ROCHELLE LEWIS
Tahlequah,OK
Summary
Certified Surgical Technologist with over a decade of experience in clinical and educational environments. Demonstrates strong leadership and expertise in curriculum development and program management, enhancing educational outcomes. Committed to advancing the surgical technology profession through advocacy, mentorship, and active participation in professional organizations. Detail-oriented and organized, excels in high-pressure settings while focusing on improving patient care outcomes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Director – Surgical Technology
Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital
Tahlequah, OK
01.2021 - Current
- Oversee the overall operation and compliance of the surgical technology program
- Provide leadership in program planning, faculty development, accreditation preparation, and institutional reporting
- Coordinate clinical partnerships and ensure alignment with national standards
- Continue to teach didactic courses and mentor both students and faculty
- Promote professional development by encouraging student involvement in AST and OKSA
Instructor – Surgical Technology
Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital
Tahlequah, OK
10.2015 - 12.2020
- Designed and delivered lecture and lab curriculum for surgical technology students
- Maintained detailed student records and evaluated academic progress
- Mentored students in professional conduct, surgical conscience, and certification preparation
- Helped achieve a 98% pass rate on national certification exams
Certified Surgical Technologist
Northeastern Health System
Tahlequah, OK
08.2011 - 01.2021
- Assist in a wide variety of surgical procedures by anticipating surgeon needs and maintaining sterile technique
- Ensure accurate counts of instruments, sharps, and sponges throughout procedures
- Operate and monitor sterilization equipment and maintain OR supplies
- Train and orient new surgical technologists
Pharmacy Technician
Westville Prescription Center
Westville, OK
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Supported pharmacists with medication preparation and inventory
- Provided customer service and ensured accuracy in prescription handling
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Healthcare Administration
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK05.2025
Bachelor of General Studies -
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK01.2022
Certification in Surgical Technology -
Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital Surgical Technologist Program
Tahlequah, OK01.2010
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR01.2009
Discipleship Training School Certificate -
Oxford, New Zealand01.2008
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK01.2007
High School Diploma -
Westville High School
Westville, OK01.2003
Skills
- Healthcare management
- Accreditation compliance
- Clinical partnership coordination
- Financial analysis
- Curriculum development
- Student mentoring
Affiliations
- Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), Member, 2011 – Present
- Attended AST National Conference annually (2016–2023)
- Delegate (2017 – 2023)
- Education and Professional Standards Committee Member (2017 – 2025)
- Oklahoma State Assembly of AST (OKSA), Member, 2016 – Present
- Board Member (2016 – Present)
- Director (2017 – 2022)
- Treasurer (2022 – 2025)
- President (2025 – Present)
- Presenter, 'Preceptor Challenges & Considerations,' OKSA Spring Conference (03/26/22)
- Author: 'Want to Get Involved', Journal of the Oklahoma State Assembly of AST, Vol. 2 (06–07/20)
- Educator Engagement, Attended AST Educators Conference annually (2016–2024)
Certification
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), 2011
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, 2026
- FEMA IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- FEMA IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
- FEMA IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
Timeline
Program Director – Surgical Technology
Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital
01.2021 - Current
Instructor – Surgical Technology
Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital
10.2015 - 12.2020
Certified Surgical Technologist
Northeastern Health System
08.2011 - 01.2021
Pharmacy Technician
Westville Prescription Center
01.2007 - 01.2011
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Healthcare Administration
Northeastern State University
Bachelor of General Studies -
Northeastern State University
Certification in Surgical Technology -
Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital Surgical Technologist Program
John Brown University
Discipleship Training School Certificate -
University of Oklahoma
High School Diploma -
Westville High School
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