Candice Hatcher-Bush
Katy,TX
Summary
Detail-oriented Laboratory Manager with proven expertise in leadership and operational planning, recognized for implementing efficient processes that enhance productivity. Known for strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to maintaining high quality standards. Seeks to leverage these skills to drive continuous improvement in laboratory operations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LABORATORY MANAGER
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, TX
11.2021 - Current
- Direct staffing logistics of a 45-member staff.
- Conduct individual performance reviews.
- Monitor staff proficiency aligned with CAP guidelines.
- Implement strategies to minimize identified risks in phlebotomy activities.
- Ensure compassionate patient interactions while maintaining confidentiality.
- Engage multi-disciplinary staff in efforts to optimize healthcare delivery.
- Enhance team performance through consistent coaching and supervision.
- Resolve complex customer concerns necessitating managerial attention.
- Promote collaboration by resolving conflicts between team members.
- Oversee operations ensuring adherence to budget constraints.
- Facilitate group activities to foster a positive work environment.
- Coordinate improvements in operational workflows for superior patient outcomes.
- Review and assess staff processes, reducing hazards posed for residents and staff while promoting regulatory compliance
- Address discrepancies related to specimen collections.
MICROBIOLOGY/MOLECULAR TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR
LabCorp
Houston, TX
05.2019 - 11.2021
- Led and scheduled 36 direct reports, including Leads, Senior Techs, Techs and Lab Assistants.
- Established a high-capacity testing unit for COVID-19, processing 8,000 samples each day.
- Validated assays for COVID, GC/Chlamydia, Trichomonas and HPV using Hologic Panther instruments.
- Managed processing and culture reading of 100,000 Microbiology specimens monthly.
- Aligned departmental objectives with organizational targets.
- Verified accuracy in finished work to meet standards.
- Offered specialized knowledge on uncommon technical issues.
- Utilized expertise in principles and theories of technical methodologies.
- Executed daily departmental goals ensuring alignment with corporate and managerial standards.
- Contributed to operational cost reduction by advising on alternative services.
- Monitored departmental staff during workload fluctuations.
- Maintained compliance with CLIA, CAP and ISO standards.
- Collaborated with Discipline Directors to enhance Standard Operating Procedures.
- Held weekly department meetings to share updates, foster team cohesion and gather suggestions.
SENIOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST-MICROBIOLOGY
Baylor CHI St. Luke's Health
Houston, TX
01.2019 - 10.2020
- Guided team members in their tasks to maintain efficient workflow.
- Led training sessions for novice Medical Technologists focusing on lab techniques and machinery use.
- Generated comprehensive QC reports for supervisory and pathologist assessments.
- Conducted daily rounds alongside Infectious Disease Doctors to aid in patient care.
- Expertly read and analyzed plate SOCs, wound samples, blood specimens, urine cultures, and AFB slides.
- Enhanced organism identification process with the application of MALDI-TOF technology and biochemical testing.
- Conducted and analyzed results from Kirby-Bauer assays, E-tests, and antimicrobial susceptibility panels.
- Participated in external proficiency testing programs as required by regulatory agencies.
- Engaged in leadership forums.
- Participated in research initiatives focused on LVAD patient care.
- Maintained a safe, clean working environment by adhering to safety policies and procedures.
- Assisted in the accreditation and certification process of the laboratory, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
LEAD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST-MICROBIOLOGY
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS
02.2017 - 01.2019
- Executed laboratory tests specializing in Bacteriology, Mycology, and Parasitology.
- Detected various bacteria and other related organisms accurately.
- Competently analyzed and interpreted plates from diverse specimen sources such as urines, blood cultures, wounds, body fluids and more.
- Validated sensitivity metrics and reference ranges for testing protocols.
- Resolved issues with instrumentation, culture media, chemicals, reagents and stains.
- Managed the operations of Bac-T Alert machine to detect blood culture status.
- Exhibited comprehensive understanding of patient preparation policies and procedures.
- Contributed to preparation and submission of comprehensive laboratory, departmental and staff statistics.
- Proficient in Epic healthcare software.
- Guided, mentored, and onboarded new staff and students in microbiology lab.
- Supported coordination of CAP surveys.
- Completed weekly and monthly maintenance.
- Pursued continuous education to upgrade technical abilities.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST (GENERALIST)
Merit Health River Region Medical Center
Vicksburg, MS
08.2013 - 02.2017
- Contributed to workflows of diverse units covering Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Blood Bank.
- Conducted blood group testing to prepare blood components for transfusions.
- Applied techniques in plating and streaking to detect organisms.
- Carried out moderate to high complexity analyses on all body fluids.
- Utilized automated equipment and computerized instruments.
- Handled various laboratory tools such as microscopes and cell counters.
- Documented temperature readings for refrigerators and freezers.
- Ensured prompt completion and thorough reporting of all tests, maintaining meticulous documentation.
- Performed daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance on instruments.
- Notified section supervisor regarding instrument failures, QC problems and abnormal patient outcomes.
- Followed established guidelines to uphold safety and cleanliness.
- Ensured compliance with confidentiality protocols for sensitive data.
Education
Master of Public Health - Public Health Concentration: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS, USA01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS, USA01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS, United States01.2011
Skills
- Team leader
- Extensive microbiology laboratory experience
- Strong clinical judgment
- Infection control and prevention
- Experience in using Cerner and Epic for recording patient results
- Experienced user of SPSS and SAS
- Quality Assurance controls
- Staff training and development
- Certified in OSHA safety standards
- Participated in CAP inspection initiatives
- Certified Medical Technologist (AMT)
- Six Sigma Green Belt Certified
- The University Physicians Pathology award recipient: The University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2013
- Awarded Laboratorian of the Year at LabCorp, 2020
Certification
- Certified Medical Technologist, American Medical Technologist, 2675550
- OSHA (General Industry Safety Health) Certified
- Six Sigma Green Belt Certified, Management and Strategy Institute, 2021, 73268839
- High Performance Teams Certified, Management and Strategy Institute, 2021, 73268838
Accomplishments
Trained new staff on laboratory instrumentation, such as Vitek II, MALDI-TOF, Biofire (FilmArray System) Sensititre, MicroScan, Exalenz (Breath Bags) and Cepheid Infinity, Panther Fusion, Virtuo, Sysmex XT 400i, BioRad(D-10), Osmometer3320, Sysmex CA 1500, Clinitek Atlas 5002, Siemens Dimension EXL-with LM, Siemens Versacell X3 and Centaur XP to ensure consistent quality and precision.
Awards
- LabCorp-Laboratorian of the Year, 2020
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center-University Physicians: Department of Pathology Award, 2013
Activities
- Chair, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Council, 2023-2024
- Cochair, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Council, 2022-2023
- Phlebotomy Instructor, Houston Methodist Medical Laboratory Science Program
Timeline
LABORATORY MANAGER
Houston Methodist Hospital
11.2021 - Current
MICROBIOLOGY/MOLECULAR TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR
LabCorp
05.2019 - 11.2021
SENIOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST-MICROBIOLOGY
Baylor CHI St. Luke's Health
01.2019 - 10.2020
LEAD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST-MICROBIOLOGY
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
02.2017 - 01.2019
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST (GENERALIST)
Merit Health River Region Medical Center
08.2013 - 02.2017
Master of Public Health - Public Health Concentration: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Jackson State University
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
Mississippi College
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