Sandra Cunning
Bourbonnais,IL
Summary
Motivated CST adept at handling instruments, supplies, and equipment for Trauma, CV, PV to minimally invasive procedures. Well versed in most operating room activities with a commitment to upholding the highest standard of sterile technique during procedures. Excited to bring 33-year background to growing organization.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
EKG Technician
Riverside Hospital
Kankakee, IL
02.2024 - Current
- Prepared reports summarizing patient data collected from EKG tests for review by physician.
- Checked the condition of electrodes before each use to confirm proper functioning.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed at all times while performing EKG tests on patients.
- Provided technical support to physicians in monitoring patient's cardiac rhythms and vital signs.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using various types of EKG machines such as 12-lead ECGs and portable systems.
- Operated a variety of medical equipment including defibrillators, pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs and electrocardiographs.
Dental Assistant
Dr. Thomas Brezinski
Kankakee, IL
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Utilized automated washers to sterilize instruments and prevent cross-infection between patients.
- Helped maintain inventory levels of all dental supplies used in day-to-day operations.
- Prepared patients by explaining scheduled treatments and potential side effects.
- Created dental x-rays using traditional and digital methods to help dentists detect tooth decay, cavities and other issues needing to be treated.
- Took digital X-rays of teeth using radiographic equipment.
- Fabricated temporary crowns or bridges from impressions taken by the dentist.
Certified Surgical Technologist/Certified Surgical Technologist, CVOR
Good Samaritan
Downers Grove, IL
01.2015 - 12.2019
- Handed instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants.
- Recounted surgical instruments and supplies at end of operation, eliminating chance of items left inside patient.
- Laid out all instruments, supplies and tools as directed by surgeons.
- Helped maintain an organized working environment in the OR through cleaning, stocking supplies, and organizing equipment carts.
- Identified potential problems before they occurred by closely observing the sterile field and personnel involved in the procedure.
- Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
- Participated in continuing education activities related to job responsibilities.
- Trained countless staff members and medical students on operating room procedures, infection control and safety and functionality procedures.
- Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Provided assistance during cesarean sections, hysterectomies, orthopedic repairs, wound closure suturing techniques and other types of surgical procedures as needed.
Certified Surgical Technologist/Materials Manager
Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
01.1998 - 01.2015
- Performed various duties such as applying dressings to incisions sites postoperatively.
- Operated or monitored lights, machines or equipment to support proper operation.
- Handed instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants.
- Recounted surgical instruments and supplies at end of operation, eliminating chance of items left inside patient.
- Helped maintain an organized working environment in the OR through cleaning, stocking supplies, and organizing equipment carts.
- Followed safety guidelines when transporting patients from one area to another inside the facility.
- Collaborated with vendors and service providers to coordinate required services and equipment.
- Set up trays with necessary surgical instruments according to established protocols.
- Maintained reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment, including decontamination, cleaning, sterilizing, storing and distributing.
- Maintained inventory levels of medical supplies within assigned areas of responsibility.
- Identified potential problems before they occurred by closely observing the sterile field and personnel involved in the procedure.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.
- Displayed strong telephone etiquette, effectively handling difficult calls.
Certified Surgical Technologist/First Assistant Manager
Zukowski Center for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg
Wilmette, IL
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Maintained aseptic technique throughout the procedure.
- Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Performed instrument counts before, during, and after surgeries as required by hospital policy.
- Reviewed surgical requirements and prepped operating room with appropriate tools, equipment and instruments.
- Helped maintain an organized working environment in the OR through cleaning, stocking supplies, and organizing equipment carts.
- Addressed patient bleeding and applied sterile dressings to close wounds.
- Recounted surgical instruments and supplies at end of operation, eliminating chance of items left inside patient.
- Identified potential problems before they occurred by closely observing the sterile field and personnel involved in the procedure.
- Participated in continuing education activities related to job responsibilities.
- Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
- Assisted surgeon by passing instruments and sterile supplies throughout operation.
- Operated or monitored lights, machines or equipment to support proper operation.
- Prepared dressings or bandages, applying or assisting with application following surgery.
- Set up trays with necessary surgical instruments according to established protocols.
- Maintained surgical areas and oversaw inventory management.
Certified Surgical Technologist/Materials Manager
SW Surgery Center
Mokena, IL
01.2002 - 12.2004
- Handed instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants.
- Helped maintain an organized working environment in the OR through cleaning, stocking supplies, and organizing equipment carts.
- Addressed patient bleeding and applied sterile dressings to close wounds.
- Followed safety guidelines when transporting patients from one area to another inside the facility.
- Collaborated with vendors and service providers to coordinate required services and equipment.
- Maintained reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment, including decontamination, cleaning, sterilizing, storing and distributing.
- Maintained aseptic technique throughout the procedure.
- Identified potential problems before they occurred by closely observing the sterile field and personnel involved in the procedure.
- Monitored and assessed operating room conditions and patient and surgical team needs.
- Responded quickly to changes in patient status or emergency situations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of principles of asepsis while preparing and caring for patients undergoing surgery.
Certified Surgical Technologist/CVOR Surgical Technologist
Lutheran General Hospital
Park Ridge, IL
01.1988 - 12.1998
- Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
- Monitored patients' physical condition during surgery and reported any changes to the surgeon or circulating nurse.
- Sterilized medical equipment and properly handled contaminated materials.
- Retrieved specimens from the OR for laboratory analysis.
- Responded quickly to changes in patient status or emergency situations.
- Performed instrument counts before, during, and after surgeries as required by hospital policy.
- Maintained proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Assisted with scrubbing in for each case as needed.
- Participated in continuing education activities related to job responsibilities.
- Trained [Number] staff members on operating room procedures, infection control and safety and functionality procedures.
- Adhered to OSHA protocols when sterilizing instruments, discarding medical supplies and disposing of waste.
- Adhered to department policies regarding infection control practices.
Education
High School Diploma -
Prospect High School
Mt. Prospect06-1986
Some College (No Degree) - Surgical Technology
Triton College
River Grove, ILSome College (No Degree) - Nursing
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, ILSkills
- Equipment Sterilization
- Clinical Support
- Aseptic and Sterilization Techniques
- Equipment Set up and Operation
- Preparing for Surgeries
- Disposing of Biohazardous Waste
- HIPAA Proficiency
- Transporting Patients
- Surgical Assistance
- Collecting Medical Specimens
- Surgical Counts
- Workplace Safety
- Inventory Management
- OB/GYN Procedures
Affiliations
Gardening is my jam, working out, Yoga, walks, Singer and in home decorating.
Accomplishments
Participated In a Mission Trip to Vilnius Lithuania for a total of 2 weeks time, doing reconstructive hand surgeries on children.
Certification
Certification as a Surgical technician. BLS
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
EKG Technician
Riverside Hospital
02.2024 - Current
Dental Assistant
Dr. Thomas Brezinski
01.2019 - 12.2021
Certified Surgical Technologist/Certified Surgical Technologist, CVOR
Good Samaritan
01.2015 - 12.2019
Certified Surgical Technologist/First Assistant Manager
Zukowski Center for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg
01.2012 - 12.2014
Certified Surgical Technologist/Materials Manager
SW Surgery Center
01.2002 - 12.2004
Certified Surgical Technologist/Materials Manager
Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center
01.1998 - 01.2015
Certified Surgical Technologist/CVOR Surgical Technologist
Lutheran General Hospital
01.1988 - 12.1998
High School Diploma -
Prospect High School
Some College (No Degree) - Surgical Technology
Triton College
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing
Elmhurst College
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