Debra Helmer
Erie,PA
Summary
Organized and detail-oriented Laboratory Supervisor and Medical Technologist offering proven skills in testing, equipment maintenance and quality control. Promote team efficiency with strengths in data entry, record keeping and accuracy. Knowledgeable in the laws of HIPPA. Ready to apply 30 years of experience and a passion to explore a challenging new position with room for advancement.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Supervisor
Community Blood Bank Of Erie
Erie, PA
10.2016 - 07.2022
- Maintained equipment and facilities in good working order.
- Instructed Medical Technologists, Component Technicians, Hospital Services Coordinator and Couriers on proper use and maintenance of equipment to prevent injuries.
- Established and oversaw consistent laboratory procedures.
- Prioritized work assigned, maintained accurate records of work performed and initiated corrective action in case of defective records or inadequate performance.
- Recorded and interpreted laboratory results to present to senior colleagues.
- Performed and documented hematological and chemical examinations on blood and other body fluids for detection and identification of communicable and other diseases.
- Engaged in instrument maintenance and basic troubleshooting, serving as primary operator and reviewing QC and calibrator performance for assay integrity.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient/donor information to conform to HIPAA, internal and other regulatory standards.
- Executed corrective actions when test controls were outside specified limits.
- Prepared employee schedules according to individual needs and skills, as well as coverage requirements.
- Conducted CAP studies and performed/reviewed daily quality control runs and biannual/annual maintenance requirement tests.
- Oversaw in-depth laboratory inspections and contributed to favorable outcomes.
- Created quality control reports on monthly basis.
- Directed quality assurance standards to maximize results.
Medical Technologist
Community Blood Band Of Erie County
Erie, PA
11.2005 - 10.2016
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis and results reporting.
- Operated, calibrated and maintained sophisticated instruments and equipment to facilitate quality laboratory and patient care operations.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Conducted chemical analysis of body fluids to determine presence of normal and abnormal components.
- Trained and oriented new medical technologists to perform and interpret tests.
- Identified patient and labeled specimens with correct information to protect patient from adverse errors.
- Participated in essential quality improvement programs to maintain accurate and timely laboratory testing and meet customer needs.
- Maintained required laboratory supplies inventory, and verified viability of supplies prior to use.
- Participated in procedure and instrument development activities.
- Analyzed samples of biological material for chemical content and reaction.
- Established and monitored quality assurance programs and activities to maintain accuracy of laboratory results.
- Operated laboratory equipment, and adhered to strict maintenance schedules.
- Trained other employees in laboratory testing procedures.
- Input medical tests and clinical results data into computer using a variety of methods for storage and retrieval.
- Identified test system abnormalities with potential for negatively affecting test performance or reporting and corrected issues.
- Completed specimen collection and analysis while complying with OSHA, Universal Precautions and quality assurance policies.
Medical Technologist
ACL Clinical Laboratories/ St Vincent Hospital
Erie, PA
09.1988 - 11.2005
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis and results reporting.
- Operated, calibrated and maintained sophisticated instruments and equipment to facilitate quality laboratory and patient care operations.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Conducted chemical analysis of body fluids to determine presence of normal and abnormal components.
- Trained and oriented new medical technologists to perform and interpret tests.
- Identified patient and labeled specimens with correct information to protect patient from adverse errors.
- Participated in essential quality improvement programs to maintain accurate and timely laboratory testing and meet customer needs.
- Maintained required laboratory supplies inventory, and verified viability of supplies prior to use.
- Analyzed samples of biological material for chemical content and reaction.
- Operated laboratory equipment, and adhered to strict maintenance schedules.
- Trained other employees in laboratory testing procedures.
- Input medical tests and clinical results data into computer using multiple platforms for storage and retrieval.
- Employed microscopic techniques to collect and study blood samples to determine number of cells, morphology and blood group, assessing compatibility for transfusion purposes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Saint Vincent School of Medical Technology
Erie, PA07.1988
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, PA05.1988
High School Diploma -
Commodore Perry High School
Hadley, PA06.1984
Skills
- Analyzing Test Results
- Environmental Analysis
- Regulatory Standards
- Aseptic Techniques
- Laboratory Operation
- Laboratory Equipment Maintenance
- Corrective Actions
- Active Listening
- Testing Proficiency
- Laboratory Results Management
- Laboratory Automation
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Instrument Troubleshooting
- Competency Evaluations
- Instrumentation Maintenance
- Specimen Testing and Analysis
- Quality Assurance Requirements
- Biohazardous Waste Disposal
- Sharps Disposal
- Patient Privacy
- Quality Inspections
- Universal Precautions
- Project Requirements
- Transfusion Medicine
- Inspection Proficiency
- Standard Operating Procedures Maintenance
- Schedule Maintenance
- Personnel Files
- Federal Laws
- Therapeutic Phlebotomy
- Monitoring Data Quality
- Computerized Maintenance Management Systems
- Job Assignments
- Maintaining Clean Work Areas
- Safety Precautions
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Test Confidentiality
- Microsoft Excel
- Training Junior Team Members
- Laboratory Information System (LIS)
Timeline
Laboratory Supervisor
Community Blood Bank Of Erie
10.2016 - 07.2022
Medical Technologist
Community Blood Band Of Erie County
11.2005 - 10.2016
Medical Technologist
ACL Clinical Laboratories/ St Vincent Hospital
09.1988 - 11.2005
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Saint Vincent School of Medical Technology
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
High School Diploma -
Commodore Perry High School
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