Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies and Interests
Affiliations
Awards
Certification
Timeline
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Rhett Groetken

Rhett Groetken

Hermitage,TN

Summary

Experienced board member of The Liasion Council of Surgical Technology and the Board of the Virginia Chapter of the National Surgical Assistants Association. Actively contributed to the advancement of the field of surgical technology and assisting. Demonstrated dedication to education through service on the Board of Crown Point Charter School and role as a preceptor for students from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Played a key role in lobbying Congress to recognize Certified Surgical Assistants as a distinct job duty from Surgical Technologists. Instrumental in establishing a Tennessee chapter for the National Surgical Assistants Association.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Certified Surgical Assistant

Ascension Saint Thomas West
08.2022 - Current
  • Provided vital support during emergency situations, calmly executing tasks under high-pressure conditions.
  • Increased patient satisfaction through compassionate pre-and post-operative communication and care.
  • Supported quality improvement initiatives within the department by participating in process reviews and implementing recommendations.
  • Enhanced surgical efficiency by anticipating and promptly responding to surgeon''s requirements.
  • Collaborated closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses for seamless coordination during operations.
  • Facilitated efficient communication among surgical team members, contributing to overall success of procedures.
  • Enhanced the competence of new Certified Surgical Assistants through hands-on training.
  • Maintained strict adherence to sterile techniques, ensuring the safety of patients and staff in the operating room.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of surgical assistance.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing skilled assistance during complex surgical procedures.
  • Contributed to successful surgeries by skillfully preparing operating rooms with necessary equipment and supplies.

Certified Surgical Assistant

HCA Hospital System
11.2006 - Current

Assist with interpretative positioning.

Ensured safe and accurate injection of local anesthetics in accordance with ASA standards.

Executed precise insertion of trocars and meticulous preparation of grafts.

Aided in ensuring proper closure of surgical sites.

Implanted devices, catheters, and performed vessel cauterizations.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

DePaul Medical Center
01.2004 - 11.2006

Contributed to the procedure by carefully taking down uterine vessels.

  • Collaborated in drilling and securing pedicle screws under surgeon guidance.

NCO

United States Army
01.1988 - 01.1993
  • Led and coordinated team operations in airborne ranger missions.
  • Authorized for access to classified information up to Top Secret level.
  • Drafted comprehensive SOP manual.
  • Oversaw comprehensive administrative tasks for a large workforce of 300 employees.
  • Trained troops for successful completion of basic, advanced and specialty schools.

Education

Preceptor/Masters Of Surgical Assisting Program -

Eastern Virginia Medical School
Norfolk, VA

Deans List - Surgical Technology

Concorde Career Institute
Denver, CO

Skills

  • Surgical equipment handling
  • Operating room safety
  • Reliability and punctuality
  • Motivation and initiative
  • Patient positioning
  • Confidentiality adherence
  • Preoperative preparation
  • Sterile technique
  • Instrument sterilization
  • Wound closure techniques
  • Anatomy
  • Compliance with regulations
  • Surgical draping
  • Blood loss management
  • Hemostasis maintenance
  • Suture selection
  • Tissue retraction
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Critical thinking
  • Setting up and operating equipment
  • Suturing

Hobbies and Interests

  • Boating
  • Jeeping
  • Political Science
  • Movies

Affiliations

  • NSAA
  • ABSA

Awards

  • Army Commendation Medal
  • Humanitarian Service Medal
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • Dean's List

Certification

Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) with the National Surgical Assistants Association

Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) with the American Board of Surgical Assisting (ABSA)

Fellow of Orthopedic Specialty (F-OS

National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants

Registered Medical Surgical Assistant with the Tennessee Department of Health

Timeline

Certified Surgical Assistant

Ascension Saint Thomas West
08.2022 - Current

Certified Surgical Assistant

HCA Hospital System
11.2006 - Current

Certified Surgical First Assistant

DePaul Medical Center
01.2004 - 11.2006

NCO

United States Army
01.1988 - 01.1993

Preceptor/Masters Of Surgical Assisting Program -

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Deans List - Surgical Technology

Concorde Career Institute
Rhett Groetken