Melissa Engan
Great Falls
Summary
Highly competent and reliable Surgical Technologist/ Certified First Assist with 21+ years working in a Level II & Level IV Trauma center. Advanced knowledge in Davinci XI platform and case loads. Highly skilled in complex orthopedic cases, total joint replacements and neuro surgery.
Surgical healthcare professional with comprehensive experience in providing critical assistance in operating room. Adept at supporting surgeons during procedures and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. Known for strong teamwork skills and adaptability to changing surgical needs, with proficiency in handling surgical instruments and maintaining sterile fields.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Triage Staffing Inc.
Milwaukee, WI
01.2024 - 06.2026
- Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring proper instrument handling and sterilization.
- Collaborated with surgeons to optimize workflow during complex surgeries.
- Monitored patient vital signs, responding promptly to changes throughout procedures.
- Implemented best practices for surgical assistance, enhancing overall operating room efficiency.
Certified Surgical First Assist
Benefis Health Systems
06.2020 - 12.2023
- Expertise assisting in XI robotic cases (General and Urologic Surgery)
- Extensive knowledge in Total Joint Replacements and complex orthopedic cases
- High level of knowledge in neuro surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Certified Surgical First Assist/CST
Great Falls Surgical Associates
06.2012 - 06.2020
- High level of knowledge assisting XI Robotic cases
- Skilled in positioning patients per surgical requirements
- Skilled in wound closure, suturing, hemostasis and injection of local anesthetics
- Ability to provide assistance during complex procedures
Surgical Technology Program Clinical Coordinator
MSU Great Falls College of Technology
01.2012 - 06.2012
- Responsible for overseeing and teaching clinical portion of surgical technology program.
Certified Surgical Technologist (Private)
Great Falls Surgical Associates
10.2009 - 01.2012
- Skilled in robotic and general surgery table setup
- Skilled in patient positioning as required for surgical procedure
- Very knowledgeable in instrumentation and supplies needed for procedures
Certified Surgical Technologist II
Benefis Health Systems
06.2007 - 10.2009
- Responsible for teaching and mentoring new staff
- Extensive knowledge in Total joint replacements
- Some Minor vascular experience
- Comfort in all surgical specialties except for eye, maxillofascial and plastics
Certified Surgical technologist I
Benefis Health Systems
06.2005 - 06.2007
- Prepared for procedures in General, Urologic, Neuro, ortho and minor vascular procedures
- Knowledge in maintaining sterile field during procedure
- Applied knowledge of surgical procedure to anticipate needs of surgeon
Wildland Firefighter
US Forest Service Helena Ranger District
05.2001 - 10.2003
- Assessed hazardous fuels and terrain conditions to determine safest approach to fighting fires
- Supervised crews of both volunteer and seasonal workers providing guidance and instruction throughout wildfire events
- Remained alert and calm during emergency situations
Education
Bachelor Of Applied Science - Emphasis in HealthCare Management
Montana State University
Billings, MT12.2013
Associate in Science/Associate in Arts - Surgical Technology
MSU College of Technology
Great Falls, MT06.2008
Associates of Surgical Technology - undefined
MSU College of Technology
Great Falls, MT06.2005
Skills
- DaVinci XI Surgery
- Total Joint Replacements
- Complex Orthopedic Surgery
- Zimmer Rosa Robotic Total Joint Replacement
- VELYS Robotic Total Joint Replacement
- Gynecological surgery
- Complex General surgery
- Urologic surgery
- Pediatric surgery
- Complex Neurosurgery
- Laparoscopic procedures
Certification
- Certification in Surgical Technology (CST), MSU College Of Technology May 2005-Current
- Certified Surgical First Assist(CSFA), NBSTSA October 2018-Current
- BLS, American Heart Association (Current)
Timeline
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Triage Staffing Inc.
01.2024 - 06.2026
Certified Surgical First Assist
Benefis Health Systems
06.2020 - 12.2023
Certified Surgical First Assist/CST
Great Falls Surgical Associates
06.2012 - 06.2020
Surgical Technology Program Clinical Coordinator
MSU Great Falls College of Technology
01.2012 - 06.2012
Certified Surgical Technologist (Private)
Great Falls Surgical Associates
10.2009 - 01.2012
Certified Surgical Technologist II
Benefis Health Systems
06.2007 - 10.2009
Certified Surgical technologist I
Benefis Health Systems
06.2005 - 06.2007
Wildland Firefighter
US Forest Service Helena Ranger District
05.2001 - 10.2003
Associate in Science/Associate in Arts - Surgical Technology
MSU College of Technology
Associates of Surgical Technology - undefined
MSU College of Technology
Bachelor Of Applied Science - Emphasis in HealthCare Management
Montana State University
Courses
- Clinical Robotics Surgery Association (CRSA), San Francisco
- Clinical Robotics Surgery Association (CRSA), Chicago
- Rural Robotics Meeting, Big Sky, Montana
- Intuitive Surgical Case Observation, Peoria, Illinois
- Intuitive Surgical Single Site Training, Houston, Texas
- Intuitive Surgical Ventral Hernia Repair, San Diego, California
- Intuitive Surgical Advanced Colorectal Training, Celebration, Florida
- Intuitive Surgical Executive Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona
- Intuitive Surgical Executive Meeting/ Program Development, San Diego, California