Walter Clay
Gadsden,AL
Summary
Surgical Technologist with practical experience seeking a new opportunity to provide surgical patient care. Proven record of creating a safe and structured environment for patients and medical professionals. A great team player focused on providing the best quality work to support doctors, nurses, and surgical assistants. Clinical experience in a variety of disciplines.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Small Engine Repairer
One Stop Automotive
Gadsden, AL
08.2025 - Current
- Diagnosed and repaired small engines, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction.
- Conducted routine maintenance on various engine models to extend lifespan and reliability.
- Supervised junior technicians, providing training on repair techniques and safety protocols.
- Streamlined workflow processes, reducing turnaround time for engine repairs by implementing best practices.
- Promoted a positive working environment among colleagues through effective communication skills.
- Diagnosed and resolved complex mechanical issues for various types of small engines.
Surgical Tech / Sterile Processing Tech
Outpatient Care Center
Birmingham, AL
01.2023 - 11.2025
- Assisted surgical team in preparing operating rooms and sterilizing instruments.
- Monitored patient vital signs during procedures to ensure safety and comfort.
- Maintained inventory of surgical supplies, ensuring availability for procedures.
- Collaborated with surgeons and nurses to streamline workflow and improve efficiency.
- Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
- Reduced turnaround times for operating rooms by streamlining cleaning and preparation processes.
- Streamlined sterilization process of surgical tools, increasing efficiency and safety.
- Optimized setup of operating rooms for various surgical procedures, tailoring environments for specific needs.
- Prepared sterile solutions to support surgical processes and helped physicians scrub in for procedures.
- Operated sterilization equipment to ensure compliance with safety standards and protocols.
- Conducted thorough inspections of surgical instruments for functionality and cleanliness.
- 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.
- Enhanced patient safety by ensuring proper sterilization and packaging of medical equipment.
- Reduced risk of infections by maintaining a clean and sterile environment within the processing area.
- Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
- Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
- Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
- Picked instruments and supplies for surgeries.
- Promoted a safe working environment, adhering to established guidelines for handling hazardous materials.
- Optimized workflow within sterile processing department, allowing for quicker turnaround times and increased productivity.
- Maintained strict adherence to aseptic technique in decontamination process, significantly reducing risk of hospital-acquired infections.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Assisted in successful surgeries by setting up operating rooms with appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment for each procedure.
- Upheld high standards of patient privacy by following HIPAA guidelines when handling sensitive medical information.
- Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.
- Promoted teamwork within the surgical team by communicating effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other staff members during procedures.
- Maintained sterile fields by following aseptic techniques and adhering to infection control protocols.
- Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
- Used sutures, staples, clips and other tools to close wounds.
- Facilitated efficient OR turnover times through diligent cleaning, disinfecting, and preparing the room for subsequent cases.
- Prepared instruments for terminal sterilization and reset surgical suites for next procedure.
- Followed scrub-in procedures by gowning and gloving correctly to assist in sterile fields.
- Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
- Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
Machine Shop Operator
Walker Marine
Ashville, AL
01.2013 - 03.2025
- Operated CNC machines to produce precision parts for marine applications.
- Conducted quality inspections to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize production workflows and reduce downtime.
- Maintained equipment and performed routine preventive maintenance tasks.
- Oversaw machines and task execution to implement changes to improve results.
- Adhered to strict safety protocols while operating machinery, minimizing workplace accidents.
- Consistently met deadlines by prioritizing tasks efficiently according to production schedules and demands..
- Maintained organized work area by cleaning and removing hazards.
- Communicated effectively with cross-functional teams to address any discrepancies or changes in project requirements as needed.
- Made sure that products were produced on time and are of good quality.
- Reviewed production schedules and streamlined processes.
Surgical Tech / Sterile Processing Tech
Grandview Medical Center
Birmingham, AL
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring sterile environments and proper instrument availability.
- Prepared and organized surgical instruments and supplies for various outpatient procedures.
- Maintained accurate records of surgical counts and inventory management systems.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to enhance workflow efficiency and patient safety protocols.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Assisted in successful surgeries by setting up operating rooms with appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment for each procedure.
- Demonstrated adaptability, working effectively with various surgical teams and specialties, ensuring seamless collaboration.
- Improved patient care by assisting surgeons during surgical procedures and maintaining a sterile environment.
- Established a reputation for reliability, punctuality, and dedication to providing the highest level of surgical support in all situations.
- Contributed to positive patient outcomes by anticipating surgeons'' needs throughout procedures and reacting quickly to changes in situations.
- Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.
- Enhanced surgical efficiency through expert handling and passing of instruments to the surgeon in a timely manner.
- Maintained sterile fields by following aseptic techniques and adhering to infection control protocols.
- Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
- Exceeded hospital compliance standards through rigorous adherence to OSHA guidelines and other regulatory requirements.
- Used sutures, staples, clips and other tools to close wounds.
- Prepared instruments for terminal sterilization and reset surgical suites for next procedure.
- Facilitated efficient OR turnover times through diligent cleaning, disinfecting, and preparing the room for subsequent cases.
- Followed scrub-in procedures by gowning and gloving correctly to assist in sterile fields.
- Maintained strict adherence to aseptic techniques, significantly reducing infection risks.
- Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
- Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
- Sterilized instruments and equipment for specific procedures and arranged for surgeons.
- Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
- Completed continued education units yearly to stay up to date on surgical technology and meet organizational requirements.
Driver/Sales
Kelley Auto Auction
Attalla, AL
01.2004 - 01.2013
- .Operated vehicles to transport auction inventory efficiently and safely.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and compliance with regulations.
- Assisted in loading and unloading vehicles during auctions, maintaining organization and workflow.
- Provided support in managing inventory levels, tracking vehicle conditions accurately.
- Achieved safe driving records by consistently following traffic rules and regulations.
- Delivered goods and products to customer on time and in excellent condition.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust through professionalism and reliability in transportation services provided.
- Communicated with customers to provide delivery updates and confirm delivery locations.
- Obtained signatures from customers upon delivery of goods.
- Updated logs and tracking documents accurately and according to schedule requirements.
- Loaded and secured items in trucks to avoid damage to parcels during delivery.
- Provided exceptional service to clients, leading to increased repeat business and positive feedback.
Supervisor, Treatment Aide
The Bridge
Gadsden, AL
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Mentored staff, fostering skill development and enhancing team performance.
- Facilitated communication between departments, streamlining collaboration on key initiatives.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing feedback to staff members.
- Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
- Followed directions of licensed nurses to administer medications and treatments.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
- Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
Education
Certificate - Surgical Technology
Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden, AL12-2018
Certificate - Prerequisites For Surgical Tech
Snead State Community College
Boaz, AL08-2018
Diploma - undefined
Gadsden High School
Gadsden, AL05-1999
Skills
- Operating Room Prep
- Sterile Technique
- Surgical Counts
- Surgical Draping
- Instrument Assembly
- Specimen Handling
- Sterile Dressings
- Safety Practices
- Emergency Procedures
- Basic Equipment Maintenance
- HIPAA Compliance
- Breakdown and Room Turnover
- Tool maintenance
- Manual machining
- Parts inspection
- Positive attitude
- Strong work ethic
- Good communication
- Teamwork and coordination
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Hand and power tools
- Attention to detail
- Following instructions
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
Certification
- BLS/CPR Certification
- The National Society of Leadership and Success
Clinical Experience
- River View Hospital, Gadsden, AL Fall 2018
- East Alabama Regional Medical Center, Anniston, AL
- Gadsden Regional Medical Center, Gadsden, AL
- Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, Anniston, AL
- Surgical Technology Student
- Worked in operating rooms prepping sterile fields, managing surgical equipment, and following direction of surgeons during procedures.
- Involved with the general surgery unit and obtained valuable experience with a variety of non-emergency procedures.
- Abide by the rules established by each facility to ensure the proper care of patients.
Timeline
Small Engine Repairer
One Stop Automotive
08.2025 - Current
Surgical Tech / Sterile Processing Tech
Outpatient Care Center
01.2023 - 11.2025
Surgical Tech / Sterile Processing Tech
Grandview Medical Center
01.2019 - 01.2020
Machine Shop Operator
Walker Marine
01.2013 - 03.2025
Supervisor, Treatment Aide
The Bridge
01.2006 - 01.2008
Driver/Sales
Kelley Auto Auction
01.2004 - 01.2013
Diploma - undefined
Gadsden High School
Certificate - Surgical Technology
Gadsden State Community College
Certificate - Prerequisites For Surgical Tech
Snead State Community College