Debra K McIntosh
Clackamas,OR
Summary
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure the Autopsy Technician position. Ready to help team achieve company goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Autopsy Assistant
Veterans Administration Hospital
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
- Assisted with routine checks and diagnostic testing by processing specimens.
- Prepared lab specimens for diagnostic evaluation.
- Updated inventory, expiration and equipment quality control logs to maintain current tracking documentation.
- Store daily completed specimens.
- Followed appropriate procedures to minimize exposure to biohazardous chemicals during specimen disposal.
- Followed appropriate procedures for end of day shutdown protocols.
- Maintained frozen Cryostat machines, stains, quality control forms and preformed required Quality Control slides.
- Measured patient identification on all specimens.
Laboratory Assistant Cytology
Veterans Administration Hospital
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Maintained effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation or laboratory safety.
- Applied chromosomal staining to differentiate cells and prepare samples for further analysis.
- Adjusted, maintained or repaired laboratory equipment such as microscopes.
- Observed all defined lab protocols in regard to specimen processing and collection, maintaining standards to promote accuracy and precision in results.
- Fostered lab safety and protected team members by following established protocols and reporting safety hazards to appropriate personnel.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Kept supplies organized and well-stocked, requesting more supplies and avoiding unnecessary testing delays.
Histology Technician
Veterans Administration Hospital
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Completed complex histological procedures to prepare slides for analysis.
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
- Minimized infection risk by regularly cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment.
- Sorted specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and recorded all processes in pathology log.
- Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.
- Kept grossing room fully stocked with necessary supplies and equipment ready for use.
- Archived specimens from completed tests, histologic slides and blocks.
- Operated microtomes to section body tissues for microscopic examination.
- Cut body tissue sections for microscopic examination using microtomes.
- Carried out specific tests and preparation requirements based on orders.
- 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.
- Improved visibility of cells with use of dyes and other chemicals.
- Used glass slides to mount tissues for tests.
Pathology Lab Assistant
Kaiser Permanente Regional Lab
05.1998 - 01.2019
- Provided technical guidance and training to laboratory staff.
- Performed high complexity testing by preparing specimens for analysis and maintaining assay quality.
- Prioritized work assigned, maintained accurate records of work performed and initiated corrective action in case of defective records or inadequate care plans.
- Gathered laboratory samples, monitored fluids and read test results to make accurate care decisions.
- Investigated and resolved issues related to laboratory processes and procedures.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to verify quality control.
- Prepared and validated buffers and in-house reagents, calibrators, and controls in advance of laboratory testing and analysis orders.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop new procedures and protocols.
- Prepared and examined specimens using variety of instruments, histologic and molecular diagnostic techniques.
- Engaged in instrument maintenance and basic troubleshooting of processing equipment and reviewing QC.
- Documented and verified patient information using laboratory information system.
- Kept supplies organized and well-stocked, requesting more supplies and avoiding unnecessary testing delays.
- Maintained safe work environment free of unnecessary hazards to protect staff and testing results.
- Maintained strict aseptic fields when collecting biological samples, minimizing staff, and patient infection risks.
- Upheld laboratory protocols dictated by facility, governing agencies, or special project requirements.
- Set up, maintained and verified sterility of lab equipment and tools.
- Operated wide range of laboratory equipment and instruments to complete analysis.
- Helped management optimize laboratory processes for maximum efficiency and performance.
- Followed Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) consistently across daily activities and special products.
- Used correct formulas and procedures to prepare solutions and reagents for testing needs.
Education
Associate of Science - Science Education
Portland Community College
Portland, OR03.1996
No Degree - Histologic Technician Certificate Program
Harford Community College
Bel Air, MD11.2016
Skills
- Time Management
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Resource Management
- Managing Medical Laboratory Equipment
- Multi-Line Telephone System Operation
- Reading Comprehension
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Critical Thinking
- Customer Service
Timeline
Autopsy Assistant
Veterans Administration Hospital
05.2019 - 05.2021
Laboratory Assistant Cytology
Veterans Administration Hospital
05.2019 - 05.2021
Histology Technician
Veterans Administration Hospital
05.2019 - 05.2021
Pathology Lab Assistant
Kaiser Permanente Regional Lab
05.1998 - 01.2019
Associate of Science - Science Education
Portland Community College
No Degree - Histologic Technician Certificate Program
Harford Community College