CHERIE CARTAGENA
Philadelphia,Pennsylvania
Summary
A position where my extensive experience can contribute to your customers' satisfaction and your company's success.
Dedicated employee known for punctuality, pursuing employment options where good customer service and positive attitude will make a difference.
Flexible hard worker ready to learn and contribute to team success.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Technician
Zoetis Reference Laboratory
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Performed patient testing on all laboratory analyzers including Advia, Immulite, Novus, Stago,Beckman Au
- Performed routine lab and department maintenance to keep area clean and orderly.
- Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
- Performed weekly and monthly maintenance on all Laboratory equipment.
- Trained new associates in laboratory procedures and standards.
- Kept laboratory supplies prepared by inventorying stock, placing orders and verifying receipt.
- Submitted weekly Quality control reports.
Clinical Laboratory Technician
University of Pennsylvania Hospital
01.2017 - 02.2020
- Preparation and processing various of Laboratory specimens in various departments including blood bank , cytology ,immunology ,chemistry and hematology.
- Drew blood from patients to collect samples using venipuncture and following aseptic techniques.
- Documented and updated patient data on electronic medical charts, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
- Observed and recorded vital signs and reported changes to physicians or nurses.
- Prepared specific send-out lab samples for shipping to outside vendors.
- Provided excellent patient support and care to patients and families.
- Cleaned and sterilized lab area, tools and equipment.
- Followed laboratory guidelines for handling biological specimens.
Cytology Prep Technician
Temple University Hospital
12.2013 - 09.2016
- Enters orders,receives specimens,prepares specimens.
- Accurately stains gynecological and non-gynecological specimens by hand and machine.
- Files and maintains cytology slides.
- Stocks prep room supplies.
- Performs daily and weekly maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Assessed cell samples to identify abnormalities, documented findings and submitted detailed reports.
- Applied special staining techniques differentiate cells and cell components to prepare samples.
- Adhered to defined laboratory standards regarding specimen collection and processing to facilitate accurate and precise results.
- Analyzed Papanicolaou smear body fluids and fine needle aspiration samples to detect abnormal conditions.
- Supported pathologists by providing patient data drafting reports.
- Promoted lab safety and protected personnel by observing rules and posted safety hazard warnings.
Specimen Processing Specialist
Temple University Hospital
01.2010 - 11.2013
- Received specimens for processing, checked all patients and their specimens for positive identifiers before processing.
- Delivered specimens to appropriate or designated area.
- Assures that all lab specimens are placed in approved containers according to hospital and laboratory policies.
- Performed venipuncture, bleeding times and heel sticks on patients.
Medical Assistant
Temple University Hospital Gastrology
03.2007 - 12.2009
- Chart review, performed venipunture, vital signs, entered patient medications into computer system.
- Performed preliminary physical tests to accurately record results in patient history summary.
- Scheduled appointments for patients via phone and in person.
- Interviewed and engaged patients to obtain medical history, chief complaints and vital signs.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patients by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
- Educated patients about medications, procedures and physician's instructions.
- Organized charts, documents and supplies to maintain team productivity.
- Secured patient information and maintained patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records.
- Assessed, documented and monitored vital signs for patients within outpatient setting.
Medical Assistant/ Phlebotomist
Temple University Cancer Center
07.1993 - 03.2009
- Performed venipunture, vital signs, chart review for possible canidates for studies.
- Performed preliminary physical tests to accurately record results in patient history summary.
- Interviewed and engaged patients to obtain medical history, chief complaints and vital signs.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patients by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
- Organized charts, documents and supplies to maintain team productivity.
- Followed all principles of asepsis and infection control to meet patient safety guidelines.
- Partnered with healthcare and administrative staff to create patient-centered, inviting and supportive environment for patients and families.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia , Pa
10.2023 - Current
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Education
Bachelor - Science
LaSalle University
Philadelphia, PA01.2007
Certificate, Medical Assistant -
Thompson Institute
Philadelphia, PA01.1993
Skills
- Contributing Team Player
- Blood and Tissue Sample Collection
- Aseptic Techniques
- Quality control monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Safety Monitoring
- Automated Laboratory Testing
- Reagent Mixing
- Problem Solving
- Chart and Graph Preparation
- New Staff Training
- Medical Research
- Sample Collection Techniques
- Instrument Calibration
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Scientist
University of Pennsylvania
10.2023 - Current
Laboratory Technician
Zoetis Reference Laboratory
01.2022 - 12.2023
Clinical Laboratory Technician
University of Pennsylvania Hospital
01.2017 - 02.2020
Cytology Prep Technician
Temple University Hospital
12.2013 - 09.2016
Specimen Processing Specialist
Temple University Hospital
01.2010 - 11.2013
Medical Assistant
Temple University Hospital Gastrology
03.2007 - 12.2009
Medical Assistant/ Phlebotomist
Temple University Cancer Center
07.1993 - 03.2009
Bachelor - Science
LaSalle University
Certificate, Medical Assistant -
Thompson Institute
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