Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Angelia Herrera

Highlands Ranch

Summary

Cardiovascular Certified Surgical Technologist with extensive experience assisting in complex open and minimally invasive cardiovascular surgeries, including CABG, aortic and mitral valve replacements/repairs, ascending aortic dissections, ECMO, Impella placements, and sternal revisions. Highly skilled in maintaining a sterile surgical field, anticipating surgeon needs, and ensuring precision, efficiency, and patient safety in high-acuity environments. Proficient in multiple cannulation techniques (central, femoral, axillary) and well-versed in OR workflow optimization.

Dedicated healthcare professional with a proven track record of excellence in both clinical and leadership roles, including managing group homes and providing specialized care for children with autism. Experienced in staff training, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with strong abilities in monitoring patient treatment responses and implementing physician-directed care plans. Recognized for adaptability, commitment to continuous learning, and delivering compassionate, high-quality patient care in diverse medical settings

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

CST Heart Team

AdventHealth
03.2025 - Current
  • Assist cardiovascular surgeons in complex procedures including CABG, aortic and mitral valve replacements and repairs (both open and minimally invasive approaches), ascending aortic dissections, ECMO cannulations, Impella device placements, sternal washouts, and sternal plating revisions.
  • Experienced in multiple cannulation techniques, including central, femoral, and axillary approaches.
  • Prepare and maintain the sterile field, ensuring proper instrumentation, equipment, and supplies are available and functioning for each case.
  • Anticipate surgeon and procedural needs, passing instruments and supplies with precision to maintain efficiency and sterility throughout operations.
  • Select, assemble, and verify surgical instruments and supplies, ensuring surgeon preference cards are accurate and up-to-date.
  • Handle, care for, and properly process surgical instruments including decontamination, sterilization, and storage.
  • Support the broader OR team by providing breaks, assisting with turnover between cases, and collaborating with anesthesia, nursing, and perfusion teams.
  • Maintain strict adherence to aseptic technique and patient safety standards, contributing to optimal surgical outcomes.

Key Skills & Techniques: Cardiothoracic surgery, open & minimally invasive valve replacements/repairs (AVR & MVR), CABG procedures, ECMO, Impella, cannulation (central, femoral, axillary), instrument management, sterile technique, OR workflow optimization.

Cardiovascular Certified Surgical Technologist

Hendrick Health
09.2024 - Current
  • Assist the surgical team during complex cardiovascular surgeries, ensuring patient safety and a sterile environment throughout the procedure.
  • Set up surgical instruments and equipment, assisting the surgeon as needed during operations.
  • Specialized in assisting with surgeries such as: Carotid Endarterectomies, Femoropopliteal bypass, Thoracotomy coarctation, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).
  • Completed clinical rotations at Hendrick Medical Center and Texas Midway Surgery, performing procedures in the first scrub role across various specialties, including OB/GYN, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, otolaryngology, general surgery, ophthalmology, and orthopedics.
  • Rotated through sterile processing, gaining knowledge of aseptic techniques, instruments for different specialties, and how to properly decontaminate and sterilize surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies.
  • Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure patient safety and optimize procedure efficiency.
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning by eagerly participating in clinical rotations and maintaining strong work ethic and punctuality.
  • Contributed to successful surgical outcomes by applying clinical knowledge to assist in complex surgeries.
  • My clinical experience includes:
  • Completed clinical rotations at multiple Hendrick Medical Center facilities and Texas Midway Surgery.
  • Performed surgical procedures in the first scrub role across various specialties.
  • Enhanced surgical skills and knowledge through hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings.
  • Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure patient safety and procedure efficiency.
  • Applied clinical knowledge to assist in complex surgeries, contributing to successful outcomes.
  • Eagerly participated in clinical rotations, demonstrating strong work ethic, punctuality, and a commitment to continuous learning.
  • Completed 120 surgical procedures in the following specialties:
  • OB/GYN
  • Neurosurgery
  • Plastic surgery
  • Otolaryngology
  • General surgery
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopedics

Group Home Manager

Avid Quality Care
01.2015 - 11.2022
  • Led training programs for new and current staff, ensuring compliance with state regulations and enhancing team efficiency.
  • Administered medication, managed daily documentation, and maintained strict adherence to state laws and regulations.
  • Fostered professional relationships with families, physicians, and staff, contributing to a cohesive, supportive environment for both residents and staff.
  • Monitored and updated clients' dietary needs and adaptive equipment, ensuring accuracy in inventory management and client care.
  • Managed client budgets and home funds, consistently meeting financial targets and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Provided specialized care for children with autism, developing individualized care plans and ensuring their needs were met in a supportive environment.
  • Continuously monitored clients’ responses to treatment through data collection methods written and supervised by physicians, adjusting care plans as necessary.

Direct Support Professional

Denton State School
01.2011 - 01.2015
  • Trained new hires on company policies, procedures, and best practices, ensuring high standards of care.
  • Communicated and documented client behaviors, working closely with managers to create and enforce behavior plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
  • Encouraged active treatment and supported clients in daily activities, promoting their independence and development.
  • Utilized several communication methods, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), sign language, and visual aids, to engage effectively with individuals with special needs.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals and families to address client needs, improving client satisfaction and care outcomes.
  • Maintained detailed records and contributed to the development and revision of client care plans and protocols.

Education

Associates - Health Science

Cisco College
Abilene, TX
08.2024

Skills

  • Anatomy and Physiology Knowledge
  • Sterile Technique and Infection Control
  • Surgical Procedures Support
  • Attention to Detail
  • Patient Safety and Care
  • Team Collaboration
  • Documentation and Record Keeping
  • Time Sensitivity and Pressure
  • Regulatory Knowledge
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Medical Terminology
  • Autism Care & Behavioral Support
  • Data Collection & Treatment Monitoring
  • Active Treatment & Communication Methods
  • Strong observation skills
  • Adaptability
  • Patience and teamwork

Certification

  • Certified Surgical Technologist (AST), AST, July 2024
  • Certification #100277223
  • BLS

Timeline

CST Heart Team

AdventHealth
03.2025 - Current

Cardiovascular Certified Surgical Technologist

Hendrick Health
09.2024 - Current

Group Home Manager

Avid Quality Care
01.2015 - 11.2022

Direct Support Professional

Denton State School
01.2011 - 01.2015

Associates - Health Science

Cisco College
Angelia Herrera