Cherie Ellis
Summary
Highly-skilled phlebotomist with 20 years of experience in healthcare settings. Provides compassionate and professional care. Proficient in collecting blood specimens and processing for further analysis.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Phlebotomist Technician
Talecris Plasma Center
Sioux Falls, SD
08.2023 - 09.2025
- Collected blood samples using venipuncture and capillary techniques to ensure accurate results.
- Maintained patient confidentiality and adhered to safety protocols during specimen collection.
- Assisted in preparing specimens for laboratory analysis, ensuring proper labeling and documentation.
- Engaged with patients to explain procedures, alleviating anxiety and ensuring comfort during blood draws.
- Collaborated with healthcare team members to streamline patient flow and improve collection efficiency.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate data entry and management of patient information.
- Participated in training sessions on phlebotomy best practices and compliance regulations.
- Demonstrated adaptability by learning new techniques and equipment quickly in a fast-paced environment.
- Reduced patient anxiety through compassionate communication and expert venipuncture techniques.
- Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
- Continuously updated phlebotomy knowledge through professional development courses, ensuring best practices were upheld.
- Upheld HIPAA compliance through careful management of confidential patient records and lab results.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Minimized patient discomfort during blood draws by utilizing proper tourniquet application, needle selection, and insertion techniques.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate blood collection services.
- Strengthened rapport with patients using clear explanations of procedures to alleviate concerns or confusion.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Assisted in training new phlebotomists, sharing expertise on proper technique and safety protocols.
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by processing, labeling, and storing specimens according to established protocols.
- Improved team productivity by cross-training in various laboratory tasks, including centrifugation, urinalysis, and recordkeeping.
- Expanded availability for blood draws by working flexible hours, including weekends and holidays when necessary.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the workplace through active participation in staff meetings and team-building activities.
- Streamlined the specimen tracking process with meticulous documentation of all collected samples.
- Mitigated risk factors within the lab setting by strictly adhering to OSHA regulations regarding biohazardous waste disposal.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay up to date on new technologies and procedures.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
- Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
- Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
- Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Participated in quality assurance and competency assessment initiatives.
- Assisted in training and onboarding new phlebotomists.
- Provided guidance and support to laboratory personnel.
Phlebotomist
North Central Heart
Sioux Falls, SD
04.2015 - 03.2019
- Collected blood specimens using venipuncture and capillary techniques, ensuring patient comfort and adherence to safety protocols.
- Processed and labeled samples accurately for laboratory testing, maintaining high standards of quality control.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to coordinate patient schedules and streamline specimen collection workflows.
- Educated patients on procedures, addressing concerns and providing post-collection care instructions effectively.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas, adhering to OSHA regulations for infection control.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced the efficiency of blood draw operations within clinical settings.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
- Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Increased patient satisfaction rates through consistent delivery of professional phlebotomy services tailored to individual needs.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
- Actively engaged with patients to educate them on proper post-draw care, reducing potential complications and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
- Supported quality assurance efforts by diligently documenting all relevant information during the collection process, ensuring accurate test results for patients and providers alike.
- Assisted in streamlining the specimen processing workflow for increased efficiency and reduced wait times for patients.
- Adapted to diverse patient needs by employing variety of blood collection techniques.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sterilization of phlebotomy equipment, ensuring patient safety.
- Reduced patient wait times by implementing effective appointment scheduling system.
- Improved patient comfort and trust with compassionate communication and professional bedside manner.
- Enhanced patient experience by performing blood draws quickly and efficiently.
- Assisted in development of phlebotomy training manual, standardizing procedures and improving training efficiency.
- Contributed to maintenance of patient records, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information was available for healthcare providers.
- Identified veins suitable for venipuncture with precision, minimizing discomfort for patients.
- Enhanced team collaboration by participating in regular meetings to discuss improvements in phlebotomy practices.
- Collected, labeled, and processed blood samples for variety of tests, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to laboratory.
- Provided clear post-draw instructions to patients, enhancing their understanding and compliance with care instructions.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to prioritize urgent blood draws, ensuring timely analysis for critical care decisions.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing gentle care and empathetic support during blood collection procedures.
- Participated in continuous education programs to stay updated on latest phlebotomy techniques and safety standards.
- Ensured proper identification and documentation of samples, significantly reducing instances of mislabeling.
- Verified proper storage and transportation of specimens to laboratories.
- Reviewed and processed requisitions for laboratory tests.
- Validated blood and specimen collection orders, alerting nurses, or physicians of discrepancies between order and nursing station logs.
- Performed laboratory tests to assist physicians in diagnosis.
- Handled insurance verification tasks using [Software] and [Software] to validate patient insurance information.
- 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.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay up to date on new technologies and procedures.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
- Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Participated in quality assurance and competency assessment initiatives.
Phlebotomist
Independent Phlebotomy Services
Sioux Falls, SD
05.2008 - 06.2015
- Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
- Provided support to laboratory staff, facilitating prompt analysis of collected samples for expedited results delivery.
- Performed venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve phlebotomy processes.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
- Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
- Collected blood specimens using venipuncture and capillary techniques, ensuring patient comfort and adherence to safety protocols.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to coordinate patient schedules and streamline specimen collection workflows.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas, adhering to OSHA regulations for infection control.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced the efficiency of blood draw operations within clinical settings.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
- Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Increased patient satisfaction rates through consistent delivery of professional phlebotomy services tailored to individual needs.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
- Supported quality assurance efforts by diligently documenting all relevant information during the collection process, ensuring accurate test results for patients and providers alike.
- Assisted in streamlining the specimen processing workflow for increased efficiency and reduced wait times for patients.
- Adapted to diverse patient needs by employing variety of blood collection techniques.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sterilization of phlebotomy equipment, ensuring patient safety.
- Improved patient comfort and trust with compassionate communication and professional bedside manner.
- Enhanced patient experience by performing blood draws quickly and efficiently.
- Identified veins suitable for venipuncture with precision, minimizing discomfort for patients.
- Enhanced team collaboration by participating in regular meetings to discuss improvements in phlebotomy practices.
- Collected, labeled, and processed blood samples for variety of tests, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to laboratory.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to prioritize urgent blood draws, ensuring timely analysis for critical care decisions.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing gentle care and empathetic support during blood collection procedures.
- Participated in continuous education programs to stay updated on latest phlebotomy techniques and safety standards.
- Ensured proper identification and documentation of samples, significantly reducing instances of mislabeling.
- Verified proper storage and transportation of specimens to laboratories.
- Reviewed and processed requisitions for laboratory tests.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
Phlebotomist
Sanford USD Medical Center
Sioux Falls, SD
01.2000 - 04.2010
- Supported training of new phlebotomists by sharing best practices and demonstrating efficient techniques in sample collection.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, ensuring timely restocking to support uninterrupted phlebotomy services.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Ensured uninterrupted service by properly maintaining phlebotomy equipment, including centrifuges, needles, and tourniquets.
- Conducted venipuncture and other CT procedures.
- Participated in cross-training initiatives, bolstering the overall skill set of the team and promoting a collaborative work environment.
- Contributed to the development of phlebotomy training materials, enhancing the skillset of new employees and improving overall team performance.
- Trained new phlebotomists in proper blood collection techniques and safety protocols, elevating overall quality of care.
- Supported laboratory technicians by preparing and organizing samples for analysis, facilitating smoother workflow.
- Provided guidance and support to laboratory personnel.
- Processed and labeled samples accurately for laboratory testing, maintaining high standards of quality control.
- Validated blood and specimen collection orders, alerting nurses, or physicians of discrepancies between order and nursing station logs.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay up to date on new technologies and procedures.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
- Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Participated in quality assurance and competency assessment initiatives.
- Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
- Provided support to laboratory staff, facilitating prompt analysis of collected samples for expedited results delivery.
- Performed venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
- Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
- Collected blood specimens using venipuncture and capillary techniques, ensuring patient comfort and adherence to safety protocols.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas, adhering to OSHA regulations for infection control.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
- Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Increased patient satisfaction rates through consistent delivery of professional phlebotomy services tailored to individual needs.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
- Supported quality assurance efforts by diligently documenting all relevant information during the collection process, ensuring accurate test results for patients and providers alike.
- Adapted to diverse patient needs by employing variety of blood collection techniques.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sterilization of phlebotomy equipment, ensuring patient safety.
- Improved patient comfort and trust with compassionate communication and professional bedside manner.
- Enhanced patient experience by performing blood draws quickly and efficiently.
- Identified veins suitable for venipuncture with precision, minimizing discomfort for patients.
- Enhanced team collaboration by participating in regular meetings to discuss improvements in phlebotomy practices.
- Collected, labeled, and processed blood samples for variety of tests, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to laboratory.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to prioritize urgent blood draws, ensuring timely analysis for critical care decisions.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing gentle care and empathetic support during blood collection procedures.
- Participated in continuous education programs to stay updated on latest phlebotomy techniques and safety standards.
- Ensured proper identification and documentation of samples, significantly reducing instances of mislabeling.
- Verified proper storage and transportation of specimens to laboratories.
- Reviewed and processed requisitions for laboratory tests.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
Education
Associate of Science - Phlebotomy
Southeast Technical Institute
Sioux Falls, SDHigh School Diploma -
Baltic School
Baltic, SD05-1993
Skills
- Proficient in venipuncture techniques
- Data entry
- Effective tourniquet use
- Specimen collection protocol
- HIPAA compliance knowledge
- Venipuncture expertise
- Capillary puncture
- Proper sharps disposal
- Upholding patient privacy standards
- Efficient specimen identification
- Geriatric blood collection
- Recording data
- Quality assurance
- Hemoglobin testing
- Specimen collection expertise
- Pediatric phlebotomy
- Quality control guidelines
- Infection control
- Sample analysis preparation
- Efficient specimen labeling
- Flexible problem-solving
- Donor screening
- Anatomy
- Accurate patient identification
- Patient comfort
- Sanitation and sterilization
- Blood collection
- Patient care
- Paperwork processing
- Specimen handling
- Venipuncture proficiency
- Specimen preparation
- Patient support
- HIPAA regulations adherence
- Technical problem-solving
- Quality assurance
- Emergency response training
- Venipuncture and capillary puncture
- Effective communication
- Proper labeling
- Sample labeling
- Service excellence
- Phlebotomy technician
- Butterfly venipuncture
- Strategic decision-making
- Specimen collection
- Building professional connections
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Patient observation
Timeline
Phlebotomist Technician
Talecris Plasma Center
08.2023 - 09.2025
Phlebotomist
North Central Heart
04.2015 - 03.2019
Phlebotomist
Independent Phlebotomy Services
05.2008 - 06.2015
Phlebotomist
Sanford USD Medical Center
01.2000 - 04.2010
Associate of Science - Phlebotomy
Southeast Technical Institute
High School Diploma -
Baltic School