Stephanie Melahn
Belvidere,IL
Summary
Proven Surgical Technologist with a track record of enhancing patient outcomes and surgical efficiency at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Expert in sterile technique proficiency and adept at fostering teamwork and collaboration. Achieved significant reductions in OR turnaround times through meticulous supply management and operational improvements. Driven Surgical Technologist offering 22 years' experience in ambulatory and hospital settings. Well-versed in general surgery, peripheral vascular, plastic and robotic surgery procedures. Proven leader and instrumental in developing new programs and educating staff on new policies, procedures and equipment. Eager to take next career step with growing organization offering opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Surgical Technologist
Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center
04.2016 - 09.2024
- Maintained high infection control standards.
- Prepared operating rooms with required instruments, ensuring efficient setup for various surgical cases.
- Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
- Minimized infection risks by strictly adhering to aseptic techniques when handling surgical supplies and equipment.
- Provided comprehensive support to surgeons specializing in sports medicine, total joint replacement, spine, and orthopedic trauma treatment.
- Supported surgeons during cosmetic surgeries, gynecological and orthopedic procedures and general appointments.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Ensured optimal patient care, closely monitoring patient vitals and conditions during surgery for immediate response.
- Contributed to positive patient experiences by offering empathetic support and clear communication before and after surgery.
- Supported surgical innovation by assisting in implementation of new surgical technology and methods.
- Improved surgical team coordination, participating in briefings and debriefings to ensure clarity of roles and expectations.
- Reduced surgery times with efficient preparation of operating rooms and expedient assistance during surgeries.
- Facilitated successful surgeries, preparing patients for surgery through washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites.
- Enhanced patient safety, conducting pre-operative and post-operative checks to ensure compliance with healthcare standards.
- Ensured sterility of operating rooms and surgical instruments, significantly reducing risk of post-operative infections.
- Contributed to team knowledge, sharing insights from recent advancements in surgical technology during team meetings.
- Streamlined surgical processes, organizing instruments and supplies for easy accessibility during procedures.
- Enhanced team preparedness, conducting equipment checks before surgeries to ensure functionality and availability.
- Supported patient recovery, providing post-operative care instructions and follow-up support to patients and families.
- Positioned patients and set up drapes to create comfortable surgical environment for patients.
- Handled and prepared specimens for laboratory analysis to provide surgeons with relevant information.
- Prepared sterile solutions to support surgical processes and helped physicians scrub in for procedures.
- Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
- Contributed to team-based problem-solving to resolve issues that arose during surgery and improve patient outcomes.
- Transported patients to and from surgeries to promote timely operating room turnover.
- Provided wound care post-operatively to promote healing and reduce risk of infections.
- Sterilized instruments and equipment for specific procedures and arranged for surgeons.
- Projected best-in-class care standards by achieving training initiatives for new surgical team members and aligning [Type] procedures for optimal efficiency.
- Selected and purchased equipment for surgical procedures.
- Educated patients on expected side effects and discomfort levels post-surgery.
- Maintained records to document patient medical history and surgical procedure notes.
- Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Surgical Technologist, Assistant Team Leader
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
08.2002 - 04.2016
- Maintained high infection control standards.
- Prepared operating rooms with required instruments, ensuring efficient setup for various surgical cases.
- Minimized infection risks by strictly adhering to aseptic techniques when handling surgical supplies and equipment.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and efficiently, contributing to successful completion of critical surgeries.
- Assisted surgeons in complex procedures for optimal patient outcomes and reduced recovery time.
- Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
- Supported smooth transitions between surgeries by promptly preparing the operating room for subsequent cases.
- Increased efficiency during surgeries by anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges or changes during surgery, responding quickly without compromising patient safety or procedural success.
- Mentored new surgical technologists, sharing expertise and fostering their growth within the profession.
- Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
- Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.
- Maintained specialty equipment, implant, and instrumentation inventories.
- Played a key role in reducing OR turnaround time by implementing process improvements for equipment preparation and room cleanup procedures.
- Performed inventory management duties for the operating room supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels at all times.
- Contributed to successful operations by assembling and organizing surgical equipment with precision.
- Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
- Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of surgical technology.
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of surgical technology and techniques, ensuring best practices were applied in all procedures.
- Optimized resource utilization, managing surgical inventory to prevent shortages and overstocking.
- Improved patient outcomes with precise handling and passing of surgical instruments during procedures.
- Improved surgical precision, assisting surgeons with application of sutures and dressings post-operation.
- Assisted in complex surgical procedures, providing critical support for successful patient outcomes.
- Handled and prepared specimens for laboratory analysis to provide surgeons with relevant information.
- Contributed to team-based problem-solving to resolve issues that arose during surgery and improve patient outcomes.
Education
No Degree - Surgical Technology
Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL08.2001
No Degree - Medical Transcription
Kishwaukee College
Malta, IL05.2000
Skills
- Surgical Procedure Familiarity
- Organizational abilities
- Leadership Qualitie
- Supply Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Multitasking Abilities
- Surgical Technologist (CST)
- Excellent Communication
- Work Prioritization
- Ordering Supplies
- Reliability
- Patient Safety
- Sterile Technique Proficiency
- Surgical Instrument Knowledge
Certification
- Medical Terminology Certification – Various Accredited Providers.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Surgical Technologist
Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center
04.2016 - 09.2024
Surgical Technologist, Assistant Team Leader
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
08.2002 - 04.2016
No Degree - Surgical Technology
Rock Valley College
No Degree - Medical Transcription
Kishwaukee College
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