Katherine Hunter
Yulee,FL
Summary
Dedicated and empathetic Medical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist. offering years in direct patient care. In Clinical aspect of the clinical medical office and Hospital, that includes Dermatology, Oncology/Hematology, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Urgent care, Phlebotomist and as a Medical Assistant Instructor.
Seasoned Phlebotomist with 34 years experience in venipuncture and proven bedside manner. Committed to maintaining highest patient safety standards when collecting variety of samples and specimens. Accomplished in orienting new staff and training on proper venipuncture techniques.
Committed to obtaining highest level of patient satisfaction by ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to practice standards. Documented ability to cultivate trust and rapport with patients and maintain strong relationships. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families and other healthcare professionals.
Productive Phlebotomist in efficiently collecting blood specimens from newborn to geriatric patients in hospital settings. Proven leader with success in recommending and introducing strategies to improve workflow, specimen processing and customer service related to patient care. Skilled at calming stressed and anxious patients of all ages.
MLA II with 5 years of experience with Baptist Health . I have comprehensive experience in high-volume receiving and handling of live-patient samples. Meticulous, detailed and accurate with strong follow-through and administrative skills. Professional and composed decision-maker resourceful in perceiving and resolving problems in fast-paced, unpredictable and stressful environments. Strong communicator when interfacing seamlessly with patients, doctors and medical staff.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
MLA III
Baptist Medical Center
Fernandina Beach, FL
03.2021 - 10.2026
- Built trust and minimized patient discomfort during phlebotomy procedures.
- Obtained variety of blood samples through venipuncture or capillary.
- Venipuncture using syringes, butterfly needles and straight needles.
- Counseled patients to ease fears, explain procedures and enhance cooperation during blood draws.
- Used multiple electronic medical software, including Epic, LabDaq and Allscripts.
- Enforced infection control and sharps disposal procedures to protect patients, co-workers and self.
- Verified quality of specimens by centrifuging specimens for logistics courier to pickup.
- Drove team performance through effective training, coaching and motivation of line employees.
- Adhered to applicable regulations, policies and procedures for health, safety and environment
- Cleaned and sterilized lab area, tools and equipment.
- Received Multiple specimens from other departments.
- Prepared specimens for analysis by conducting sample processing and extraction techniques.
- Organized and managed inventory of needed supplies for Outpatient Laboratory and other materials used in the lab.
- Handled administrative tasks for laboratory staff and overall operations.
- Prepared specimens and forms for transport to outside laboratories.
- Assisted in Anatomic pathology of specimens for Bronchoscopies, EBUS, needle aspirates and Frozens. And other related AP process procedures.
- Retrieving specimens from pneumatic tube system and process specimens according to specimens type.
- Coordinating specimens pick-ups for referral testing.
- Prepared specimen transfer lists and packaging specimens in accordance with Laboratory policy for transfer.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Phlebotomist, Medical Laboratory Assistant
Northeast Florida Endocrine And Diabetes Associates
Jacksonville, FL
05.2015 - 10.2020
- Assisted in the preparation of laboratory specimens for analysis and testing.
- Performed venipuncture and other blood collection procedures according to established standards.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies used in phlebotomy services.
- Documented patient information into electronic medical records system.
- Collected specimens from pediatric, adult, geriatric, and special needs patients.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
- Calibrated equipment according to manufacturer specifications.
- Prepared specimens for transport to external laboratories.
- Assisted in the training of new phlebotomists.
- Performed quality control tests on collected specimens.
- Prepared and packaged specimens for courier transport.
- Centrifuged blood specimens in test tubes and capillary tubes to separate cells and sediment from blood serum.
- Promoted blood specimen integrity for laboratory testing using accurate selection of collection tubes and correct technique.
- Enforced infection control and sharps disposal procedures to protect patients, co-workers and self.
- Mentored newly hired medical personnel in phlebotomy techniques and protocols.
- Processed specimens according to standard operating procedures.
Laboratory Assistant, Medical Assistant
21st Century Oncology Holdings Inc.
Jacksonville, FL
07.2009 - 05.2015
- Cleaned, maintained and calibrated laboratory and field equipment to ensure continuous accuracy and functionality.
- Supported functions for diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, including setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatuses.
- Sanitized workstations and instruments to avoid cross-contamination.
- Maintained working condition of equipment by closely following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, performing preventive maintenance and calling for repairs.
- Maintained and calibrated lab instruments and equipment to streamline use.
- Counseled patients to ease fears, explain procedures and enhance cooperation during blood draws.
- Obtained variety of blood samples through venipuncture or capillary puncture using syringes, butterfly needles and straight needles.
- Enforced infection control and sharps disposal procedures to protect patients, co-workers and self.
- Maintained fully-stocked phlebotomy cart, carrier and station.
- Clinical testing to include specimen processing with a Beckman Coulter HMX and Act Diff 2 CBC/Diff analyzer.
- Assisted in Bone Marrow Biopsies. Prepared patients for Biopsy by properly preparing a sterile procedure, obtaining vital signs, verifying referrals and taking a detailed health history. And making slides of the specimens.
- Maintained lab inventory and ordered supplies as needed.
- Calibrated instruments and maintained records of calibration activities.
- Ordered supplies, obtained pricing and quotes, prepared purchase requests and maintained organized expenditure.
- Maintained laboratory equipment by performing calibration checks and troubleshooting any malfunctions.
Phlebotomist
Trumbull Memorial Hospital
Warren, OH
03.2007 - 07.2009
- Obtained variety of blood samples through venipuncture or capillary puncture using syringes, butterfly needles and straight needles.
- Verified collection orders and communicated discrepancies to nurses.
- Maintained fully-stocked phlebotomy cart, carrier and station.
- Counseled patients to ease fears, explain procedures and enhance cooperation during blood draws.
- Coordinated workflow based on stat, schedule, or outpatient needs.
- Obtained Blood Cultures.
- Performed Phlebotomy on all three shifts. 346 bed Hospital, Including Emergency Room, Pediatrics, Outpatient Laboratory.
- Performed Electrocardiograms.
- Code Blue Team Member.
Medical Assistant
Warren Dermatology and Allergy
Warren, OH
07.2002 - 02.2007
- Conducted patient interviews to gather health history, vital signs and information about current medical issues.
- Educated patients about medications, procedures and physician's instructions.
- Coordinated and executed medical waste disposal according to governmental and organizational standards.
- Positioned patients for optimal comfort prior to procedures.
- Prepared patients for examinations, taking vital signs and updating medical histories.
- Followed all principles of asepsis and infection control to meet patient safety guidelines.
- Led patients to exam rooms, answered general questions and prepared patients for physician by explaining process.
- Assisted with diagnostic testing by collecting and packaging biological specimens for internal and laboratory analyses.
- Sterilized medical instruments to streamline procedural use.
- Puva and light treatments.
- Assisted with MOHS and Surgical Procedures, that included setup of procedure with correct Sterile Medical Instruments for Punch biopsies and ellipse.
- Administered local anesthetic topical and application of injectable.
- Assisted in suturing and also suturing with correct material and size. applied Tissue adhesives when indicated.
- Removed sutures and reported any sign of infection, or any issues to the Physician.
- Wound care, including debridement, wound cultures, and Unna boots.
Education
Medical Assisting
Boheckers Business College
Ravenna, Ohio02.1992
High School Diploma -
Southeast High School
Ravenna, OH05.1984
Skills
- Understands medical procedures
- Venipuncture and phlebotomy
- Quick problem solver
- Analytical decision-making skills
- Infection Control
- Supply ordering and restocking
- Sample Preparation
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Specimen Collection
- Excellent organization skills
- Maintaining an immaculate work space
Timeline
MLA III
Baptist Medical Center
03.2021 - 10.2026
Phlebotomist, Medical Laboratory Assistant
Northeast Florida Endocrine And Diabetes Associates
05.2015 - 10.2020
Laboratory Assistant, Medical Assistant
21st Century Oncology Holdings Inc.
07.2009 - 05.2015
Phlebotomist
Trumbull Memorial Hospital
03.2007 - 07.2009
Medical Assistant
Warren Dermatology and Allergy
07.2002 - 02.2007
High School Diploma -
Southeast High School
Medical Assisting
Boheckers Business College