KARA ODOM
Elizabethtown,KY
Summary
Dynamic professional with over 12 years of diverse experience in fast-paced customer service, call center, and clinical environments, demonstrating a proven track record of success. Expertise includes strong team leadership, venipuncture training, and effective client relations, supported by exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Recognized for delivering high-level support and innovative solutions while excelling in project coordination and technical troubleshooting. Committed to adapting to evolving needs and driving results through collaboration, complemented by a keen analytical mindset and proactive problem-solving approach.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
PST Specialist
LabCorp of America
Elizabethtown, KY
08.2022 - 02.2026
- Full-time float travels to different LabCorp PSC (Patient Service Centers) and IOP (In Office Phlebotomist) locations to collect blood, urine, other sample types, etc. Maintaining 30+ venipuncture per day.
- Coordinated patient scheduling to optimize workflow and enhance service delivery.
- Managed laboratory information systems to ensure accurate data entry and retrieval.
- Led quality assurance initiatives to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance communication and service delivery outcomes.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
Lead Phlebotomist
Shady Grove Fertility
Sandy Springs, GA
11.2020 - 07.2022
- Maintained a fast paced work environment of more than 50 venipuncture per day.
- Conducted venipuncture and other CT procedures. Implemented workflow improvements to increase efficiency in specimen collection processes.
- Conducted regular audits of phlebotomy procedures, maintaining high standards of patient care.
- Established protocols for managing difficult draws, improving patient comfort and experience during procedures.
- Assessed patients'' conditions prior to phlebotomy procedures, identifying potential complications or contraindications before proceeding safely with the procedure
- Regularly reviewed latest research in phlebotomy techniques.
Lead Phlebotomist
Reproductive Biology Associates (RBA)
Sandy Springs, GA
07.2016 - 10.2020
- Follow all FDA, HIPAA, OSHA state regulations, policies and procedures.
- Sterilizing medical instruments.
- Obtaining & verifying patient identification and insurance.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Supervised daily phlebotomy operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Trained and mentored junior phlebotomists, enhancing team performance and service delivery.
- Developed training materials for new staff, streamlining onboarding processes and reducing errors.
- Increased efficiency by maintaining organized workstations and well-stocked inventory levels.
- Developed strong relationships with patients by fostering trust during the blood collection process.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing patient concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Collaborated with medical staff to ensure timely processing of specimens for accurate diagnoses.
Donor Center Phlebotomist
American Red Cross
Atlanta, GA
06.2015 - 07.2016
- Collected blood samples using established procedures to ensure patient safety and sample integrity.
- Maintained accurate records of donor information and donation history in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Trained and mentored new phlebotomists on best practices and operational protocols to enhance team performance.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to address donor concerns and provide exceptional service experience.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
Customer Service Representative
Sprint
Atlanta, GA
08.2012 - 02.2015
- Inbound call center providing customer service to customers with the effective resolution, proactive account management, and customer education while averaging over 50 call per day.
- Assisted customers with account management, billing issues, and service upgrades to enhance satisfaction.
- Developed and maintained knowledge base resources to support staff in addressing complex customer concerns.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
- Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
- Provide effective and timely resolution of various customer inquiries and concerns.
- Build customer loyalty and value through effective account management, identifying appropriate additional products, features, and services, and collecting past-due balances.
Education
Medical Coding -
CUNY School of Profession Studies
New York01.2026
Phlebotomy Certification -
Gwinnett College Atlanta
Marietta, GA02.2014
Sociology -
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN01.2009
General Education/ High School Diploma - undefined
North Hardin High School
Radcliff, KY01.2001
Skills
- Venipuncture and capillary puncture
- Patient care
- Sample and specimen collection
- HIPAA compliance
- Specimen labeling procedures
- Patient confidentiality
- Data entry
- HIPAA
- Medical terminology
- Recording data
- Health education
- Medical records management
Timeline
PST Specialist
LabCorp of America
08.2022 - 02.2026
Lead Phlebotomist
Shady Grove Fertility
11.2020 - 07.2022
Lead Phlebotomist
Reproductive Biology Associates (RBA)
07.2016 - 10.2020
Donor Center Phlebotomist
American Red Cross
06.2015 - 07.2016
Customer Service Representative
Sprint
08.2012 - 02.2015
General Education/ High School Diploma - undefined
North Hardin High School
Medical Coding -
CUNY School of Profession Studies
Phlebotomy Certification -
Gwinnett College Atlanta
Sociology -
Austin Peay State University