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Yvette Hernandez was a manager in Brigham Medical Specialties when she took a tour of the Operating Room for the first time. “I just knew it was for me,” said Hernandez, who has worked at BWH for eight years.
When she began exploring a career change, she was supported by the hospital in pursuing training as a surgical technologist. “I went through the program offered by BWH Workforce Development and Mass Bay Community College, and I began in May as a surgical technologist,” she said. “I love the people, and working with patients is great.”
Hernandez and all surgical technologists were celebrated last week during National Surgical Technologist Week. “We appreciate the work surgical technologists do on behalf of our patients,” said Peggy Doyle, MSN, RN, director of Perioperative Nursing, during a special breakfast for surgical technologists. “We value your skill and dedication every day and, today, we formally acknowledge your contributions during Surgical Technologist Week.”
Surgical technologists play a pivotal role in the more than 30,000 procedures performed at BWH each year. They prepare the instruments and other supplies for the various surgical procedures. They are vigilant in maintaining the integrity of the sterile field.
The work is extremely rewarding, according to Katia Preval, who began at BWH two weeks ago. “It’s wonderful to help people feel better,” she said.
During the breakfast, the names of three surgical technologists were drawn from a hat. Carol Belle, Lauren Balerna and Rachelle Bourdeau were the lucky winners of a membership to the Association of Surgical Technologists.