Leading Change in the Operating Room: Elevating a Critical Profession Through Certification 

In this episode of Wednesdays with Wade, Wade Delk, Executive Vice President of Government Services and Customer Success at OpenEyes Technologies, welcomes Robin Jenkins, CEO of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). 

With over 50 years of history and more than 86,000 certificants nationwide, NBSTSA plays a vital role in ensuring the competency of surgical technologists and surgical assistants who support operating room teams across the U.S. Robin, just ten months into her tenure shares insights into leading change, building trust, and advancing a profession that is essential to patient safety. 

Key Takeaways 

1. Listening First Builds Trust 

For Robin, the first step wasn’t to make changes; it was to understand the people and culture that drive the mission. 

“If I didn’t listen to them, I wouldn’t know what direction to go in.” 

Through listening tours, surveys, and school visits, she is strengthening relationships and ensuring certificants feel represented and heard. 

2. Visibility Matters, Especially for the Unseen 

Surgical technologists and assistants rarely meet patients, yet they work directly in open surgical fields. 

“They play a vital role but many people don’t know who they are or what they do.” 

Raising public awareness is essential for recognition, respect, and professional advancement. 

3. The Wrong Training Puts Patients at Risk 

Workforce shortages have led some institutions to adopt short-course 10–12 week programs that lack proper surgical training. 

Robin warns: 

“They haven’t been in an operating room. They don’t have the required clinical hours. And that puts patients at risk.” 

NBSTSA continues to defend the value of accredited education and certification that proves real competency. 

4. Advocacy Is Now a Strategic Priority 

With fourteen U.S. jurisdictions already regulating the profession, momentum toward licensure is growing. 

Robin is preparing to increase NBSTSA’s legislative presence to: 

• Protect patient safety 

• Ensure certified professionals are recognized and utilized correctly 

• Combat misinformation about professional standards 

And with thousands of certificants ready to take action, the community is energized. 

5. Certification Strengthens Outcomes and Confidence 

Surgeons and healthcare leaders consistently express preference for NBSTSA-certified practitioners because the standard is proven. 

Wade notes: 

“Who wouldn’t want the most qualified person standing beside the surgeon during a procedure?” 

Certification elevates care quality and reduces the burden on other clinical team members. 

6. Engagement Creates Community and Pride 

From stronger social media presence to stakeholder collaboration, Robin wants certificants to see that NBSTSA has their back. 

“They want their certification to be visible. They want people to understand the difference it makes.” 

Belonging fuels resilience especially in an evolving healthcare environment. 

7. The Mission Is Personal 

While the work is serious, Robin remains rooted in positivity and connection and even a bit of sports fandom. 

Time with friends. Time with family and always cheering on Washington’s football team. 

“Positive energy goes a long way.” 

Final Thought 

A safer operating room requires qualified, certified, and trusted surgical support professionals to ensure that the future is exactly what Robin is building with the community, for the community. 

Listen to the Full Episode 

Join Wade and Robin for a deeper dive into advocacy, certification, and how leadership can elevate an entire profession, from the OR to the policy arena.