Carissa Kessler
Medical Laboratory Scientist, (A.S.C.P.), Generalist
Sioux Falls,SD
Summary
- Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
- Seasoned MLS ready to contribute to the labs' diagnostic performance and safety records. Dedicated to providing rapid turnaround times without sacrificing personnel safety or diagnostic accuracy. Keen adopter of emerging lab techniques and advanced diagnostic technologies. Sharp and focused professional offering skills as a Generalist laboratory scientist and technical applications.
Overview
3
3
Certifications
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist
Scott County Hospital
2019.06 - 2024.05
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry, coagulation, molecular, urinalysis, serology, blood bank, and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
- Lead tech, full time day shift, responsible for taking call as needed and covering call for high complexity testing.
- Policy development, writing, and implementation.
- QA/AI coordinator and IQCP developer.
- Instrument maintenance, preventative care, and troubleshooting issues related to instrumentation mitigating impact on patient results.
- Supported patient care, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams for successful outcomes.
- Lead trainer, mentoring junior staff members, sharing expertise through hands-on training and guidance on best practices in the lab setting.
- Maintained accurate documentation of instrument maintenance and results, ensuring data integrity and facilitating easy access for future reference or audits.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism by following strict HIPAA guidelines when handling patient information and test results.
- Increased patient satisfaction through timely and accurate diagnostic results.
- Performed pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing procedures.
- Led quality control diagnostic testing, documenting variances in results and blood product performance.
- Reduced errors in data analysis with meticulous attention to detail and stringent quality control measures.
- Conducted routine maintenance on lab equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime due to malfunctions.
Lead Night Medical Laboratory Scientist
Citizens Medical Center
2018.10 - 2024.05
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry, coagulation, molecular, urinalysis, serology, blood bank, and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
- Lead tech, night shift, focusing on machine maintenance, calibrations and QC and patient care. Working independently to maintain laboratory operations.
- Department supervisor for Hematology, Coagulation, Serology, and POC testing. Including, but not limited to: instrument maintenance, QC submission, software updates, ordering supplies, and training new hires.
- Clinical Instructor and lead trainer for new hires. Mentored new staff members, providing training on laboratory techniques and best practices for efficient workflow management.
- Reduced errors in test results by implementing rigorous quality control measures.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism by following strict HIPAA guidelines when handling patient information and test results.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance targets related to accuracy, efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction metrics within the lab setting.
- Documented test results using computerized and manual transcription methods.
- Performed pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing procedures.
- Measured and assessed antibodies in blood to indicate conditions.
- Analyzed cultures using molecular-based and biochemical techniques.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and diagnostic techniques.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Avera Heart Hospital Of South Dakota
2024.07 - Current
- Maintained accurate documentation of instrument maintenance and results, ensuring data integrity and facilitating easy access for future reference or audits.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism by following strict HIPAA guidelines when handling patient information and test results.
- Increase patient satisfaction through timely and accurate diagnostic results. Performed pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing procedures.
- Perform quality control diagnostic testing, documenting variances in results and blood product performance. Reduce errors in data analysis with meticulous attention to detail and stringent quality control measures.
- Conduct routine maintenance on lab equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime due to malfunctions
Education
Associate of Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Seward County Community College
Liberal, KS 2001.05 -
Bachelor of Arts - English
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS 2001.05 -
Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Quality Control management
- Policy writing and implementation
- Laboratory techniques
- QA/QI and IQCP studies and adherence
- Interpersonal Skills
- Chemical Handling and Sample Preparation
- Laboratory Management
Certification
MLS - Medical Laboratory Scientist, A.S.C.P
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Avera Heart Hospital Of South Dakota
2024.07 - Current
Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist
Scott County Hospital
2019.06 - 2024.05
Lead Night Medical Laboratory Scientist
Citizens Medical Center
2018.10 - 2024.05
Associate of Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Seward County Community College
2001.05 -
Bachelor of Arts - English
Emporia State University
2001.05 -