Donna Balletta
Cape Coral,FL
Summary
Hands-on certified Histotechnologist committed to efficiently preparing patient tissue specimens with a passion for veterinary medicine. Excellent documentation, communication, and presentation skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Pathology Lab Technical Lead, HT
Millennium Physician Group
01.2022 - Current
- Manages day to day operations in Histology
- Performs all phases of routine and special histological techniques at appropriate rate with minimal errors
- Assists with development, writing, and implementation of all histology policies and procedures
- Maintains all lab equipment and troubleshoots equipment malfunctions
- Provides technical support for clients, lab staff, and pathologists
- Responsible for all compliance standards for CAP and CAP proficiency testing
- Assures Pathology department adheres to all regulatory organization safety, security, and quality standards (CAP, OSHA, CLIA)
- Ensures that equipment defects and malfunctions are reported and repaired
- Uses independent judgement, decision-making skills, and corrective action in evaluating test procedures, patient results, and specimen integrity
- Evaluates competency of all laboratory personnel and ensures employees maintain their competency to perform moderate/high-complexity procedures
- Manages histology staff and conducts annual reviews
- Interview, hire and train lab technicians to perform experiments and analyze results.
- Keeps equipment maintained, facility clean and organized and inventory stocked to maximize performance.
- Coordinates set-up of new surgical sites to facilitate ease of specimen requisition
- Prepares monthly billing for pathologists
Histotechnologist
Millennium Physician Group
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Perform gross examination and description of surgical specimens; perform all histological procedures including processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and coverslipping; preparation of gyn and non-gyn cytological preparations
- Prioritize testing procedures and completes those procedures in an accurate and timely manner and maintains proper accurate records of all tests done in accordance with established policies, procedures and regulations
- Prepare media, chemicals, reagents and solutions
- Maintain accurate documentation, including computerized documentation, in accordance with established policies, procedures and regulations
- Perform molecular testing on Hologic Panther
- Train all new incoming histotechnologists and lab assistants
Histotechnologist
Florida Cancer Specialists
05.2018 - 01.2020
- Perform gross examination and description of surgical specimens; perform all histological procedures including processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and coverslipping; preparation of gyn and non-gyn cytological preparations
- Prepare chemicals, reagents and solutions
- Maintain accurate documentation, including computerized documentation, in accordance with established policies, procedures and regulations
- Perform immunohistochemical staining with Leica Bond
- QA/QC of antibody staining after each run; antibody dilutions
Veterinary Technology Instructor
Heritage Institute
05.2014 - 11.2016
- Classroom and laboratory/field instruction for Large Animal Nursing
- Enhanced students' technology skills by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications into lessons
- Developed engaging curriculum content, resulting in increased student interest and understanding of technology concepts.
- Enhanced clinical learning experiences by incorporating innovative teaching strategies and relevant case studies.
- Assisted in curriculum development to ensure alignment with accreditation standards and best practices in veterinary nursing education.
- Evaluated student performance through ongoing assessment, providing constructive feedback and promoting academic growth.
- Provided a supportive learning environment by addressing individual student needs and fostering open communication.
- Placed internship students in private veterinary practices, monitored students' progress and coordinated with practice managers to ensure student success
Owner/Professional Pet Sitter
The Cat's Meow
09.1998 - 02.2007
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Provided daily dog walks/cat visits, mental stimulation, exercise, feeding and medications upon request
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Kindness Animal Hospital
01.1996 - 09.1999
- Reduced patient stress during visits by utilizing low-stress handling techniques and creating a comfortable atmosphere.
- Increased the accuracy of diagnoses by proficiently operating various laboratory equipment for sample analysis.
- Provided compassionate nursing care for hospitalized animals, closely monitoring their condition and administering medication as prescribed.
- Offered support to grieving clients during end-of-life discussions and euthanasia procedures, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
- Conducted dental cleanings under veterinarian supervision to maintain oral health in patients.
- Mentored junior veterinary technicians through hands-on training sessions, sharing knowledge of best practices in animal care.
- Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
- Restocked surgical and office supplies to keep all necessary materials easily accessible.
- Performed radiograph testing to assist doctors in making informed diagnoses and determining best treatment plans.
- Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Ensured timely response to emergencies by providing immediate triage assessments and administering first aid when needed.
- Educated pet owners on proper animal care practices, contributing to better long-term pet health outcomes.
Education
Associate of Science - Histologic Technology
Harcum College
Bryn Mawr, PA05.2018
Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology
Harcum College
Bryn Mawr, PA05.1995
Skills
- Detail-oriented
- Emotional Intelligence
- Conflict Resolution
- Works well independently and in a team environment
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Workflow optimization
Timeline
Pathology Lab Technical Lead, HT
Millennium Physician Group
01.2022 - Current
Histotechnologist
Millennium Physician Group
01.2020 - 01.2022
Histotechnologist
Florida Cancer Specialists
05.2018 - 01.2020
Veterinary Technology Instructor
Heritage Institute
05.2014 - 11.2016
Owner/Professional Pet Sitter
The Cat's Meow
09.1998 - 02.2007
Certified Veterinary Technician
Kindness Animal Hospital
01.1996 - 09.1999
Associate of Science - Histologic Technology
Harcum College
Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology
Harcum College
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