Joanne-Marie Hetiback
Palmdale,CA
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented Lab Assistant II at Kaiser Permanente, skilled in laboratory safety and quality control. Proven ability to enhance process efficiency through effective training and mentoring. Adept at utilizing LIMS for accurate data management while ensuring safe specimen handling and fostering strong patient communication. Committed to delivering exceptional patient care and operational excellence.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lab Assistant II
Kaiser Permanente
Harbor, CA
01.2004 - 03.2025
- Implemented and adhered to laboratory safety protocols, including the proper disposal of hazardous materials.
- Maintained inventory and equipment and placed orders for laboratory supplies.
- Supported cleanliness and health standards to foster safe and effective sample analysis.
- Prepared samples and reagents for testing according to established protocols, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Assisted in the development and maintenance of laboratory SOPs, improving process efficiency and consistency.
- Utilized Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for tracking, documenting, and reporting laboratory activities.
- Collected, labeled and stored lab samples according to laboratory specifications.
- Handled administrative tasks for laboratory staff and overall operations.
- Maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment, including spectrophotometers, centrifuges, and pH meters to ensure accurate results.
- Performed quality control checks on laboratory equipment and chemicals to maintain laboratory standards.
- Managed lab work smoothly and with reliable accuracy to meet regulatory and operational demands.
- Assessed plasma collection machines for proper functionality.
- Managed inventory of phlebotomy supplies and reordered stock as necessary.
- Counseled patients to ease fears, explain procedures, and enhance cooperation during blood draws.
- Ensured the cleanliness and sterilization of phlebotomy equipment and work area.
- Verified patient identification prior to collection of specimens using two forms of ID verification.
- Delivered quality patient care by completing accurate and timely collection and transport of clinical specimens according to established procedures.
- Prepared and packaged specimens for courier transport.
- Prepared paperwork for laboratory orders, including appropriate coding.
- Enforced infection control and sharps disposal procedures to protect patients, co-workers and self.
- Performed venipuncture and capillary draws with precision on patients of varying ages and health statuses.
- Conducted patient interviews and verified medical records to confirm test requisitions.
- Assisted in the training and mentoring of new phlebotomy staff.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to enhance patient care and improve specimen collection processes.
- Interacted with patients to gather and record data prior to blood draws.
- Participated in continuing education courses related to phlebotomy techniques.
- Performed venipuncture and skin puncture on patients of all ages.
- Collaborated with laboratory personnel to resolve specimen issues.
- Observed patient for unusual reactions or events to take appropriate action under established guidelines.
- Entered patient information and test orders into computer systems accurately.
- Performed centrifugation and specimen aliquoting for sample preparation.
- Located veins suitable for puncture to draw blood using sterilized needles, vials and other equipment.
- Conducted quality control checks to ensure the accuracy of test results.
- Collected blood samples in a safe and sanitary manner according to established procedures.
- Collected specimens for drug screens, paternity tests and alcohol tests.
- Mentored newly hired medical personnel in phlebotomy techniques and protocols.
- Promoted blood specimen integrity for laboratory testing using accurate selection of collection tubes and correct technique.
- Adhered to HIPAA regulations while maintaining confidentiality of patient information.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies necessary for performing phlebotomy duties.
- Obtained specimens from adults, children, and infants for laboratory tests.
- Identified patients using proper procedures prior to specimen collection.
- Provided assistance to medical personnel when needed during emergency situations.
- Centrifuged blood specimens in test tubes and capillary tubes to separate cells and sediment from blood serum.
- Followed safety protocols while handling hazardous materials such as bio-hazardous waste or chemicals used in phlebotomy techniques.
- Identified and labeled specimens accurately, ensuring proper handling and transport to lab.
- Used heel and finger stick methods to obtain blood from capillaries.
- Stored collected specimens according to established protocols for transport to the laboratory.
- Utilized aseptic techniques to prevent infection and cross-contamination during blood collection.
- Educated patients regarding the procedure and answered any questions they had.
Medical Assistant
Allls Well Health Care Agency
Santa Fe Springs, CA
09.2002 - 01.2004
- Positioned patients properly during examination or treatment for comfort and safety.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patient examinations.
- Participated in team meetings to improve workflows and contribute to improving patient population outcomes.
- Communicated with pharmacies for prescription refills on behalf of supervising physician.
- Adhered to HIPAA regulations regarding safeguarding confidential patient information at all times.
- Secured patient information and maintained patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records.
- Prepared laboratory specimens for analysis and organized lab results for review by the physician.
- Scheduled appointments for patients via phone and in person.
- Kept facility stocked with necessary supplies, equipment and instruments.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patients by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
- Provided assistance to medical staff in performing minor surgical procedures.
- Ordered medical supplies, maintained inventory logs and restocked exam rooms when needed.
- Contacted medical facilities to schedule patients for admission.
- Supported administrative staff by processing payments.
- Organized charts, documents and supplies to maintain team productivity.
- Conducted routine laboratory tests and sample analyses to monitor diseases.
- Performed basic laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood glucose levels under direct supervision of a physician or registered nurse.
- Processed orders for medical supplies and lab equipment.
- Answered phones, scheduled appointments and managed patient flow while greeting visitors in a professional manner.
- Monitored vital signs of hospitalized patients throughout their stay at the hospital or clinic setting.
- Contacted pharmacies to submit and refill patients' prescriptions.
- Assisted with pre-operative preparation of patients including providing instruction about post-operative care plans.
- Conducted EKGs, spirometry testing, audiograms and other diagnostic tests as requested by the physician.
- Inspected equipment to ensure proper working order prior to use on patients.
- Operated x-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG) to administer diagnostic tests.
- Assisted physicians with patient care by taking vital signs, patient histories and preparing patients for examinations.
- Oversaw patient registration, insurance verification, form completion and appointment scheduling to maintain operational efficiency.
- Answered phones, scheduled appointments, greeted patients and ordered supplies.
- Verified appointment times with patients, preparing charts, pre-admission and consent forms.
- Responded to patient callbacks and phone-in prescription refill requests.
- Kept examination rooms clean, stocked with necessary supplies and prepared for incoming patients.
- Relayed messages from patients to physicians about concerns, condition updates or refill requests to facilitate treatment.
- Collected samples from patients for laboratory testing purposes.
- Educated patients on healthcare topics such as nutrition and disease prevention methods.
- Documented notes during patient visits.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Mentored newly hired medical personnel in phlebotomy techniques and protocols.
- Labeled blood vials with critical information like time of collection, date and patient name.
- Promoted blood specimen integrity for laboratory testing using accurate selection of collection tubes and correct technique.
- Obtained specimens from adults, children, and infants for laboratory tests.
- Identified patients using proper procedures prior to specimen collection.
- Labeled specimen containers with patient information accurately and legibly.
- Assessed donor vital signs during and after procedures to check for fatigue or dizziness.
- Collected specimen samples and transported to laboratory for processing.
- Prepared blood-collecting equipment to draw blood and safely store and transport samples.
- Centrifuged blood specimens in test tubes and capillary tubes to separate cells and sediment from blood serum.
- Followed safety protocols while handling hazardous materials such as bio-hazardous waste or chemicals used in phlebotomy techniques.
- Ensured that equipment was properly maintained and sterilized between uses.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Conducted routine maintenance and repairs on mechanical systems and industrial equipment.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Relaible Health Care Agency
Culver City, CA
04.1998 - 09.2002
- Obtained blood samples for medical testing and transfusion through venipuncture or capillary puncture.
- Identified and labeled specimens accurately, ensuring proper handling and transport to lab.
- Utilized electronic medical records systems to document patient information.
- Reported any issues or concerns related to specimen collection or processing immediately to supervisor and manager.
- Labeled patient samples, double-checking information for accuracy.
- Interacted with patients to gather and record data prior to blood draws.
- Monitored patients for adverse reactions and provided immediate care as needed.
- Delivered quality patient care by completing accurate and timely collection and transport of clinical specimens according to established procedures.
- Assisted in the training and mentoring of new phlebotomy staff.
- Checked hemoglobin levels of individuals prior to blood donation.
- Coordinated workflow based on stat, schedule, or outpatient needs.
- Verified collection orders and communicated discrepancies to nurses.
- Utilized calm and friendly demeanor to increase patient comfort and alleviate anxiety.
- Sanitized work area after every patient to prevent contamination and spread of disease.
- Verified quality of specimens by centrifuging specimens for logistics courier to pickup.
- Provided patient education regarding the procedure being performed and post-procedure care instructions.
- Interviewed patients to verify test requisitions and patient identity.
- Labeled specimens accurately with patient information and collected data.
- Disposed of used needles in sharps containers to avoid accidental needlesticks.
- Ensured that quality control was maintained throughout the phlebotomy process.
- Conducted various blood tests and updated results into paper and electronic charts.
Medical Office Assistant
Life Science Medical
Torrance , CA
04.1997 - 09.2002
- Scheduled diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans MRI's at hospitals or imaging centers based on physician orders and instructions.
- Organized charts, documents and supplies to maintain team productivity.
- Scheduled appointments for patients via phone and in person.
- Explained treatment procedures and physicians' instructions.
- Measured vital signs and took medical histories to prepare patients for examination.
- Organized patient charts according to policies set by the practice administrator.
- Processed orders for medical supplies and lab equipment.
- Oversaw patient registration, insurance verification, form completion and appointment scheduling to maintain operational efficiency.
- Contacted pharmacies to submit and refill patients' prescriptions.
- Answered phones promptly and responded to inquiries from patients or providers in a professional manner.
- Provided instructions to patients regarding medication use and lifestyle modifications needed for improved health outcomes.
- Cleaned and maintained medical equipment following procedures and standards.
- Supported administrative staff by processing payments.
- Collected, labeled and stored laboratory specimens properly prior to testing.
- Kept facility stocked with necessary supplies, equipment and instruments.
- Provided support to physicians during examinations and procedures.
- Assisted in scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and collecting payments.
- Performed various clerical duties such as filing paperwork, faxing documents, photocopying records.
- Secured patient information and maintained patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, providers, nurses regarding patient care plans.
- Verified appointment times with patients, preparing charts, pre-admission and consent forms.
- Conducted routine laboratory tests and sample analyses to monitor diseases.
- Conducted quality assurance checks of laboratory specimens prior to submission for analysis.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patient examinations.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care for patients.
- Administered medications under physician's supervision.
- Conducted patient interviews to gather health history, vital signs and information about current medical issues.
- Communicated with pharmacies for prescription refills on behalf of supervising physician.
- Participated in team meetings to improve workflows and contribute to improving patient population outcomes.
- Performed basic laboratory tests, such as urine analysis and blood sugar testing.
- Handled general office duties to support administrative staff during peak hours.
- Entered data into computer systems accurately utilizing ICD-10 codes when applicable.
- Interviewed and engaged patients to obtain medical history, chief complaints and vital signs.
- Assisted back office patient processes to reduce office wait times.
- Adhered to safety practices while performing phlebotomy procedures following universal precautions guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness of front office areas including lobby reception desk area and exam rooms.
- Documented notes during patient visits.
- Changed dressings on wounds to prevent infection and check for healing.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Education
Injection Technician - Certified Injection Technician
Southern Ca Occupational Center
Torrance06-2006
Certificate of Technical Studies - Phlebtomy Technician
Kaiser Permanente
Harbor City, CA03-2005
Lab Assistant/ Plebtomy Technician - Lab Assistant/ Phlebotmy Technician
Hubert Humphrey Health Center
Los Angeles, CA08-1999
Medical Assistant - Certified Medical Assitant
Harbor Occupational Center
San Pedro, CA01-1998
Skills
- Laboratory safety
- Sample preparation
- Equipment maintenance
- Quality control
- LIMS management
- Inventory management
- Patient identification and communication
- Problem solving
- Training and mentoring
- Safe specimen handling and tracking
- Lab inventory management
- Data entry
- Team collaboration
- Sterilization procedures
- Lab equipment calibration
- Attention to detail
- Diagnostic testing
- Sample collection
- Patient identification
- Aseptic technique
- Patient communication
- Specimen labeling
- Time management
- Patient education
- Butterfly needle technique
- Venous Blood Collection
- Specimen transport
- Biohazard policy compliance
- Multi-sample collection
- Biohazard disposal
- Geriatric phlebotomy
- Collect samples
- Quality assurance
- Medical terminology
- Appointment scheduling
Certification
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician CPt1
- Certified Injection technician
- Certified medical Assistant
Timeline
Lab Assistant II
Kaiser Permanente
01.2004 - 03.2025
Medical Assistant
Allls Well Health Care Agency
09.2002 - 01.2004
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Relaible Health Care Agency
04.1998 - 09.2002
Medical Office Assistant
Life Science Medical
04.1997 - 09.2002
Injection Technician - Certified Injection Technician
Southern Ca Occupational Center
Certificate of Technical Studies - Phlebtomy Technician
Kaiser Permanente
Lab Assistant/ Plebtomy Technician - Lab Assistant/ Phlebotmy Technician
Hubert Humphrey Health Center
Medical Assistant - Certified Medical Assitant
Harbor Occupational Center
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