Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Surgical Training Sites
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tara R. Tillman

Columbia,MO

Summary

Skilled Surgical Technologist with ten years experience and a thorough understanding of many surgical procedures. Detail-oriented and knowledgeable about cases. Strengths in being on time, organized, working well with others and hard working. Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle difficult patients and high-stress situations with ease. I am a meticulous surgical technologist excited to bring my background to a growing organization. Knowledgeable in all aspects of surgery, including setting up operating rooms, preparing patients, and assisting surgeons. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety. Team player with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Ready to help the team achieve company goals. I have over 5 years in open-heart specialties specifically. With ten years of ears, nose, and throat, plastic, urology, gyn, L&D, thoracic, vascular, orthopedics, plastics, general, pain management, and ophthalmology. I have been cross-trained to run a c-arm and I have a certification in suturing/closing of the patients to help facilitate surgeons when running multiple or single rooms.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Surgical Technologist

Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital
07.2022 - Current
  • Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
  • 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.
  • Assisted surgeons in complex procedures for optimal patient outcomes and reduced recovery time.
  • Handled high-pressure situations calmly and efficiently, contributing to successful completion of critical surgeries.
  • 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.
  • Ensured proper care of surgical instruments through meticulous cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance processes.
  • Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
  • Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.
  • Handled and prepared specimens for laboratory analysis to provide surgeons with relevant information.
  • Positioned patients and set up drapes to create comfortable surgical environment for patients.
  • Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
  • Streamlined surgical processes, organizing instruments and supplies for easy accessibility during procedures.
  • Improved patient outcomes with precise handling and passing of surgical instruments during procedures.
  • Ensured sterility of operating rooms and surgical instruments, significantly reducing risk of post-operative infections.

Surgical Technologist

Surgery Center of Columbia
07.2013 - Current
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ensured proper care of surgical instruments through meticulous cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance processes.
  • Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
  • Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
  • Provided compassionate support to patients experiencing anxiety or discomfort prior to surgery, helping alleviate concerns while maintaining professionalism.
  • Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
  • 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.
  • Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care before, during, and after surgery.
  • 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.
  • Provided comprehensive support to surgeons specializing in sports medicine, total joint replacement, spine, and orthopedic trauma treatment.
  • Decontaminated, cleaned, assembled, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.
  • Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
  • Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
  • 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.
  • Supported surgeons during cosmetic surgeries, gynecological and orthopedic procedures and general appointments.
  • Received recognition for excellent performance in assisting with emergency surgeries, resulting in positive patient outcomes.
  • Assisted in the development of updated policies and procedures for the surgical department, resulting in improved safety measures and overall efficiency.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Improved surgical precision, assisting surgeons with application of sutures and dressings post-operation.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of surgical technology and techniques, ensuring best practices were applied in all procedures.
  • 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.
  • Reduced surgery times with efficient preparation of operating rooms and expedient assistance during surgeries.
  • Ensured optimal patient care, closely monitoring patient vitals and conditions during surgery for immediate response.
  • Enhanced team preparedness, conducting equipment checks before surgeries to ensure functionality and availability.
  • Increased operational efficiency, sterilizing and organizing tools according to surgical team requirements.
  • Optimized resource utilization, managing surgical inventory to prevent shortages and overstocking.
  • Supported patient recovery, providing post-operative care instructions and follow-up support to patients and families.
  • Facilitated smooth operation of surgical procedures, preparing operating rooms with necessary equipment and supplies.
  • Supported surgical innovation by assisting in implementation of new surgical technology and methods.
  • Contributed to positive patient experiences by offering empathetic support and clear communication before and after surgery.
  • Improved surgical team coordination, participating in briefings and debriefings to ensure clarity of roles and expectations.
  • Assisted in complex surgical procedures, providing critical support for successful patient outcomes.
  • Contributed to team knowledge, sharing insights from recent advancements in surgical technology during team meetings.
  • Ensured sterility of operating rooms and surgical instruments, significantly reducing risk of post-operative infections.
  • Improved patient outcomes with precise handling and passing of surgical instruments during procedures.
  • Enhanced team efficiency by maintaining meticulous inventory of surgical supplies and equipment.
  • Streamlined surgical processes, organizing instruments and supplies for easy accessibility during procedures.
  • Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Contributed to team-based problem-solving to resolve issues that arose during surgery and improve patient outcomes.
  • Selected and purchased equipment for surgical procedures.
  • Transported patients to and from surgeries to promote timely operating room turnover.
  • Completed continuing education units, staying up to date on surgical technology and meeting organizational requirements.
  • Educated patients on expected side effects and discomfort levels post-surgery.
  • Provided wound care post-operatively to promote healing and reduce risk of infections.
  • Maintained records to document patient medical history and surgical procedure notes.

Surgical Technologist

Boone Hospital
04.2014 - 01.2025
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ensured proper care of surgical instruments through meticulous cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance processes.
  • Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
  • Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
  • Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
  • Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.
  • Decontaminated, cleaned, assembled, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.
  • Supported surgeons during cosmetic surgeries, gynecological and orthopedic procedures and general appointments.
  • Received recognition for excellent performance in assisting with emergency surgeries, resulting in positive patient outcomes.
  • Assisted in the development of updated policies and procedures for the surgical department, resulting in improved safety measures and overall efficiency.
  • Improved surgical precision, assisting surgeons with application of sutures and dressings post-operation.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of surgical technology and techniques, ensuring best practices were applied in all procedures.
  • Reduced surgery times with efficient preparation of operating rooms and expedient assistance during surgeries.
  • Assisted in complex surgical procedures, providing critical support for successful patient outcomes.
  • Ensured sterility of operating rooms and surgical instruments, significantly reducing risk of post-operative infections.
  • Streamlined surgical processes, organizing instruments and supplies for easy accessibility during procedures.
  • Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.

Education

Surgical Technology Certificate -

Sanford Brown College
St. Peter's, Mo
08.2013

Diploma -

Rock Bridge High School
Columbia, Mo
06.2006

Skills

  • CPR certified
  • Surgical counts
  • Vital signs
  • Setting up and operating equipment
  • Patient positioning understanding
  • Passing surgical instruments
  • Safety disposing of instruments
  • Medical terminology
  • Organization
  • Suturing
  • Aseptic Techniques
  • Surgical Assistance
  • Specimen Collection
  • Biohazardous Waste Disposal
  • Safe Sharps Disposal
  • Transporting Patients
  • Safety Protocols Expertise
  • Instrument Sterilization
  • Infection Control Protocols
  • Pre- and Post-Surgical Counts
  • Patient Transportation
  • Workplace Safety
  • Wound Dressing
  • Equipment Set up
  • Aseptic techniques
  • Critical thinking
  • Sterile technique proficiency
  • Surgical assistance
  • Equipment set up
  • Instrument sterilization
  • Basic life support
  • Pre- and post-surgical counts
  • Safe sharps disposal
  • Patient preparation
  • Infection control protocols
  • Leadership qualities
  • Workplace safety
  • Wound dressing
  • OB/GYN procedures
  • Specimen collection
  • Biohazardous waste disposal
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Wound closure techniques
  • Transporting patients
  • Supply management
  • Safety protocols expertise
  • Patient positioning expertise
  • Electronic charting
  • Surgical equipment handling
  • Patient safety
  • Safety protocols
  • Inventory management
  • Equipment management
  • Surgical procedures

Accomplishments

  • Built strong relationships with surgeons and learned set up preferences to streamline surgeries.
  • Team Lead for the Heart team.
  • Created a new set-up, trained staff and got professional pictures taken to help staff when I was not there.
  • Got certification in surgical closer.

Surgical Training Sites

  • Surgery Center of Columbia
  • Hermann Area District Hospital, 298

Certification

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
  • Missouri Driver's License
  • Certification in Surgical Closer sits

Timeline

Surgical Technologist

Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital
07.2022 - Current

Surgical Technologist

Boone Hospital
04.2014 - 01.2025

Surgical Technologist

Surgery Center of Columbia
07.2013 - Current

Diploma -

Rock Bridge High School

Surgical Technology Certificate -

Sanford Brown College

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Tara R. Tillman