Vernita Balch
Lakeland,FL
Summary
Dynamic Certified Surgical Technologist with proven expertise at LRHMC in enhancing surgical efficiency and patient safety through meticulous instrument preparation and adherence to infection control protocols. Adept at training staff and implementing best practices, I excel in teamwork and critical thinking, ensuring optimal outcomes in high-pressure environments.
Overview
1998
1998
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Surgical Technologist
LRHMC
- Assisted in preparing surgical instruments and equipment for procedures.
- Maintained sterile environments by adhering to infection control protocols.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure smooth workflow during operations.
- Monitored inventory levels of surgical supplies and reported shortages promptly.
- Trained new staff on procedures, safety standards, and equipment usage.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency in the OR.
- Led efforts to develop best practices for instrument handling and sterilization.
- Evaluated and updated procedural documentation to align with hospital standards.
- Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
- Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
- Demonstrated adaptability when faced with emergency situations or unexpected complications during surgeries, providing prompt support to surgical teams.
- Expedited surgery room turnover times by swiftly preparing operating rooms for subsequent surgeries, maximizing efficiency within the department.
- Assisted surgeons in complex procedures, ensuring efficient completion and minimized complications.
- Reduced surgery time by effectively anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
- Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Ensured proper handling of specimens during surgeries, aiding in accurate diagnostic results for patients.
- Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
- Mentored junior staff members on proper techniques and best practices within the field of surgical technology, promoting professional growth among peers.
- Performed accurate instrument counts, preventing potential surgical complications due to retained items.
- Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
- Contributed to reduced infection rates by diligently practicing proper sterilization techniques for instruments and equipment.
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
Stere Processing Technician
Lakeland Surgical and Diagnostic Center
Lakeland, FL
09.1999 - 2001
- Operated sterilization equipment to ensure optimal functioning and compliance with safety standards.
- Inspected surgical instruments for cleanliness and proper functioning prior to use in procedures.
- Prepared and packaged sterile supplies for surgeries, maintaining adherence to infection control protocols.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to streamline instrument availability during operating room procedures.
- Conducted routine maintenance on sterilizers and other processing equipment to enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed training materials for new staff on sterilization techniques and equipment usage best practices.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced turnaround time for instrument processing significantly.
- Trained junior technicians on standard operating procedures, promoting a culture of safety and accuracy in the workplace.
- Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
- Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
- Supported surgical teams effectively by preparing instrument trays according to procedure requirements.
- Reduced risk of infections by maintaining a clean and sterile environment within the processing area.
- Enhanced patient safety by ensuring proper sterilization and packaging of medical equipment.
- Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
- Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
- Ensured timely availability of surgical instruments by prioritizing urgent requests and efficiently managing workload.
- Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
- Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
- Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when troubleshooting issues with autoclaves or other sterilization equipment.
- Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
- Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
- Recorded biologicals and test results.
- Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
- Achieved high levels of accuracy in record-keeping, logging important data related to sterilization cycles and equipment usage.
- Ensured strict adherence to regulatory guidelines during decontamination processes, mitigating risks associated with improper handling of biohazardous materials.
- Streamlined workflow for the department by organizing instruments and equipment in a systematic manner.
- Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
- Improved quality assurance processes by implementing documentation procedures for all stages of the sterilization process.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
- Promoted a safe working environment, adhering to established guidelines for handling hazardous materials.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, participating in relevant training programs and workshops.
- Increased compliance with infection control standards through regular inspection and maintenance of sterilizers.
- Responded to equipment malfunctions by troubleshooting and repairing broken and malfunctioning equipment.
- Optimized inventory management by conducting routine audits, identifying discrepancies, and resolving issues promptly.
- Ordered and restocked supplies for decontamination and surgical areas.
- Established constructive relationships with vendors, facilitating timely delivery of supplies necessary for daily operations.
- Facilitated seamless communication between departments, coordinating with clinical staff on equipment needs and availability.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by ensuring the consistent provision of high-quality, sterile medical equipment and supplies during surgical procedures.
- Identified parameters and sterilization method required for each item to be sterilized.
- Assisted in staff development by providing guidance to new team members on proper sterile processing techniques.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement, actively seeking ways to enhance efficiency within the department.
- Ensured compliance with industry sterilization standards by meticulously cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment.
- Advanced patient safety with rigorous adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
- Maintained strict adherence to aseptic technique in decontamination process, significantly reducing risk of hospital-acquired infections.
- Facilitated positive working environment by mentoring new technicians, fostering team-oriented atmosphere.
- Increased operating room efficiency with organized preparation and timely delivery of sterile supplies.
- Enhanced team knowledge and compliance with best practices in sterilization through regular training sessions and updates.
- Supported surgical teams by responding promptly to last-minute requests and changes, ensuring no delays in surgical procedures.
- Streamlined inventory management, ensuring availability of necessary surgical instruments for variety of procedures.
- Reduced waste and optimized resource use by accurately assessing and preparing exact quantity of required surgical instruments.
- Conducted regular inspections of sterilization equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
- Implemented system for tracking maintenance and repair of surgical instruments, reducing instances of equipment failure.
- Enhanced departmental performance by actively participating in quality assurance and improvement meetings.
- Assisted in development of departmental policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with latest industry standards and practices.
- Collaborated with surgical departments to tailor instrument sets for specific procedures, enhancing surgical efficiency.
- Optimized workflow within sterile processing department, allowing for quicker turnaround times and increased productivity.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by suggesting and implementing changes to sterilization processes that increased efficiency.
- Played key role in department achieving high marks during external accreditation audits by maintaining exemplary sterilization practices.
- Maintained detailed records of sterilization cycles, contributing to hospital's compliance with regulatory standards.
- Contributed to significant reductions in cross-contamination incidents through meticulous execution of decontamination protocols.
- Improved surgical outcomes by providing sterile, high-quality instruments, directly impacting patient safety and care.
- Monitored inventory levels to keep all medical equipment properly stocked.
- Liaised between medical staff and medical equipment vendors.
- Developed and maintained medical equipment databases.
- Provided support to medical staff in resolving medical equipment problems.
- Created and implemented medical equipment training programs.
- Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
- Collaborated with medical staff to confirm availability of medical equipment for patient care.
- Troubleshot medical equipment malfunctions and reported issues to appropriate personnel.
- Assisted with development and coordination of medical equipment inventories.
- Evaluated medical equipment and recommended upgrades when necessary.
Ophthalmology Assistant
Watson Clinic, LLC
Lakeland, FL
05.1994 - 06.1997
- Assisted ophthalmologists in conducting patient examinations and diagnostic tests.
- Prepared examination rooms and maintained cleanliness of medical equipment.
- Educated patients on pre-operative and post-operative care instructions.
- Managed appointment scheduling and coordinated patient follow-ups efficiently.
- Collected and documented patient medical histories accurately for clinician review.
- Supported the administration of eye treatments under physician supervision.
- Facilitated communication between patients and healthcare team to enhance service delivery.
- Trained new staff on office procedures and equipment usage to ensure operational efficiency.
- Minimized billing errors by accurately coding diagnoses and procedures in electronic medical records systems.
- Contributed to positive patient outcomes by providing accurate and timely documentation of medical histories, vital signs, and test results.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex cases involving ocular comorbidities or other health concerns.
- Assisted in the diagnosis of ocular diseases through precise administration of visual field tests, OCT scans, and retinal photography.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss best practices for improving patient care outcomes.
- Assisted in the training and onboarding of new ophthalmology assistants, ensuring a smooth transition into the clinic environment.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling by coordinating with patients, insurance companies, and referring physicians.
- Improved patient care by assisting ophthalmologists with diagnostic tests and procedures.
- Increased accuracy of prescription eyewear orders by verifying measurements, lens types, and other specifications with opticians.
- Supported quality control efforts by properly sterilizing surgical instruments and following strict infection-control protocols.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture through effective collaboration with colleagues, demonstrating professionalism and teamwork.
- Maintained compliance with HIPAA regulations by diligently protecting patient privacy and confidentiality during all interactions.
- Reduced wait times for patients by efficiently managing exam room turnover and cleaning duties between appointments.
- Promoted a welcoming environment for new patients with thorough orientation to clinic policies and procedures.
- Ensured patient comfort during eye exams by clearly explaining each step of the process and answering any questions they had.
- Supported overall practice growth by actively participating in community outreach events to promote awareness of available services.
- Optimized patient satisfaction scores through attention to detail when performing pre-appointment tasks such as verifying insurance eligibility or updating contact information.
- Enhanced clinical efficiency by maintaining clean and organized exam rooms, ensuring all equipment was in proper working order.
- Applied eye medications and drops to dilate pupils in preparation for examinations.
- Triaged phone calls from patients and outside contacts and handled in order of importance.
- Performed visual field testing to measure patients' peripheral vision to determine any visual field loss.
- Recorded patient history to help ophthalmologists determine diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Instilled anesthetic drops and assisted in laser treatments and minor procedures.
- Measured intraocular pressure using Goldman and Tonopen tonometry process.
- Explained pre- and post-operative procedures to patients and carefully reviewed surgical plans.
- Administered visual acuity tests to measure patient ability to see clearly at different distances and identify visual impairments.
- Operated ophthalmic equipment for patient eye examinations and prepared patients for examinations and surgeries.
- Used Lensometer to measure and record lens power of existing prescriptive spectacles.
- Measured and recorded visual acuity and color vision testing.
- Conducted tonometry testing to measure pressure inside patient's eye to determine presence of glaucoma
- Conducted Goldman and Humphrey Visual Field Testing as part of overall vision evaluation.
- Gathered patient histories, took measurements and completed diagnostic tests as part of detailed ophthalmic evaluations.
- Promoted positive and smooth patient flow throughout facility, encouraging more efficient operations and boosting patient satisfaction.
- Identified issues during preliminary exam and addressed concerns with physician.
- Worked well with patients, staff, and manufacturer representatives to carry out successful office- and patient-related work each day.
- Directed patients to exam rooms for initial evaluations and intake to aide physicians with carrying out efficient appointments.
- Educated patients and relations on ocular health and safety, promoting good eye care.
- Cleaned or sterilized ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
- Serviced, repaired and maintained ophthalmic equipment to keep instruments and tools in good condition.
- Provided patients with detailed instructions for pre- and post-op care under physician supervision to promote healing and optimal recovery strategies.
- Helped prepare specimens and slides for laboratory analysis, facilitating fast diagnoses and treatment.
Education
Surgical Technician - Surgical
Traviss Vocational School
Lakeland, FL06-1982
Skills
Pre- and post-surgical counts
Safe sharps disposal
Surgical equipment operation
Professionalism and ethics
Pre-surgical preparation
Sterile technique mastery
Biohazardous waste disposal
Infection control protocols
Setting up and operating equipment
Patient positioning expertise
Patient confidentiality
OB/GYN procedures
Specimen collection
Medication administration
Transporting patients
Direct patient care
Workplace safety
Wound dressing
Safety protocols expertise
Indirect patient care
Preoperative preparation
Patient transportation
Electronic charting
Suturing
Wound closure techniques
Case management
Documentation accuracy
Patient assessments
Medical records management
Quality assurance controls
Chronic disease management
Shared governance
Patient management
Surgical instrumentation
Suturing wounds
HIPAA proficiency
Electronic medical records management
Collecting medical specimens
Anatomy and physiology
Equipment set up and operation
Safely disposing of needles
Preparing for surgeries
Surgical counts
Passing surgical tools
Medical terminology proficiency
Infection control practices
Postoperative care
Disposing of biohazardous waste
Aseptic and sterilization techniques
Dressing wounds
Aseptic techniques
Basic life support
Critical thinking
Instrument sterilization
Equipment set up
Surgical assistance
Patient preparation
Preoperative checklists
Hospital Pre-screenings
Supply management
Patient safety
Vital sign monitoring
Safety protocols
Physical stamina
Inventory management
Equipment management
Surgical procedures
Anatomy
Staff education
Biological specimen collection
Nursing support
Sterile processing support
Sterile field management
Instrument preparation
Intra-operative assistance
OR preparation
Surgical gowning
Operating room procedures
Specimen preparation
Sterile field preparation
Attention to detail
Teamwork and collaboration
Certified surgical technologist (CST)
Flexible and adaptable
Restocking inventory
CPR/AED
Safety procedures
Proper specimen disposal
Arthroscopic joint surgery
Surgical technologist (CST)
Ordering supplies
Wound dressing techniques
Work prioritization
Equipment sterilization
Equipment operation
Relationship building
Accomplishments
Became charge person of ophthalmology at LRHMC in 1991-1994
Timeline
Stere Processing Technician
Lakeland Surgical and Diagnostic Center
09.1999 - 2001
Ophthalmology Assistant
Watson Clinic, LLC
05.1994 - 06.1997
Certified Surgical Technologist
LRHMC
Surgical Technician - Surgical
Traviss Vocational School