Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Whitney Berry

Jackson

Summary

Certified Surgical Assistant with strong focus on precision and patient care. Experienced with surgical procedures, ensuring optimal support for surgeons. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with surgical teams, ensuring optimal outcomes. Adaptable to dynamic environments and skilled in surgical procedures, instrumentation, and sterile techniques. Reliable team member known for professionalism and dedication to achieving exceptional results.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Piedmont Macon Medial Center/Coliseum Medical Center
07.2019 - Current

Duties:

Preoperative:

  • Foley placement, Prep patient, Position patient, Gathering specialty equipment according to doctor preference, Tourniquet application, Intravenous catheter placement, and assist in intubating the patient

Intraoperative:

  • Assist doctor during surgery, Incision and layered closure of surgical site, Manipulating and dissection and removal of tissue, Provide exposure, Achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources
  • Aides in implanting, securing, and removal of devices, implants and drains, and applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure

Postoperative:

  • Apply other specific dressing material such as splints or casts, assesses skin integrity, assist in patient transfer and follow patient to recovery or as directed by surgeon

Additional Duties:

  • Preforms additional duties as delegated by the surgeon
  • Assisted in various types of surgeries such as orthopedic, vascular, general surgery, gynecology or urology procedures tailoring assistance based on specific case requirements.
  • Specialties: General, Neurology, Vascular, Orthopedics, Urology, Colorectal, Gynecology Oncology, Da Vinci Robot, Gynecology, Plastics, Trauma, OMFS, Labor and Delivery
  • Reduced surgery time with efficient anticipation of surgeon''s needs, resulting in faster patient recovery.
  • Contributed to the development of hospital protocols and guidelines for the role of the Certified Surgical First Assistant, promoting standardization and quality care across departments.
  • Utilized strong problem-solving skills for effective troubleshooting during unexpected intraoperative challenges.
  • Assisted in training new surgical assistants, sharing expertise and best practices for improved team performance.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the operating room, consistently following best practices and encouraging open communication among team members.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry advancements and enhance surgical skills.
  • Ensured patient safety, maintaining sterile fields and applying proper aseptic techniques throughout surgeries.
  • Collaborated with surgical teams to develop innovative approaches for surgical procedures, optimizing patient care.
  • Managed surgical equipment inventory efficiently ensuring availability when required without causing delays due to missing resources.

License Surgical Assistant

Phenom Surgical Assisting
01.2018 - 07.2019

Credentialed at:

  • Virginia Hospital Center
  • INOVA Alexandria
  • Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center
  • INOVA Loudoun Hospital
  • Loudoun Ambulatory Surgery Center
  • Maryland Specialty Surgery Center

Duties

  • Preoperative:
  • Foley placement, Prep patient, Position patient, Gathering specialty equipment according to doctor preference, Tourniquet application, and Intravenous catheter placement

Intraoperative:

  • Assist doctor during surgery, Incision and layered closure of surgical site, Manipulating and dissection and removal of tissue, Providing exposure, Achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources
  • Aides in implanting, securing, and removal of devices and drains, and applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure

Postoperative:

  • Apply other specific dressing material such as splints or casts, assesses skin integrity, assist in patient transfer and follow patient to recovery or as directed by surgeon

Additional Duties:

  • Preforms additional duties as delegated by the surgeon
  • Provided compassionate care to patients throughout their surgical experience, easing anxiety and ensuring comfort.
  • Specialties: General, Neurology, Orthopedics, Urology, Colorectal, Gynecology Oncology, Da Vinci Robot, Gynecology, Plastics, Trauma, OMFS, Labor and Delivery
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing precise surgical assistance during various procedures.

CSFA Independent Contractor

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Self Employed
10.2013 - 12.2017

Credentialed in

  • HCA Methodist Healthcare
  • Christus Santa Rosa
  • Baptist Healthcare
  • Physicians Ambulatory Surgery Centers
  • South Texas Regional Health Systems

Specialties:

  • General Surgery, Da Vinci Robot, Orthopedics, Ortho Spine, Plastics, Neurology, Trauma, Sports Medicine

Duties:

  • Schedule surgery cases coverage with physicians and facilities

Preoperative:

  • Foley placement, Prep patient, Position patient, Gathering specialty equipment according to doctor preference, Tourniquet application, and Intravenous catheter placement

Intraoperative:

  • Assist doctor during surgery, Incision and layered closure of surgical site, Manipulating and dissection and removal of tissue, Providing exposure, Achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources
  • Aides in implanting, securing, and removal of devices and drains, and applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure

Postoperative:

  • Apply other specific dressing material such as splints or casts, assesses skin integrity, assist in patient transfer and follow patient to recovery or as directed by surgeon

Additional Duties:

  • Preforms additional duties as delegated by the surgeon
  • Travel with surgeon to above facilities per surgeon’s request
  • Specialties: General, Neurology, Orthopedics, Urology, Colorectal, Gynecology Oncology, Da Vinci Robot, Gynecology, Plastics, Trauma, OMFS, Labor and Delivery
  • Reduced surgery time with efficient anticipation of surgeon''s needs, resulting in faster patient recovery.
  • Assisted in training new surgical assistants, sharing expertise and best practices for improved team performance.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the operating room, consistently following best practices and encouraging open communication among team members.
  • Conducted thorough pre-operative assessments to identify potential complications and ensure optimal surgical outcomes.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry advancements and enhance surgical skills.
  • Ensured patient safety, maintaining sterile fields and applying proper aseptic techniques throughout surgeries.
  • Collaborated with surgical teams to develop innovative approaches for surgical procedures, optimizing patient care.

Certified Surgical Technologist

BTL Technologies
08.2011 - 10.2013
  • San Antonio Military Medical Center
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Supervisor: Mark Pentecost
  • Certified Surgical Technologist

Duties

  • Train Army Surgical Tech Students
  • Provide care for wounded Military service members
  • 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.
  • Reduced surgery time by effectively anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
  • Demonstrated adaptability when faced with emergency situations or unexpected complications during surgeries, providing prompt support to surgical teams.
  • 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.

Specialties:

  • Ortho, Neurology, Plastics, Plastics Reconstruction General, Ophthalmology, Trauma, OMFS, Pediatrics, Urology, GYN, Labor and Delivery


Certified Surgical Technologist (PRN)

CSR Physician Ambulatory Surgical Center
03.2011 - 04.2012
  • Supervisor: Margie Hernandes
  • Certified Surgical Technologist (PRN)

Specialties:

  • General, Pain Management, Ortho, Ophthalmology
  • Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
  • Expedited surgery room turnover times by swiftly preparing operating rooms for subsequent surgeries, maximizing efficiency within the department.
  • Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
  • Assisted surgeons in complex procedures, ensuring efficient completion and minimized complications.

Certified Surgical Technologist

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
12.2008 - 02.2011
  • Supervisor: SSgt Anthony Rose –06371868109
  • Certified Surgical Technologist
  • Provide care for the wounded military members flown in from the battle fields
  • 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.
  • Assisted surgeons in complex procedures, ensuring efficient completion and minimized complications.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • 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.

Specialties:

  • Ortho, Ortho Spine, General, Plastics, Urology, Neurology, Pediatric Burns, Burns, Trauma


Certified Surgical Technologist

Newton Medical Center
04.2008 - 06.2008
  • Supervisor: Karen MacAfee - (770)385-4330
  • Certified Surgical Technologist
  • 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.
  • Expedited surgery room turnover times by swiftly preparing operating rooms for subsequent surgeries, maximizing efficiency within the department.
  • 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.
  • Performed accurate instrument counts, preventing potential surgical complications due to retained items.
  • Specialties
  • General, Ortho, Ophthalmology


Education

Pre-Nursing

Mercer University
Atlanta, Ga
01.2025

Bachelor of Science - Health Science

Excelsior College
Albany, NY
08.2017

Certificate - Surgical First Assisting

Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting
Nashville, TN
06.2013

Diploma - Surgical Technologist

Griffin Technical College
Griffin, GA
03.2008

Skills

  • Operating room safety
  • Patient positioning
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Anatomy expertise
  • Critical thinking
  • Sterile technique
  • Infection control protocols
  • Wound closure
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving

Affiliations

  • Perioperative Advisory Committee Team Lead (est.2022)
  • Da Vinci Robotic Team Lead (2019-Present)
  • License Surgical Assistant, DC Medical Board (Received1/2019)
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant through NBSTSA (8/2013-Current)
  • Certified Surgical Technologist through AST, (3/2008-Current)
  • Recognized by OR Nurse Manager for accomplishments and received military coin (2010)
  • President of Surgical Technology Advisory Committee at Griffin Technical College, (5/2008 to2010)
  • Association of Surgical Assisting, Member (2012 to Present)
  • Association of Surgical Technologist, Member (2007 to Present)
  • Student Leadership Counsel, Member (2007 to2010)

Certification

  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)- National Board of Surgical TEchnology ans Surgical Assisting
  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)- National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
  • Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration - Excelsior College
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.


Timeline

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Piedmont Macon Medial Center/Coliseum Medical Center
07.2019 - Current

License Surgical Assistant

Phenom Surgical Assisting
01.2018 - 07.2019

CSFA Independent Contractor

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Self Employed
10.2013 - 12.2017

Certified Surgical Technologist

BTL Technologies
08.2011 - 10.2013

Certified Surgical Technologist (PRN)

CSR Physician Ambulatory Surgical Center
03.2011 - 04.2012

Certified Surgical Technologist

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
12.2008 - 02.2011

Certified Surgical Technologist

Newton Medical Center
04.2008 - 06.2008

Bachelor of Science - Health Science

Excelsior College

Certificate - Surgical First Assisting

Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting

Diploma - Surgical Technologist

Griffin Technical College
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)- National Board of Surgical TEchnology ans Surgical Assisting
  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)- National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
  • Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration - Excelsior College
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.


Pre-Nursing

Mercer University
Whitney Berry