Erica Prentice-Wattson
HT(ASCP)QIHC
Vancouver,WA
Summary
Certified Histotechnician with 30+ years of laboratory experience. Seeking to leverage my technical skills and professional expertise to streamline and support development of laboratory settings. Dedicated work ethic, responsible, productive, resourceful, and detail-orientated.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Lab Technical Specialist; Histotechnician
The Vancouver Clinic
07.2011 - Current
- Manage daily workflow of laboratory, ensuring streamlined operations. Facilitate team huddles to improve engagement and productivity. Create and enforce lab duty schedules for effective resource management.
- Conduct CLIA readiness MOC inspections adhering to DHS and CAP checklists biennially.
- Implement onboarding programs for new hires on standard operating procedures. Conduct annual skill competency evaluations for team of 12, promoting continuous improvement.
- Execute routine and advanced histology including embedding, microtomy, manual and automated special stains, and IHC.
- Optimize inventory management using Kanban card system.
- Document and resolve daily QC issues in collaboration with pathologists. Communicate team ideas and updates to ensure alignment on projects. Offer constructive feedback to technicians for system enhancements.
- Uphold patient safety and regulatory compliance via diligent adherence to CLIA protocols and effective reporting of adverse events.
- Commended by leadership for maintaining exceptional standards in both technical and soft skills.
- Sustain and refine established standard operating protocols.
- Preserve lab equipment via preventative maintenance, validation, troubleshooting, and documentation.
- Track monthly laboratory volume metrics.
Histotechnician III; IHC Lab Assistant
Providence Health Services
01.2004 - 07.2012
- Promoted to highest tier of histotechnicians based on demonstrated ability to deliver consistent high quality results to pathologists.
- Managed daily workloads to meet department's quality assurance goals and ensure proper time management.
- Processed Cytology GYN and non-GYN specimens working with both Thin Prep and Sure Path instruments.
- Assisted in evaluating processes, implementing improvements, and monitoring results to improve service and reduce costs.
- Coached and developed new technicians and lab assistants.
- Performed routine and advanced histology including embedding, microtomy, manual & automated special stains, and IHC.
Specimen Processor II; Cytology Lab Assistant
Quest Diagnostics
08.1998 - 10.2000
- Performed data entry.
- Distributed and filed slides.
- Processed Cytology specimens.
- Aliquot and centrifuged clinical specimen.
- Chemical storage and disposal.
Specimen Processor Lead
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
07.1995 - 08.1998
- Responsible for group of 25 processing technicians.
- Participated in administration lab meetings.
- Performed all routine duties of specimen processor including data entry, specimen aliquoting, and distribution.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa, CA 09.1990 - 06.1992
Certification
ASCP QIHC
Timeline
ASCP QIHC
04-2012
Lab Technical Specialist; Histotechnician
The Vancouver Clinic
07.2011 - Current
ASCP HT
06-2009
Histotechnician III; IHC Lab Assistant
Providence Health Services
01.2004 - 07.2012
Specimen Processor II; Cytology Lab Assistant
Quest Diagnostics
08.1998 - 10.2000
Specimen Processor Lead
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
07.1995 - 08.1998
Associate of Arts -
Crafton Hills College
09.1990 - 06.1992