Cynthia Nikodym
Elkhorn,USA
Summary
Dependable Histology Technician specializing in technical histology work. Proficient in preparing slides, documenting results and producing timely reports. Work effectively with clinical staff to provide information and resolve problems. Versatile Job Title offering comprehensive, hands-on experience preparing histologic slides from tissue sections to prepare for microscopic examination. Skillful in freezing and dehydrating tissue samples and identifying tissue structure and cell components to diagnose diseases. Valued team player with in-depth knowledge of quality control standards and procedures paired with familiarity of alternate processing techniques.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mohs Technician
Methodist Dermatology
06.2024 - Current
- Prepare and handle specimens for microscopic examination, maintain accurate labeling and documentation.
- Operate and maintain cryostats and lab equipment for sectioning tissue samples.
- Perform routine quality control on laboratory professions and procedures to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- mark the margins of the tissue being examined with colored dyes
Histotechnologist
Nebraska Medical Center
12.2020 - Current
- Prepared tissue samples using specialized techniques such as cryostat sectioning and immunohistochemistry, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
- Leveraged automated equipment. to perform immunohistochemistry staining techniques.
- Contributed to improved patient care by providing timely and accurate test results for diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Determined appropriate handling and tissue processing for specimens and priorities on requested procedures.
- Played an active role in troubleshooting equipment issues as they arose, minimizing downtime while maximizing resource utilization within the lab setting.
- Assisted in the development of new laboratory procedures, contributing to ongoing improvements in testing accuracy and turnaround time.
- Maintained adequate stock and supplies to perform procedures and prepare reagents.
- Ensured accurate testing results by maintaining high-quality histology slides for pathologists'' review.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
- Stayed current on changing procedures to offer expert support for histology laboratory activities.
- Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists.
- Conducted routine and special staining procedures to process mounted sections.
- Used microtome to section embedded tissue and mount on microscope slide.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Documented routine laboratory instrument maintenance and corrective actions.
- Assisted in troubleshooting equipment issues, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity levels.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities, staying current on industry advancements and trends.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies, learning new software platforms that improved workflow within the department.
- Trained new histology technicians, sharing best practices and improving overall team capabilities.
- Compiled surgical working drafts, requisitions and slides to distribute to pathologists.
- Froze, cut and prepared rapid hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections for microscopic examination using established quality control standards.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
HISTOTECHNOLOGIST
NEBRASKA METHODIST HOSPITAL
01.2014 - Current
- Implement procedures for technical applications for routine H&E slides and special stains as well IHC stain
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate and infiltrate with wax-to preserve tissue specimen for study by pathologist
- Prepare slides of specimens, using specified stain, to enhance visibility under microscope
- Maintain utmost discretion when dealing with sensitive topics
- Manage documentation concerning sample proficiency testing aligned with patient specimens
- One of several instructors that help teaches our students our standard operating procedures
Histotechnologist
MGI
03.2021 - 01.2024
- Executed histologic techniques to patient specimens to facilitate pathological diagnoses.
- Used microtome to section embedded tissue and mount on microscope slide.
Histotechnologist/ Mohs Technologists
Dermatology Specialist of Omaha
05.2021 - 02.2023
- Executed histologic techniques to patient specimens to facilitate pathological diagnoses.
- Assisted in the development of new laboratory procedures, contributing to ongoing improvements in testing accuracy and turnaround time.
- Provided training to staff members, fostering a supportive learning environment within the histotechnology department.
- Contributed to improved patient care by providing timely and accurate test results for diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Determined appropriate handling and tissue processing for specimens and priorities on requested procedures.
- Maintained a safe working environment through strict adherence to safety guidelines, including proper disposal of hazardous materials.
- Operated and maintained equipment for function and provision of services.
- Maintained adequate stock and supplies to perform procedures and prepare reagents.
- Ensured accurate testing results by maintaining high-quality histology slides for pathologists'' review.
- Played an active role in troubleshooting equipment issues as they arose, minimizing downtime while maximizing resource utilization within the lab setting.
- Supported laboratory accreditation efforts by adhering to established standards and protocols in daily work practices.
- Entered data on demographics, grossing descriptions, and clinical diagnosis into EMR.
- Dictated and grossed tissue samples obtained from multiple physicians' offices and medical facilities.
- Conducted routine and special staining procedures to process mounted sections.
- Used microtome to section embedded tissue and mount on microscope slide.
- Followed laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, analysis and reporting to facilitate quality assurance.
- Performed technical duties to produce histopathological slides of surgical specimens.
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.
HISTOTECHNOLOGIST
PHYSICAN LABORATORY PC
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Prepare and perform routine biological staining techniques
- Assist Pathologist with setting up surgical specimens, gross description
- Embed, cut and stain tissue for histology examination
Histotechnologist, AUTOPSY Technician
Regional west medical center
01.2006 - 12.2014
- Process microscopic slides at all phases, including H&E staining, microtomy, embedding, cover slipping and frozen sectioning to prepare specimens for diagnosis by Pathologist
- Perform special stains and IHC when requested
- Recognize and identify the origin and type of tissue from any part of the body so tissues can be processed properly
- Assist Pathologist in the Gross Room and with FNA’s
- Set up forensic clinic
- Obtain death history and coordinate time with county attorney and law enforcement
- Make sure identifying information on body is correct
- Transport body to different departments as necessary
- Check inventory of equipment, supplies and accessories
- Assist in fingerprinting, hair and DNA collection
- Responsible for removing organs, tissues and fluids from bodies
- Maintain records of chain of custody
- Storage of tissue for later disposal
- Follow departmental policies and procedures, safety and environmental and infection control standards
- Coordinate with NORS (Nebraska Organ Retrieval)
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Biology
Chadron state College
05.2006
Chemistry/ Biology
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, COVeterinary Science
Colby Community College
Colby, KSSkills
- Embedding
- Processing
- Cutting
- ICH
- Special Stains
- Frozen
- Grossing
- Cerner program
- Harvest program
- Microsoft
- Kronos
- Microsoft Office
- Excel
- Antibody validation experience
- Digital Pathology Familiarity
- Immunohistochemistry Proficiency
- Embedding tissue samples
- Histopathology Knowledge
- Frozen Section Technique
- Automated staining systems
- Immunohistochemical testing
- Special staining mastery
- Quality Control Procedures
- Reagent Preparation
- Tissue Embedding
- Microtome Operation
- Tissue Processing
- Immunohistochemistry
- Digital pathology
- Results tracking and reporting
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Team Collaboration
- Decontamination procedures
Certification
HTL (ASCP)
Committeesandvolunteer
- Events coordinator at Methodist Lab
- Festival of Hope
- DECON Team at Methodist Hospital
References
- Pete Schilke, M.D, Anatomic, Clinical and Forensic Pathology, 4021 Ave B, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361, schilkp@rwmc.net, 308-630-1398
- Richard Simmons, Anatomic Clinical and Forensic Pathology, 4021 Ave B, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361, 308-631-2583
- Pam Hance, Post Histology Supervisor, P.O Box 913, Daphne, AL, 36526, phance@mindspring.com, 308-641-4280
- Doug Warner, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, 4500 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361, 308-672-1283
- Sandra Allen, Nebraska Attorney General's Office, 2115 State Capital, Lincoln, NE, 68505, Sandra.allen@nebraska.gov
Timeline
Mohs Technician
Methodist Dermatology
06.2024 - Current
Histotechnologist/ Mohs Technologists
Dermatology Specialist of Omaha
05.2021 - 02.2023
Histotechnologist
MGI
03.2021 - 01.2024
Histotechnologist
Nebraska Medical Center
12.2020 - Current
HISTOTECHNOLOGIST
PHYSICAN LABORATORY PC
01.2016 - 12.2018
HISTOTECHNOLOGIST
NEBRASKA METHODIST HOSPITAL
01.2014 - Current
Histotechnologist, AUTOPSY Technician
Regional west medical center
01.2006 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Biology
Chadron state College
Chemistry/ Biology
Colorado State University
Veterinary Science
Colby Community College
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