MONICA SKAAR
Hudson,WI
Summary
Seasoned Healthcare Operations and Surgical Services Professional with over 26 years of experience in high-volume procedural environments and an MBA in Healthcare Management. Expertise as Lead Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistant, focusing on ambulatory operations, multidisciplinary collaboration, and resource utilization. Skilled in optimizing workflow efficiencies, supporting teams, and fostering strong partnerships with clinical staff and leaders to enhance patient-centered care and drive growth in ambulatory surgical services.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Surgical Technologist
St. Johns Hospital
Maplewood, MN
03.2022 - Current
- Assisted surgical teams during procedures in fast-paced hospital environment.
- Prepared and maintained sterile field for surgical operations efficiently.
- Utilized surgical instruments and equipment with precision during surgeries.
- Trained in Labor and Delivery Department, scrubbed in on Cesarean sections, collaborated with nursing team to enhance patient care.
Certified Surgical Technologist, First Assist
Minnesota Women’s Care
Maplewood, MN
09.2017 - Current
- Assisted surgeon as First Assistant on gynecological and robotic surgical cases, ensuring smooth procedural flow.
- Assisted surgeons during operations by ensuring efficient instrument availability.
- Prepared surgical instruments and equipment for diverse gynecological procedures.
- Maintained sterile environment and adhered to infection control protocols.
- Supported in-clinic procedures as surgical tech, facilitating appointment scheduling, maintaining cleanliness, restocking supplies, and sterilizing instruments.
Certified Surgical Technologist
Hudson Hospital
Hudson, WI
12.2012 - 01.2017
- Led training for new staff and surgeons as Head Preceptor.
- Guided tech students through orientation in the operating room.
- Scrubbed for ortho, OB/GYN, general surgery, ENT, and endoscopy in smaller hospital setting.
- Trained in the Sterile Processing Dept. with the ability to process dirty instrumentation and sterilize clean instrumentation.
- Able to use sterilizers, perform leak tests, and Bowie Dick tests.
Certified Surgical Technologist
St. Johns Hospital
Maplewood, MN
09.2003 - 12.2012
- Davinci-trained since 2004, having scrubbed in on Urology, OB/GYN, and Thoracic cases.
- Scrubbing the following: General Surgery, Ortho, OB/GYN, Podiatry, Plastics, ENT, and Spine.
- Collaborated with Spine and Davinci teams to scrub or assist on diverse surgical cases.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills while maintaining an organized surgical field.
- Studied and understood various surgical procedures to enhance patient care. to provide the best quality of care to each patient.
Surgical Technologist Externship
Woodwinds Hospital
Woodbury, MN
06.2003 - 08.2003
- Anticipated surgeons' needs and collaborated effectively with the surgical team to enhance patient care.
- Utilized various sutures and maintained sterile environment, ensuring preparedness for safe surgical practices.
- Prepared the operating room for surgeries and maintained cleanliness to support efficient surgical operations.
- Completed 320 hours assisting in OB/GYN, orthopedic, general, and ENT procedures, contributing to diverse surgical experiences.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Health Care Management
Concordia University
St. Paul, MN05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
University of River Falls
River Falls, WI12-2020
Associate of Applied Science Degree - Surgical Technologist
High-Tech Institute
Brooklyn Center, MN05-2003
Skills
- Surgical procedures
- Operating room procedures
- Surgical instruments / Equipment Sterilization
- Infection control
- Patient care
- Clinical collaboration
- Team collaboration
- Healthcare management
Timeline
Certified Surgical Technologist
St. Johns Hospital
03.2022 - Current
Certified Surgical Technologist, First Assist
Minnesota Women’s Care
09.2017 - Current
Certified Surgical Technologist
Hudson Hospital
12.2012 - 01.2017
Certified Surgical Technologist
St. Johns Hospital
09.2003 - 12.2012
Surgical Technologist Externship
Woodwinds Hospital
06.2003 - 08.2003
Master of Business Administration - Health Care Management
Concordia University
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
University of River Falls
Associate of Applied Science Degree - Surgical Technologist
High-Tech Institute