Nancy Gatlin
Carrollton
Summary
Dynamic Surgical Technologist with extensive experience at Parkland Health and Hospital Systems, excelling in sterile field maintenance and effective communication. Proven ability to enhance surgical efficiency and patient safety through meticulous instrument preparation and collaborative teamwork. Committed to upholding infection control protocols and mentoring new staff in best practices.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Technologist
Parkland Health and Hospital Systems
Dallas
06.1990 - 01.2025
- Assisted surgical teams by preparing instruments and sterile supplies.
- Maintained and organized surgical equipment to ensure efficiency during procedures.
- Collaborated with nurses to facilitate smooth patient transitions in the operating room.
- Monitored sterile field integrity to prevent contamination during surgeries.
- Educated new staff on best practices for surgical protocols and safety measures.
- Supported surgeons by passing instruments and anticipating their needs during operations.
- Conducted regular inventory checks of surgical supplies to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Adhered to hospital policies and procedures for infection control and patient safety.
- Communicated effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and scrub techs while performing duties in the OR environment.
- Assisted in positioning patients on operating table and covered them with sterile drapes.
- Prepared and maintained sterile field for surgical procedures.
- Assisted surgeon by passing instruments and sterile supplies throughout operation.
- Set up equipment, tools, and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Recounted surgical instruments and supplies at end of operation, eliminating chance of items left inside patient.
- Ensured all necessary equipment was available for each procedure.
- Observed aseptic technique and infection control protocols at all times.
- Verified correct identification of patient prior to any operation or procedure.
- Provided support services such as stocking supplies in OR rooms or restocking carts between cases.
- Organized equipment and instruments in alignment with surgical protocols and surgeon preferences.
- Assisted in the application of wound dressings, casts, and other medical devices.
- Sterilized medical equipment and properly handled contaminated materials.
- Assessed procedure requirements and procured appropriate equipment and tools.
- Maintained surgical areas and oversaw inventory management.
- Received specimens from pathology laboratory for examination by surgeon during operation.
- Monitored sterilization process for surgical instruments or equipment used during procedures.
- Inspected instruments post-operatively for proper function or damage before returning them to stock room.
- Laid out all instruments, supplies and tools as directed by surgeons.
- Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Collaborated with operating room staff to cultivate efficiency and prepare for scheduled and emergency procedures.
- Provided technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses or anesthesiologists.
- Prepared dressings or bandages, applying or assisting with application following surgery.
- Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
- Monitored and assessed operating room conditions and patient and surgical team needs.
- Scrubbed arms and hands and assisted surgical team with scrubbing, masks and surgical clothing.
- Operated or monitored lights, machines or equipment to support proper operation.
Education
Surgical Technology
National CenterFor Competency Testing
11020 King Street,Suite 400 Overland Park, Kansas 10-2013
M.D. - Medical School
Valle Del Bravo University
Reynosa Tamaulipas06-1986
Skills
- Surgical instrumentation
- Sterile field maintenance
- Operating room requirements
- Infection control protocols
- Patient identification procedures
- Inventory management
- Procedure equipment preparation
- Collaborative teamwork
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability in emergencies
- Teaching and mentoring
- Preoperative preparation
- Operating room procedures
- Sterile processing support
- Pre- and post-surgical counts
- Surgical equipment handling
- Patient confidentiality
- Preparing for surgeries
- Collecting medical specimens
- Leadership qualities
- Patient safety
- Staff education
- Scrub assistance
- Safely disposing of needles
- Workplace safety
- Passing surgical tools
- Biological specimen collection
- Nursing support
- Critical thinking
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- Safety protocols expertise
- Surgical counts
- Surgical procedures
- Sterile field management
- Equipment set up
- Surgical assistance
- Organizational growth
- OR preparation
- Intra-operative assistance
- HIPAA proficiency
- Instrument preparation
- Pre-surgical preparation
- Equipment management
- Instrument sterilization
- Aseptic and sterilization techniques
- Equipment set up and operation
- Surgical gowning
- Safe sharps disposal
Affiliations
- Volunteer for Chosen mission trips to provide free eye surgeries in Africa, Central America and at the Amazon River.
- Choir director and pianist at my church.
Accomplishments
- Distinguish Service Recognition Award for 35 years of Service from UT Southwestern Ophthalmology Department.
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Surgical Technologist
Parkland Health and Hospital Systems
06.1990 - 01.2025
Surgical Technology
National CenterFor Competency Testing
M.D. - Medical School
Valle Del Bravo University