Sandra Shirley
Mount Juliet
Summary
Experienced Surgical First Assistant skilled in supporting surgeons throughout procedures. Expertise includes surgical procedure knowledge, patient preparation, and wound closure techniques. Committed to enhancing patient safety and operative efficiency, contributing to positive surgical outcomes.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Summit Surgery Center
Hermitage
09.2002 - Current
- Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
- Controlled bleeding during surgical procedures with hemostatic clamps, ligatures, or electrocautery.
- Managed the preparation and maintenance of special equipment used in surgical procedures such as endoscopy equipment, arthroscopic shavers, lasers.
- Dressed wounds with antiseptic compounds and sterile coverings to protect surgical sites and promote healing.
- Closed skin, facial, or subcutaneous wound layers using sutures, staples, or other materials.
- Oversaw procurement of instruments for surgical trays to enhance preparation workflow.
- Streamlined inventory management processes to maintain optimal supply levels for surgical operations.
- Participated in continuous training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge in surgery support.
Surgical Technician
Jackson Madison County General Hospital
Jackson
01.2000 - 09.2001
- Anticipated surgeons' needs and efficiently provided instruments and supplies during procedures to support optimal surgical outcomes.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies, arranging instruments per surgeons' preferences to streamline surgical workflow.
- Performed and documented pre-surgery and post-surgery sponge, instrument, and needle counts.
- Collected, prepared, and disposed of medical specimens, ensuring compliance with safety and procedural standards.
Surgical Technologist
Tristar Summit Medical Center
Hermitage
07.1994 - 09.1998
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological and plastic surgery procedures.
- Performed and documented sponge, instrument, and needle count before and after surgeries to prevent surgical errors.
- Maintained high infection control standards to ensure patient safety and compliance with health regulations.
- Set up operating and surgery rooms by preparing necessary equipment and supplies for efficient procedures.
Surgical Technologist
Rome Hospital
Rome
12.1992 - 06.1994
- Provided vital assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Maintained rigorous infection control standards to promote patient safety and surgical success.
- Assessed procedure requirements and arranged equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
- Set up operating and surgery rooms, preparing equipment and supplies to ensure readiness for procedures.
Education
Certificate - Certified Surgical First Assistant
Madisonville Community College
Madisonville, KY08-2020
Certificate - Surgical Technician
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee, WI12-1992
Skills
- Wound closure techniques
- Surgical instrumentation
- Surgical site preparation
- Incision management
- Sterile technique
- Medication administration
- Ortho Robotic surgical assistance
- Surgical team coordination
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Professional ethics
Certification
- CST Surgical Technician Certification
- NBSTSA Surgical First Assistant Certification
- Registered by the Medical Exam Board of the State of Tennessee
- BLS Certification
Timeline
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Summit Surgery Center
09.2002 - Current
Surgical Technician
Jackson Madison County General Hospital
01.2000 - 09.2001
Surgical Technologist
Tristar Summit Medical Center
07.1994 - 09.1998
Surgical Technologist
Rome Hospital
12.1992 - 06.1994
Certificate - Certified Surgical First Assistant
Madisonville Community College
Certificate - Surgical Technician
Waukesha County Technical College