Her Story
About Yanilda
Yanilda Robinson serves as a certified surgical technologist for total joint and neurosurgery at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut. She has spent 20 years in the hospital industry, including the past 7 years at her current employer. Her expertise centers on patient care and customer service. Robinson earned an associate's degree as a medical assistant from Monroe College in 2005 and a bachelor's degree in business administration in healthcare with a minor in public health from the same institution in 2009. She is currently pursuing a master's in science in healthcare administration at Monroe University, with an expected graduation in December 2026. In addition to her surgical technologist certification, which she has held for the past 10 years after being grandparented into the role, Robinson maintains certifications as a registered central technologist, instrument specialist, and in healthcare leadership, as well as BLS. She is a member of AST, AORN, and HSPA. Robinson attributes her success to her children, who motivate her to pursue further education while balancing multiple jobs. She values honesty and empathy in her work, advising others to love what they do, continue learning through seminars and conferences, and avoid taking things personally to maintain performance.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yanilda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe my children. My children are the ones that keep me pushing. I'm actually went back to school to finish my master's because my son just went he just started college and I you'll see me as older person another woman working 2-3 jobs and it's still going to school and getting a degree. They are the ones that are behind my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't take it personal. The first one that I received was don't take it personal. I don't take anything personal because then I can't perform.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to love what you do. If you do not love what you do you're never going to provide the best care especially in the hospital setting especially in the operating room. Never stay in one spot. Do research go back to school you know better yourself. Go to seminars go to conference. Don't take anything personal.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenge is long hours standing for too long physically and mentally. Opportunities include knowing your body knowing when to say okay right now I need to take a step back understanding how to work your body in an ergonomic way. Take mental days and do things that can help you to relax like painting or cooking.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the first one. Have empathy. Honesty to correct myself when I contaminate something. Be honest to yourself and you have to be honest to others. Empathy because in my business you are dealing with a lot of stress.
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