Sara Frierdich

Ortho team assistant

New hire and student surgical technologist ambassador

• Assisted in surgical procedures by preparing instruments and maintaining sterile fields.
• Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure efficient workflow and patient safety.
• Trained new staff on surgical protocols and instrument handling techniques.
• Monitored inventory levels of surgical supplies, facilitating timely reordering processes.
• Enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining instrument sterilization procedures.
• Participated in quality assurance initiatives to improve patient care standards.
• Led team discussions to address challenges and implement best practices during surgeries.
• Conducted regular training sessions focusing on updated surgical technologies and techniques.
• 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.
• Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care throughout the entire perioperative process.
• Streamlined workflow by organizing instruments efficiently on the back table according to procedure requirements.
• Used sutures, staples, clips and other tools to close wounds.
• Prepared instruments for terminal sterilization and reset surgical suites for next procedure.
• Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.
• Supported colleagues by serving as a resource on surgical technology best practices, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.
• Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.
• Expanded knowledge of surgical procedures through continuous professional development, staying current with industry advancements.
• Achieved consistent performance evaluations through dedication to excellence in patient care, teamwork, and adherence to established protocols.
• Maintained high infection control standards.
• Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
• Controlled bleeding during procedures by applying hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment.
• Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by actively participating in department meetings and offering constructive feedback on surgical processes.
• Improved team communication through active participation in pre-and post-operative discussions, resulting in better patient outcomes.
• Optimized inventory management processes by routinely assessing supplies levels and promptly ordering necessary items for successful surgeries.
• Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.
• Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
• Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
• Cleaned and maintained operating equipment to keep resources in good working condition and ready for use.
• 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.
• Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Completed continuing education units, staying up to date on surgical technology and meeting organizational requirements.
• Transported patients to and from surgeries to promote timely operating room turnover.
• Prepared sterile solutions to support surgical processes and helped physicians scrub in for procedures.
• Sterilized instruments and equipment for specific procedures and arranged for surgeons.
• Provided wound care post-operatively to promote healing and reduce risk of infections.
• Contributed to team-based problem-solving to resolve issues that arose during surgery and improve patient outcomes.
• Projected best-in-class care standards by achieving training initiatives for new surgical team members and aligning procedures for optimal efficiency.
• Educated patients on expected side effects and discomfort levels post-surgery.
• Selected and purchased equipment for surgical procedures.
• Maintained records to document patient medical history and surgical procedure notes.
• Surgical technologist daily schedule and call schedule