Cynthia Hernandez
Mandeville ,LA
Summary
Accomplished Lead Histotechnician at Ochsner Medical Center Westbank, skilled in immunohistochemistry and quality control management. Expertly prepared histologic slides, ensuring accuracy and compliance with CLIA guidelines. Demonstrated strong team collaboration and maintained high standards in laboratory safety protocols, contributing to improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Histotechnician
Ochsner Medical Center Westbank
07.2021 - Current
- Completed complex histological procedures to prepare slides for analysis.
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Logged over 600 samples on average, handling each expertly to prevent contamination.
- Kept grossing room fully stocked with necessary supplies and equipment ready for use.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards.
- Conducted tests correctly to obtain accurate results used to support patients' needs and diagnose conditions.
- Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.
- Entered and tracked results of analyses and generated reports for clinical personnel.
- Documented routine laboratory instrument maintenance and corrective actions.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists.
- Stayed current on changing procedures to offer expert support for histology laboratory activities.
- Cut body tissue sections for microscopic examination using microtomes.
- Embedded tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrated tissue specimens with wax.
- Compiled and maintained preventive maintenance and instrument performance check records according to schedule and regulations.
- Kept laboratory equipment in good working order with regular maintenance.
- Archived specimens from completed tests, histologic slides and blocks.
Mohs Technician
Trieu Dermatology
05.2007 - Current
- Maintained patient confidence and protected hospital by keeping information confidential.
- Followed appropriate disinfecting procedures to sterilize medical equipment.
- Collected and processed laboratory specimens to obtain samples for analysis.
- Implemented infection control practices in handling specimens and equipment to provide protection and comply with health and safety protocols.
- Maintained patient records and reports to enable tracking history and provide accurate and up-to-date information for physicians and other medical staff.
- Cleaned and sterilized instruments, equipment and surfaces.
- Participated in hospital and clinic staff meetings to discuss patient care.
- Operated and maintained medical equipment used to diagnose and treat patients.
- Evaluated patient histories and medical records for accuracy and completeness.
- Maintained accurate patient charts and medical records.
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
Histotechnician
Delta Pathology Group
02.2018 - 07.2021
- Minimized infection risk by regularly cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment.
- Used glass slides to mount tissues for tests.
- Improved visibility of cells with use of dyes and other chemicals.
- Carried out specific tests and preparation requirements based on orders.
- Operated microtomes to section body tissues for microscopic examination.
- Readied specimens with use of embedded or infiltrated paraffin wax.
- Completed complex histological procedures to prepare slides for analysis.
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards.
- Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.
- Cut body tissue sections for microscopic examination using microtomes.
- Embedded tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrated tissue specimens with wax.
- Kept laboratory equipment in good working order with regular maintenance.
- Archived specimens from completed tests, histologic slides and blocks.
Histotechnician
Tulane Medical Center
08.2006 - 02.2019
- Dictated and grossed tissue samples obtained from multiple physicians' offices and medical facilities.
- Maintained laboratory histologic manuals to standardize procedures.
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Kept grossing room fully stocked with necessary supplies and equipment ready for use.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
- Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists.
- Stayed current on changing procedures to offer expert support for histology laboratory activities.
- Used glass slides to mount tissues for tests.
- Improved visibility of cells with use of dyes and other chemicals.
- Carried out specific tests and preparation requirements based on orders.
- Operated microtomes to section body tissues for microscopic examination.
- Readied specimens with use of embedded or infiltrated paraffin wax.
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards.
- Cut body tissue sections for microscopic examination using microtomes.
- Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.
- Embedded tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrated tissue specimens with wax.
- Kept laboratory equipment in good working order with regular maintenance.
- Archived specimens from completed tests, histologic slides and blocks.
Education
Associate of Science - Biology
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA05-2019
Skills
- Equipment maintenance
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Team collaboration
- Digital pathology
- Quality control management
- Histologic slides preparation
- Tissue embedding
- Reagent preparation
- Quality control procedures
- Slide preparation
- Data analysis
- Administrative support
- Laboratory information systems
- Autopsy assistance
- Microtome operation
- Documentation management
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 5 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with various team members in the Ochsner system in the development of Epic Beaker System.
- Certified in the ASCP Leadership Institute that trained in Diverse conflict resolution and communication techniques, leadership styles, and situational effectiveness.
- Part of the Ochsner True North System Steering Council, a committee of Ochsner employees dedicated to fostering an environment of open conversations of empowerment and accountability, ensuring Ochsner continues thrive and inspire healthier lives
- Part of the Ochsner Root Cause Analysis team,collaborating to identify the root cause, understand the process, and develop effective solutions to prevent recurrence.
- Certified CAP inspector
Certification
- HT (ASCP) License - 5 Years
- ASCP Leadership Training - 2023
- CAP inspector Training - 2022
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Lead Histotechnician
Ochsner Medical Center Westbank
07.2021 - Current
Histotechnician
Delta Pathology Group
02.2018 - 07.2021
Mohs Technician
Trieu Dermatology
05.2007 - Current
Histotechnician
Tulane Medical Center
08.2006 - 02.2019
Associate of Science - Biology
Delgado Community College
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