- Camping
- Hiking
- Gardening
- Volunteering with Northwest Little League, youth sports program
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Enjoy participating in dance fitness for overall physical and mental well-being
Amber Howard
Marietta,SC
Summary
Experienced healthcare professional with a strong background in patient safety monitoring and policy compliance. Proven ability to train junior staff and streamline communication among healthcare teams, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Specialty Tech
Prisma Health
08.2018 - 01.2019
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes in patient conditions for timely interventions.
- Assisted with daily living activities, enhancing patient comfort and quality of care.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate documentation and streamlined communication.
- Participated in infection control measures to maintain a safe healthcare environment.
- Engaged in continuous learning opportunities to enhance nursing skills and knowledge base.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable healing environment by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Assisted physicians in performing diagnostic tests and procedures to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Streamlined communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive understanding of care plans.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Assisted with diagnostic procedures and equipment maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
- Supported patient care by preparing and organizing medical supplies and instruments.
- Implemented safety protocols to maintain a clean and sterile work environment.
- Participated in training sessions to improve technical skills and knowledge of procedures.
- Executed venipuncture procedures to collect blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Executed point of care testing procedures to ensure timely and accurate patient diagnostics.
- Conducting EKG testing to ensure accurate cardiac monitoring.
Specimen Center Coordinator
Prisma Health
04.2010 - 08.2015
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring adherence to healthcare regulations and organizational policies.
- Managed inventory control systems for medical supplies, reducing costs while maintaining adequate stock levels.
- Conducted routine laboratory tests to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Maintained laboratory equipment, performing regular calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency and reduced sample turnaround time.
- Trained junior technicians on laboratory protocols and equipment operation, fostering a collaborative environment.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in test results by following strict quality control procedures.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
- Contributed to a safe working environment by consistently following established safety procedures and guidelines within the lab setting.
- Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
- Performed routine lab and department maintenance to keep area clean and orderly.
- Trained new laboratory personnel to apply proper laboratory techniques and best practices.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Prepared samples for shipping and disposed of bodily fluids in proper containers.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Fulfilled continuing education requirements promptly to enhance professional qualifications.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Prisma Health
08.2007 - 04.2010
- Collected blood specimens following established protocols to ensure patient safety and sample integrity.
- Performed venipunctures and capillary draws with a focus on minimizing patient discomfort and anxiety.
- Maintained accurate records of patient information and specimen handling to support laboratory operations.
- Trained and mentored junior staff in phlebotomy techniques and best practices, enhancing team performance.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to coordinate blood collection schedules, improving workflow efficiency.
- Implemented infection control procedures, contributing to a safe environment for patients and staff alike.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory guidelines and quality standards during all aspects of blood collection activities.
- Maintained sterile environments for safe and effective sample collection, reducing contamination risks.
- Consistently followed hospital protocol for proper disposal of biohazardous waste materials, ensuring safety compliance.
- Enhanced patient comfort by maintaining a calm and professional demeanor during blood draw procedures.
- Validated blood and specimen collection orders, alerting nurses, or physicians of discrepancies between order and nursing station logs.
- Evaluated and determined the most appropriate venipuncture site to minimize patient discomfort during blood collection procedures.
- Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Demonstrated adaptability in handling various types of patients, including pediatrics, geriatrics, and special needs individuals.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay up to date on new technologies and procedures.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Performed venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Reviewed and processed requisitions for laboratory tests.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
Education
No Degree - Phlebotomy Certification
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, South Carolina06-2007
GED -
Easley High School
Easley, South CarolinaSkills
- Direct patient care
- Clinical documentation
- Infection control
- Pediatric care
- Geriatric care
- Triage assessment
- Phlebotomy techniques
- Patient safety monitoring
- Policy and procedure compliance
- Student training
- Workflow and patient management
- HIPAA protocol adherence
Certification
Certified Phlebotomist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Interests
Timeline
Nurse Specialty Tech
Prisma Health
08.2018 - 01.2019
Specimen Center Coordinator
Prisma Health
04.2010 - 08.2015
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Prisma Health
08.2007 - 04.2010
No Degree - Phlebotomy Certification
Greenville Technical College
GED -
Easley High School