A CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin surgical technologist will spend the next two years representing her profession and her state after being elected to the Association of Surgical Technologists Board of Directors for the Texas State Assembly.
Stefanie Vaughn, certified surgical technologist for the past 15 years, and service line team leader for orthopedics, neurology and podiatry, was elected by a large collection of her peers during the Texas State Assembly held in March.
As one of only 9 board members from across the state, Stefanie will help organize continuing education opportunities to advance the knowledge and skills base of practicing surgical technologists and surgical assistants through local state based workshops. She will also represent the state of Texas during the national conference at the end of May and provide lobbying support for fellow professionals.
Surgical technologists serve as an integral part of the surgical team by preparing the operating room, including the sterile field, and setting up surgical equipment, supplies and solutions. During surgery, surgical technologists pass instruments, fluids and supplies to the surgeon and prepare and manage surgical equipment.
“We have to know the instruments and what they’re used for. We have to anticipate the surgeon’s needs so we need to understand the surgery, as well,” Vaughn said. “We need to know each step of the surgical process so we can immediately have what the surgeon needs. We don’t want there to be any delay. We are involved in saving lives, and it’s a wonderful job.”
After the procedure, the surgical technologist is responsible for performing a count of sponges and supplies to prevent anything being left behind.
System Manager for Sterile Processing Cheryl Green, CRCST, was one of the select keynote speakers during the AST Texas State Assembly in March and addressed the importance of sterile processing in the OR.
“We are the heart and soul of surgery because without us surgery doesn’t work,” Green said. “We are the first step in prevention of any surgical site infections or diseases.”
Both Vaughn and Green plan to use their experience from the state conference to help raise awareness about the important role surgical technologists play in the operating room.
“It’s never the same thing every day; you learn something new every day,” Vaughn said. “The biggest thing that I love about my job is knowing that I have helped someone in a significant way, and helping make them better so they can get back to a more normal life. I am thrilled to serve in this new role and help others like myself learn more about this incredible profession.”
Stefanie Vaughn, (left) certified surgical technologist and service line team leader for orthopedics, neurology and podiatry at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin, was elected by a large collection of her peers during the Texas State Assembly held in March. System Manager for Sterile Processing Cheryl Green, CRCST, (right) was one of the select keynote speakers during the AST Texas State Assembly
About CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial
Memorial provides more than a quarter of a million patient services each year and has a longstanding history of providing quality, innovative health care in East Texas.
With hospitals in Lufkin, Livingston, San Augustine and Memorial Specialty – the area’s only long-term acute care hospital – CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial provides millions of dollars in charity care and community support each year. Our mission is to nurture the healing ministry of the Church, supported by education and research. Fidelity to the Gospel urges us to emphasize human dignity and social justice as we create healthier communities.
Memorial offers a wide array of services, including the area’s first dedicated heart and stroke care facility and radiation oncology at the Temple Cancer Center. It is also known for the area’s only comprehensive diabetes, heart and stroke education center. Other specialty areas include imaging, orthopedic care, women’s services, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, homecare, wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, kidney & diabetes treatment, sleep disorders treatment and express lab.
Memorial Clinics, a division of the health system, employs more than 30 providers in 17 locations across East Texas. Specialties include Family Practice, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Internal Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Allergy/Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat), and Chiropractic Care.
About CHI St. Luke’s Health
CHI St. Luke’s Health, a member of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), is comprised of three markets―CHI St. Luke’s Health is home of the Texas Heart Institute (THI), eight hospitals, eight emergency centers, Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Radiation & CyberKnife Center, and several St. Luke’s Medical Group locations throughout Greater Houston; CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial (three hospitals and a long-term acute care facility in East Texas); and CHI St. Joseph Health (five hospitals and several St. Joseph Medical Group locations across Brazos Valley). In addition, CHI St. Luke’s is a part of a joint venture agreement with Baylor College of Medicine, which encompasses Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Texas Medical Center. Together, CHI St. Luke’s Health, THI, and Baylor College of Medicine are transforming healthcare delivery with a mission to usher in a new era of healthcare to create healthier communities. For more information, visit CHIStLukesHealth.org.