Tiffney Locklear
Burlington
Summary
Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist with extensive experience at Duke University Hospital, excelling in patient preparation and intra-operative assistance. Proven ability to manage critical situations with effective communication and attention to detail, ensuring optimal surgical outcomes. BLS certified and skilled in surgical instrumentation, committed to maintaining safety protocols in high-pressure environments.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist
Duke University Hospital
Durham
09.2015 - Current
- Assist in preparing the OR and setup of the sterile field.
- Assist the surgeon throughout the procedure, including the prepping of implants, positioning the patient, prepping and draping the patient, organizing and setting up lines to the cardiopulmonary bypass machine, monitoring the patient's condition, handling specimens, and preparing the patient for transport to the ICU.
- Creditable knowledge of surgical procedures, including LVAD and RVAD implantation, heart and lung transplantation, heart-lung block, CABG, valve repair/replacement, aortic procedures, and ECMO.
- Scrub nurse preceptor in cardiac surgery for nine years.
- Participating in surgical briefing, debriefing, patient verification, and time-out.
- Ability to work in adverse conditions and handle medical emergencies.
- Additional responsibilities include preparing medications, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions utilized throughout the surgical procedure. Performing multiple counts of instruments, sponges, and sharps to ensure patient safety.
Referral Coordinator
Metropolitan Durham Medical Group
Durham
02.1998 - 02.2003
- Worked directly with physicians, coordinating patient care plans.
- Obtained prior approvals through insurance companies for patient procedures, as well as providing the appropriate medical records to support the diagnosis.
- Knowledge of ICD-9 coding, medical terminology, and HIPAA policy.
- Scheduled procedures and provided the patient with any prior procedural preparations.
- Alternately trained as a backup for the office manager when she was out of the office.
Education
Diploma - Surgical Technology
Durham Technical Community College
Durham, NC07-2014
Skills
- patient preparation
- cardiac monitoring
- emergency response
- critical thinking
- attention to detail
- effective communication
- time management
- Preparing for surgeries
- Safety protocols
- Intra-operative assistance
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- HIPAA proficiency
- Vital sign monitoring
- Surgical instrumentation
- BLS certified
- Multitasking Abilities
Accomplishments and Volunteer Experience
- Attended Adult Cardiac Surgery Mission Trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras in 2019 & 2022.
- Trained with heart failure surgeons and assisted in the first total artificial heart transplant at Duke Hospital (CARMAT) July, 2021.
- Trained and assisted with the first continuous flow total artificial heart transplant at Duke Hospital (BIVACOR, 2024).
- Member of the education committee and the call committee for cardiothoracic surgery.
Timeline
Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist
Duke University Hospital
09.2015 - Current
Referral Coordinator
Metropolitan Durham Medical Group
02.1998 - 02.2003
Diploma - Surgical Technology
Durham Technical Community College