Heather McDonald
Rochester,MN
Summary
Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Phlebotomist Technician
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
11.2024 - Current
- Perform venipuncture procedures with high accuracy and patient comfort.
- Perform advanced blood collection procedures using arterial lines and pressurized venous lines.
- Work efficiently with leadership as a Bronze Quality Fellow to assess quality concerns within the department of Laboratory Medicine.
- Maintain sterile environment and adhered to infection control protocols.
- Educate patients on procedures, addressing concerns to enhance compliance.
- Collaborate with healthcare team to ensure seamless patient care and workflow efficiency.
Desk Operations Specialist (Heart and Lung Transplant)
Mayo Clinic
06.2023 - 12.2023
- Organized and ran the morning multidisciplinary table rounds for the transplant cardiologists, pulmonologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and internal medicine physicians.
- Led the collaborative chart review while each team disciplinary team discussed the plan of care
- Rounded with the team and updated the patient's information and daily plans as needed.
- Met with patients and their families to facilitate and coordinate discharge appointments for Mayo Clinic and with their hometown healthcare providers for up to 90 days post-transplant/re-admission.
- Collaborate with the Transplant Research Team by performing abstract and chart review for ongoing studies specific to lung transplantation.
- Managed communication between departments to ensure timely information flow and coordination of care services.
- Coordinated daily desk operations to enhance workflow efficiency and improve patient interactions.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling processes, reducing wait times and improving patient satisfaction.
- Implemented new electronic health record (EHR) protocols, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Pediatric ER / Trauma Technician
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Patient care technician in the ER- Trained and assist in pediatric trauma and burn alerts levels 1-3.
- Experienced in both STEMI and stroke FAST exam protocols.
- Perform 12 and 15 lead EKGs with intermediate interpretation skills(institutionally certified).
- Performed patient care duties to include: Taking vital signs (automatic and manually as needed), drawing blood, insert in and out catheters to obtain clean catch urine specimens using sterile techniques.
- Aided in closed and open reductions of long bone fractures, manual and weighted traction and perform advanced wound care.
- Assist in lumbar puncture procedures, and provide 1:1 observation for mental health patients.
Family Service Manager
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama
09.2022 - 12.2022
- Developed and implemented family support programs to enhance community engagement.
- Collecting and inputting client data in accordance with Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs- Energy Division guidelines.
- Determining client eligibility for the federal LIHEAP and LIHWAP, and Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund grants.
- Working collectively with the agency's partnered utility, gas, and water providers to efficiently and accurately calculate and disburse monetary pledges to the appropriate accounts on behalf of our clients.
- Keeping files and office space organized and updating client files as needed.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings and community reach.
- Advocated on behalf of clients to secure necessary services, supports, or funding from external partners or agencies when required.
- Consistently monitored program budgets, ensuring responsible allocation of funds and effective management of department resources.
Orthopedic Medical Assistant II
North Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C.
12.2021 - 03.2022
- Triaged each patient, ordered labs, X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and scheduled surgeries.
- Assisted in patient evaluations and prepared examination rooms for orthopedic procedures.
- Coordinated patient scheduling, ensuring optimal workflow and reduced wait times.
- Braced and cast orthopedic injuries using both plaster and fiberglass casting materials.
- Assisted in the sterile setup of intra-articular nerve blocks and joint aspirations, and administered intramuscular pain and steroid medications as ordered by the physician.
- Educated patients on post-operative care and rehabilitation protocols to enhance recovery outcomes.
ER/ Trauma Technician
North Mississippi Medical Center
04.2020 - 03.2021
- Patient care technician at a level two trauma center-Trained and aided in trauma and burn alerts levels 1-3.
- Administered emergency care and trauma interventions for critical patients in collaboration with medical teams.
- Trained in both STEMI and stroke FAST exam protocols, and performed EKGs with intermediate interpretation skills(institutionally certified).
- Assisted in the triage process, prioritizing patient needs for timely medical attention.
- Took vital signs(automatic and manually as needed), drew blood, check blood glucose levels, perform ISTAT point of care testing for emergent cases.
- Performed urinary catheter insertion to obtain urine specimens.
- Aided in closed and open reductions of long bone fractures, manual and weighted traction, and perform advanced wound care and splinting.
- Cross -trained as a unit secretary, and communicated with different facilities and providers regarding incoming, current, and previous patients. help maintain orders and put in orders as needed within my scope of practice, answer call lights, and make sure daily task are complete to help the department stay organized and run smoothly.
Orthopedic Technologist/ patient care technician
Erlanger Health System
01.2018 - 09.2018
- Orthopedic Technologist in a sports medicine- clinic- Triaged, assessed, cast, braced, and splinted(plaster and orthotic devices) various orthopedic injuries.
- Ordered and drew blood for all lab test, ordered appropriate X-ray, CT scans, and MRI's as approved by the physician.
- Tasked with calling in medications to the pharmacy as directed by the physician, and communicated with insurance companies to get specific medications and testing approved for our patients.
- Prepped in office sterile field and drew up medications for localized nerve blocks and intra-articular injections.
- Assisted with all in office procedures including closed reductions of dislocated or fractured extremities.
- Administered intramuscular steroid, pain medication, and vitamin injections as directed by the physician.
- Educated patients on post-operative care and mobility aids for recovery.
ER Technician /Orthopedic Trauma Technician
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
07.2016 - 12.2017
- ER Technician- Trained and assisted in trauma and burn alerts levels 1-3.
- Experienced in both STEMI and stroke FAST exam protocols.
- Performed EKGs with intermediate interpretation skills(institutionally certified).
- Took vital signs(automatic and manually as needed), drew blood, inserted in and out catheters to obtain clean catch urine specimens using sterile techniques, aided in closed and open reductions of long bone fractures, manual and weighted traction, and performed advanced wound care.
- Orthopedic Trauma Technician- Trained to take care of post-surgical trauma patients.
- Took vital signs, drew blood, performed advanced post surgical wound care(including the care for post-surgical external fixated orthotic devices), and helped with patient education and rehabilitation exercises.
ER Phlebotomist/Clinical Research Associate
Centennial Medical Center
01.2015 - 05.2016
- Drawing blood on all of the patients that presented to the ER.
- Use of sterile techniques to draw blood peripherally through straight stick venipuncture, IV insertion, and ultrasound guided IV insertion.
- Helped lead a pilot program initiative that studied the quality of blood specimens to diagnose ER patients more accurate and efficiently.
- Processed specimens for laboratory analysis, adhering to strict safety protocols and regulatory standards.
- Trained new staff on phlebotomy procedures and best practices to enhance team efficiency and effectiveness.
- Implemented improvements in specimen collection procedures, resulting in reduced turnaround times for test results.
Phlebotomist
Huntsville Hospital Health System
05.2014 - 01.2015
- Implemented infection control protocols, enhancing safety standards during blood collection procedures.
- Performed venipunctures and capillary draws with precision to ensure patient comfort and specimen integrity.
- Managed inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring availability for uninterrupted operations during high-demand periods.
Physical Therapy Aide
North Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C.
02.2014 - 04.2014
- Assisted physical therapists with patient care and rehabilitation exercises.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of therapy equipment and treatment areas.
- Prepared treatment rooms with necessary supplies for daily appointments.
- Monitored patients' progress during therapy sessions, reporting changes to therapists.
US Army Soldier
United States Department Of Defense
10.2013 - 12.2013
- Executed logistical planning for equipment and personnel deployment efficiently.
- Developed strategies to improve communication among diverse units in high-pressure environments.
- Implemented safety protocols reducing risks during training exercises and missions.
- Maintained physical fitness levels to meet demanding operational requirements and ensure optimal performance under challenging circumstances.
- Strengthened morale among fellow soldiers through active listening, empathy, and encouragement in difficult situations.
- Upheld high standards of professionalism both on-and off-duty representing the US military with honor at all times.
PCT/Phlebotomist
North Alabama Medical Center ( formally ECM Hospital)
10.2012 - 10.2013
- Performed venipuncture and capillary puncture procedures with precision and care.
- Assisted in patient mobility and personal hygiene tasks.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care delivery.
- Implemented best practices for infection control in patient settings.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Ensured accurate labeling and processing of blood specimens to maintain integrity.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff.
Rehabilitation Technician
JW Sommer Rehab ( owned and operated by North Alabama Medical Center)
05.2012 - 10.2012
- Assisted therapists in implementing rehabilitation programs for diverse patient populations.
- Documented patient progress accurately, facilitating effective communication among healthcare team members.
- Supported patient mobility exercises, promoting recovery and enhancing physical function.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop customized rehabilitation plans aligning with patient needs.
- Built trusting relationships with patients and families, fostering a supportive atmosphere for recovery.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
University of Minnesota
Rochester/ Minneapolis 05-2028
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Rochester Community And Technical College
Rochester, Minnesota, MN08-2025
Short-Term College Certificate - General education
Northwest-Shoals Community College
Phil Campbell, AL08.2022
Undergraduate Studies - Pre-Health
Columbia State Community College
Columbia, Tennessee, TN07-2017
Skills
- Public Policy & Government Regulations
- Process Improvement
- Policy Development
- Program Management
- Data Management & Reporting
- Grant Proposal & Approval
- Budget Management
- Leadership Training
- Recruiting
- Meeting Planning
- Team Building
- Public Relations
- Mentoring
- HIPAA
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Clinical Research
- Patient Assessment
- Patient Education
- EMR Systems
Certification
- Phlebotomy Certification (NHA) 2025-01-04, Present
- Mayo Clinic Bronze Quality Fellowship 2024-12-08, Present
- CITI Human Research IRB Member Re-Certification (University of Tennessee at Chattanooga- UT college of Medicine), 2018-07-28, present
- Combat Life Saver (Department of the Army), 2013-12-01, Present
Military Service
Army, United States, E1, 2013-10-01, 2013-12-01, Discharge due to injury.
Timeline
Certified Phlebotomist Technician
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
11.2024 - Current
Desk Operations Specialist (Heart and Lung Transplant)
Mayo Clinic
06.2023 - 12.2023
Pediatric ER / Trauma Technician
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
01.2023 - 05.2023
Family Service Manager
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama
09.2022 - 12.2022
Orthopedic Medical Assistant II
North Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C.
12.2021 - 03.2022
ER/ Trauma Technician
North Mississippi Medical Center
04.2020 - 03.2021
Orthopedic Technologist/ patient care technician
Erlanger Health System
01.2018 - 09.2018
ER Technician /Orthopedic Trauma Technician
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
07.2016 - 12.2017
ER Phlebotomist/Clinical Research Associate
Centennial Medical Center
01.2015 - 05.2016
Phlebotomist
Huntsville Hospital Health System
05.2014 - 01.2015
Physical Therapy Aide
North Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C.
02.2014 - 04.2014
US Army Soldier
United States Department Of Defense
10.2013 - 12.2013
PCT/Phlebotomist
North Alabama Medical Center ( formally ECM Hospital)
10.2012 - 10.2013
Rehabilitation Technician
JW Sommer Rehab ( owned and operated by North Alabama Medical Center)
05.2012 - 10.2012
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
University of Minnesota
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Rochester Community And Technical College
Short-Term College Certificate - General education
Northwest-Shoals Community College
Undergraduate Studies - Pre-Health
Columbia State Community College