QuaShawdra Biggs
Pensacola,FL
Summary
Certified Surgical Technologist with 18 years of comprehensive operating room experience, specializing in cardiothoracic surgery and supporting a broad range of specialties, including trauma, vascular, orthopedic, neurosurgical, and general surgery. Dedicated to utilizing advanced technical skills, anticipating intraoperative needs, and committed to maintaining patient safety within a high-performing surgical team. Proficient in anticipating surgeon requirements during complex, high-acuity procedures while adhering to strict sterile protocols and promoting operational efficiency. Known for strong leadership, adaptability in both temporary and permanent roles, and the ability to support complex surgical interventions. Seeking to apply extensive clinical expertise and mentorship capabilities within a dynamic surgical setting.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Surgical Technologist CVOR-Travel Agency
MedStar Washington Hospital Center, University of Missouri-MU Healthcare, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Winchester Medical Center
Nationwide
05.2022 - Current
- Provide CVOR support for complex cardiac surgical procedures across multiple high-acuity hospital systems.
- Quickly adapt to diverse cardiac surgery teams, workflows, and institutional protocols.
- Maintain expert knowledge of cardiac instruments, devices, and emergency cardiac equipment.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with surgeons, anesthesia, perfusion, and nursing teams in time-sensitive situations.
- Ensure the accuracy, compliance, and readiness of surgical supplies and equipment.
- Contribute to patient safety and enhance procedural efficiency within fast-paced cardiovascular environments.
- Travel Agency – cardiac surgery
Certified Surgical Technologist
Sibley Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Washington, DC
12.2017 - 02.2019
- Prepared and organized surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies for a wide range of procedures, including orthopedic, neurosurgical, general, and plastic surgeries, in accordance with surgeon preferences and case requirements.
- Demonstrated advanced procedural knowledge across multiple specialties, anticipating surgeon needs and ensuring efficient intraoperative flow by accurately passing instruments and supplies.
- Maintained strict sterile technique and continuously monitored the surgical field to ensure compliance with infection control standards and optimal patient safety.
- Assisted surgeons intraoperatively under direct supervision, providing skilled support in complex and high-acuity cases.
- Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary surgical teams to promote efficiency, communication, and positive patient outcomes across diverse surgical services.
Certified Surgical Technologist
West Florida Hospital
Pensacola, FL
09.2014 - 11.2017
- Provided training and mentorship to new staff on operating room protocols, including surgical procedures, infection control practices, safety standards, and facility policies to ensure compliance and high-quality patient care.
- Prepared and organized surgical tables with appropriate instruments, equipment, and supplies based on surgeon preferences for orthopedic, neurosurgical, general, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Demonstrated strong procedural knowledge across multiple specialties, anticipating surgeon needs and maintaining an efficient surgical workflow by accurately passing instruments and supplies.
- Assisted surgeons intraoperatively under direct supervision, supporting complex cases while maintaining focus on patient safety and surgical precision.
- Managed the handling and processing of surgical specimens in accordance with established policies and regulatory standards, ensuring proper labeling and documentation.
Surgical Technologist
Ascension Sacred Heart Health Systems
Pensacola, FL
09.2007 - 12.2008
- Prepared and organized surgical equipment, instruments, supplies, and medications in accordance with surgeon preferences and procedural requirements across multiple specialties.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of surgical procedures, anticipating surgeon needs and ensuring efficient intraoperative flow through precise instrumentation and supply management.
- Scrubbed and assisted in high-acuity and emergency trauma cases, including cardiovascular emergencies, maintaining composure and efficiency in fast-paced, critical situations.
- Coordinated and prepared operating rooms for next-day surgical schedules, ensuring all equipment, instruments, and supplies were properly assembled and readily available.
- Maintained strict adherence to sterile technique, continuously monitoring the surgical field to uphold infection control standards and ensure optimal patient safety and care.
Surgical Technologist
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
Tallahassee, FL
09.2007 - 12.2008
- Assisted in the preparation and organization of surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications in accordance with established protocols and surgeon preferences.
- Demonstrated foundational knowledge of surgical procedures by anticipating basic intraoperative needs and supporting the surgical team through accurate passing of instruments and supplies.
- Maintained sterile technique and adhered to infection control and safety standards to promote a safe operative environment and quality patient care.
- Supported the surgical team in a variety of procedures, gaining hands-on experience across multiple specialties including orthopedic, general, and specialty surgeries.
- Participated in room setup, turnover, and preparation for scheduled procedures, ensuring readiness and efficiency within the operating room.
- Handled surgical specimens in accordance with facility policies, ensuring proper labeling, documentation, and transport.
- Collaborated with surgeons, nurses, and other team members to develop clinical skills, improve workflow, and contribute to positive patient outcomes.
Education
Surgical Technology -
Gulf Coast Community College
Panama City Beach, Florida06-2007
Skills
- Advanced Surgical Scrub Technique
- Expertise in Trauma, Cardiovascular, Vascular, Endovascular, Thoracic, Orthopedic, Neurosurgical, and General Surgery Procedures
- Intraoperative Anticipation & Instrumentation Management
- Sterile Field Maintenance & Infection Control Compliance
- Surgical Case Preparation & Operating Room Setup
- Emergency & High-Acuity Case Support
- Surgical Equipment & Specialty Instrument Proficiency (including power tools, implants, and advanced technology)
- Specimen Handling & Surgical Documentation Compliance
- Preoperative & Postoperative Workflow Coordination
- Rapid Adaptability in Travel Assignments & New Clinical Environments
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration & Communication
- Staff Training, Mentorship, and Precepting New Surgical Technologists
- Operating Room Efficiency & Turnover Optimization
- Knowledge of Aseptic Technique, OSHA, and Joint Commission Standards
- Patient Safety & Quality Assurance Focus
Certification
- CST - Certified Surgical Technologist
- BLS - Basic Life Support
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
Licensure
Virginia Board of Medicine License
Timeline
Certified Surgical Technologist CVOR-Travel Agency
MedStar Washington Hospital Center, University of Missouri-MU Healthcare, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Winchester Medical Center
05.2022 - Current
Certified Surgical Technologist
Sibley Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine
12.2017 - 02.2019
Certified Surgical Technologist
West Florida Hospital
09.2014 - 11.2017
Surgical Technologist
Ascension Sacred Heart Health Systems
09.2007 - 12.2008
Surgical Technologist
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
09.2007 - 12.2008
Surgical Technology -
Gulf Coast Community College