tech students and nurses in aseptic technique and OR protocols
- Passed instrumentation to surgeons, used hemostatic clamps and electrocautery equipment to assist during procedures
- Set up and maintained a sterile field, counted needles, sponges, and instruments before and after procedures
- Collected and prepared tissue samples for laboratory analysis and ensured proper specimen handling
- Assisted with room turnover and maintained a clean, safe environment between cases
CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant/Transporter
Grace Healthcare
Morganton, NC
04.2014 - 08.2014
- Assisted in handling and lifting patients using appropriate patient safety equipment
- Prepared patient for transportation between nursing units and other departments throughout the hospital
- Performed Certified Nursing Assistant duties such as grooming and ambulating when necessary
CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant
Hickory Village Memory Care
Hickory, NC
04.2012 - 06.2013
- Gave specialized care for patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Provided for activities of daily living by grooming, serving meals, and feeding patients
- Ambulated, turned, and repositioned bedridden patients as needed
- Maintained patient stability by checking weight and recording vital signs
Education
Surgical Technology (Diploma) -
Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory, NC08.2016
Surgical Technology (Clinical Experience) - undefined
Catawba Valley Medical Center
Hickory, NC06.2016
Nursing Assistant (Certificate) - undefined
Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory, NC04.2012
Radio & Television (Bachelor's degree) - undefined
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05.2005
Skills
- Aseptic Technique
- OR experience
- Anatomy knowledge
- Hospital Experience
- Basic life support
- Surgical instrumentation
- Sterile field setup and maintenance
- Specimen handling
- Surgical room turnover
- Case preparation and pulling
- Surgical Tech Certification
- BLS Certification
- CPR Certification
- Assisting in surgery
- Preceptor experience
Certification
- BLS Certification
- CPR Certification
- Certified Surgical Technologist August 2016 to October 2024
- Driver's License
- CNA
Timeline
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
St. David’s Medical Center
10.2025 - Current
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Dell Children Medical Center
09.2023 - 07.2025
Certified Surgical Technologist
VCU Health System
10.2016 - 08.2019
CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant/Transporter
Grace Healthcare
04.2014 - 08.2014
CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant
Hickory Village Memory Care
04.2012 - 06.2013
Surgical Technology (Clinical Experience) - undefined
Catawba Valley Medical Center
Nursing Assistant (Certificate) - undefined
Catawba Valley Community College
Radio & Television (Bachelor's degree) - undefined
Wayne State University
Surgical Technology (Diploma) -
Catawba Valley Community College