Norma A. Ramos
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Dedicated Surgical Assistant with 21+ years of operating room experience, including leadership in cardiovascular surgery. Expertise in assisting complex cardiac procedures, maintaining sterile environments, and optimizing OR workflow. Proven ability to coordinate surgical operations, onboard surgeons, and improve processes in high-acuity settings. Strong team collaborator recognized for efficiency, precision, and patient-focused care.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Surgical Assistant Lead / Operating Room Coordinator
Advocate Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
Milwaukee, WI
02.2015 - Current
- Lead coordination of CVOR operations, improving efficiency and surgical workflow
- Implement new surgical procedures, systems, and process improvements
- Onboard new surgeons, ensuring readiness with instrumentation, supplies, and preference cards
- Manage instrument inventory, repairs, and ordering systems in collaboration with supply chain and sterile processing teams
- Update count sheets, surgeon preference cards, and EPIC documentation
- Communicate with vendors and sales representatives regarding surgical equipment
- Assist in complex cardiac surgeries, chest opening, cannulation, second assisting, sternal and chest closure
- Complete final wound closure, dressings, and patient transfer to ICU
- Support organ procurement procedures, including heart dissection and preparation for transport
Surgical Technologist II
Advocate Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
Milwaukee, WI
12.2004 - 02.2015
- Prepared and organized surgical instruments and supplies for cardio-thoracic procedures
- Maintained sterile field and anticipated surgeon needs during procedures
- Collaborated with surgical team to ensure patient safety and efficient operations
- Served as a key resource across multiple surgical procedures
- Assisted in updating surgical protocols and documentation
- Trained and mentored new staff and students
Education
Certificate - Surgical Technology
Aurora Health Care
Milwaukee, WI01.2004
Skills
Surgical assisting in cardio-thoracic
Sterile field setup & maintenance
Organ procurement procedures
Operating room coordination & workflow optimization
Instrumentation & surgical supply management
Surgeon onboarding & staff training
Medical documentation & EPIC updates
CPR/BLS Certified
Certification
CPR / BLS Certified
Accomplishments
- Selected for leadership role coordinating CVOR operations and surgeon onboarding
Additional Experience
Spanish Interpreter (Part-Time) – 14 years supporting patient-provider communication
Target Role
Seeking a Surgical Assistant position in a Surgery Center (Ambulatory Setting) where extensive OR experience, efficiency, and patient-centered care can contribute to high-quality surgical outcomes and streamlined operations.
Timeline
Surgical Assistant Lead / Operating Room Coordinator
Advocate Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
02.2015 - Current
Surgical Technologist II
Advocate Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
12.2004 - 02.2015
Certificate - Surgical Technology
Aurora Health Care