Tonya Zuniga
Martinsburg
Summary
Highly skilled in providing support during a variety of surgical procedures, with experience in ensuring operating rooms are prepared and assisting in patient care. Known for strong competencies in sterile techniques, instrument handling, and preoperative and postoperative procedures. Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under pressure, contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhanced workflow efficiency in surgical settings.
Experienced Surgical Assistant with relevant background in assisting surgeons during operations, ensuring equipment functionality and patient preparation. Strengths include deep knowledge of surgical procedures, strong communication skills with team members, and commitment to maintaining a sterile environment. Past roles have demonstrated ability to adapt quickly in emergency scenarios contributing to successful procedures and improved patient outcomes.
Proficient professional offering several-year background to growing surgical team. Well versed in setting up operating rooms, preparing patients for surgery, collecting tissues for lab analysis and assisting surgeons during procedures. Adept at maintaining patient charts using software.
Talented professional with several years' experience in preparing, maintaining and anticipating instrument and procedure needs. Expertise the field. Proven leader focused on developing highly collaborative surgical support teams.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Assistant/Surgical Technologist
Tri-state Surgical Center
01.2018 - Current
- Assist in many surgical procedures daily, which include but not limited to: Orthopedic, General, Ophthalmology, GI Endoscopy, Podiatry, Pain Management, etc.
- Assisted with post-operative wound care including packing, dressing changes, irrigation and debridement when needed.
- Assisted with minor office procedures such as suture removal, incision checks, biopsies.
- Performed other duties as assigned by supervisor or physician such as stocking supplies or restocking OR rooms after use.
- Observed patient's condition throughout procedure and reported any unusual findings or symptoms to the medical staff immediately.
- Sterilized endoscopic equipment between uses per infection control protocols.
- Confirmed proper functioning of equipment prior to use in order to avoid complications during operations.
- Performed suturing techniques under direct supervision of a surgeon.
- Maintained sterile environment in the operating room during surgical procedures.
- Provided assistance to surgeons, circulating nurses, and anesthesiologists with patient positioning, draping, and preparation of operative sites.
- Gathered and passed instruments to surgeon during operation.
- Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
- Dressed wounds with antiseptic compounds and sterile coverings to protect surgical sites and promote healing.
- Used hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment to control bleeding.
- Helped prepare team by assisting with gowning and gloving of staff.
- Protected unobstructed views for surgical staff with use of retractors, sponges and suctioning equipment.
- Set up equipment, tools, and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Created and maintained sterile operating fields to minimize infection risks.
- Provided surgical support to help surgeon execute safe operations and procedures resulting in positive patient outcomes.
- Developed effective strategies to streamline organizational performance, increase revenues and boost productivity.
- Organized instruments and supplies to optimize surgical team efficiency.
- Exhibited confidence to work extremely well under pressure and with variety of physicians of different temperaments.
- Assisted surgeons in variety of minor and major surgical procedures.
- Follows complex and comprehensive verbal and written instructions.
- Obeyed established surgical techniques and procedures during operations.
- Demonstrated appropriate techniques to assist surgeons with closure of incisions.
- Assisted physicians during diagnosis and treatment, as well as assisting during surgery.
- Prepared specimens for laboratory analysis according to established protocols and guidelines.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physician or nurse practitioner prior to surgery.
Surgical Technologist
Berkeley Medical Center
Martinsburg
01.2000 - 11.2020
- Assist in many surgical procedures daily, which include but are not limited to: Orthopedic, General, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Urology, GI Endoscopy, Podiatry, Dental, etc.
- Retrieved implants from storage area prior to start of procedure.
- Monitored sterilization process for surgical instruments or equipment used during procedures
- Maintain surgical field integrity by anticipating surgeon needs.
- Collaborate closely with OR staff to ensure accurate counts of instruments, sponges, and sharps.
- Mentor and precept new surgical technicians and surgical technician students.
- Label multiple medications on the sterile field and prepare them for surgeon preference.
- Complete surgical technician call schedule taking special care to not schedule staff who are on vacation.
- Ensured all necessary equipment was available for each procedure.
- Assisted in positioning patients on operating table and covered them with sterile drapes.
- Assisted in the application of wound dressings, casts, and other medical devices.
- Cleansed and disinfected operating rooms after procedures were completed.
- Verified correct identification of patient prior to any operation or procedure.
- Organized operating room by setting up surgical trays with instruments according to surgeon preference.
- Prepared and maintained sterile field for surgical procedures.
- Received specimens from pathology laboratory for examination by surgeon during operation.
- Communicated effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and scrub techs while performing duties in the OR environment.
- Provided assistance to surgeons during operations by passing instruments and other supplies.
- Observed aseptic technique and infection control protocols at all times.
- Provided support services such as stocking supplies in OR rooms or restocking carts between cases.
- Sterilized medical equipment and properly handled contaminated materials.
- Reviewed surgical requirements and prepped operating room with appropriate tools, equipment and instruments.
- Set up equipment, tools, and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Assessed procedure requirements and procured appropriate equipment and tools.
- Collaborated with vendors and service providers to coordinate required services and equipment.
- Recounted surgical instruments and supplies at end of operation, eliminating chance of items left inside patient.
- Assisted surgeon by passing instruments and sterile supplies throughout operation.
Medical Assistant/Receptionist
Winchester Medical Center
Winchester
06.1997 - 01.2000
- Maintained confidentiality regarding all business matters related to the organization's operations.
- Provided support with front desk duties such as checking in patients, collecting copayments and deductibles, answering phones.
- Greeted patients and visitors, verified patient information, and managed patient flow in the reception area.
- Attended meetings related to practice operations as required.
- Verified insurance eligibility and collected copays and deductibles at time of service.
- Answered incoming calls, scheduled appointments, and provided general information to callers.
- Provided assistance to clinicians during exams when needed.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines.
- Responded promptly to requests from patients or staff members in a professional manner.
- Carried out daily tasks by professionally communicating with physicians, nursing staff, technicians and medical assistants.
- Delivered high-quality administrative and customer service to sustain patient and work flows.
- Took messages from patients and promptly relayed to appropriate staff.
- Protected patients by observing strict HIPAA guidelines.
- Entered insurance, demographics and health history into patient database.
- Conducted patient intake interviews to collect medical information and insurance details.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Surgical Assisting
Royal Academy of Surgical Assisting
Aurora, CO01-2024
High School Diploma -
Hampshire High School
Romney, WV06-1993
Skills
- Surgical assistance
- Post-operative care
- Sterilization techniques
- Instrument handling
- Infection control
- Team collaboration
- Supply management
- Patient positioning
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Coordinate supplies
- Professional demeanor
- Setting up and operating equipment
- Orthopedic Procedures Assistance
- Operating room etiquette
- Infection control protocols
- Surgical instrument knowledge
- Multitasking Abilities
- Heartsaver CPR AED (CPR AED)
- Operating Room Protocols
- Critical thinking
- Suture selection mastery
Timeline
Surgical Assistant/Surgical Technologist
Tri-state Surgical Center
01.2018 - Current
Surgical Technologist
Berkeley Medical Center
01.2000 - 11.2020
Medical Assistant/Receptionist
Winchester Medical Center
06.1997 - 01.2000
Graduate Certificate - Surgical Assisting
Royal Academy of Surgical Assisting
High School Diploma -
Hampshire High School