Kennedi Poland
Eureka,IL
Summary
I chose the medical field because I genuinely love helping people, meeting new individuals every day, and providing caring support during their health journeys. What draws me most to this profession is the unique opportunity to turn compassion into meaningful action every single day—whether through attentive patient interactions, accurate clinical assistance, or simply offering reassurance in challenging moments. As a dedicated Certified Medical Assistant with 2.5 years of hands-on hospital phlebotomy experience (including lead responsibilities) and specialized phlebotomy certification, I am committed to delivering high-quality, empathetic care that makes a real difference in patients' lives while supporting efficient healthcare teams.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Extern
OSF Medical Group Primary Care
Peoria, IL
03.2026 - 05.2026
- Assisting in patient intake processes, ensuring accurate data collection and efficient workflow.
- Supporting clinical staff by preparing examination rooms and maintaining sterile environments.
- Managing electronic health record entries, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and accuracy of information.
- Assisting nursing team with answering phones and updating medical charts.
Phlebotomist
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
Peoria, IL
03.2021 - 09.2023
- Performed high-volume venipuncture and capillary blood draws on 40–60+ patients per shift in a Level 1 trauma center and tertiary care hospital, ensuring accurate collection and minimal patient discomfort.
- Served in lead capacity by coordinating daily phlebotomy team operations, including staffing assignments, workflow prioritization, and supply management to maintain efficient departmental performance.
- Trained and mentored new phlebotomists and staff on proper techniques, safety protocols, and hospital procedures, contributing to team competency and reduced errors.
- Verified patient identification, and assured adherence to blood drawing procedures, orders, and compliance standards (including Bloodborne Pathogens and HIPAA).
- Collaborated closely with nursing, laboratory, and clinical teams to handle STAT/timed draws, coordinate specimen transport, and support overall hospital workflows in inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Maintained accurate documentation in hospital systems, labeled/processed specimens correctly, and upheld strict infection control to ensure reliable test results and patient safety.
Cashier
Kroger
East Peoria, IL
10.2020 - 01.2021
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues
- Maintained accurate cash drawer, ensuring proper change distribution
- Collaborated with team members to enhance store operations and workflow
- Trained new cashiers on register operation and customer engagement techniques
Cashier
Hy-Vee
Galesburg, IL
11.2018 - 09.2020
- Assisted in inventory management by restocking merchandise promptly
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
Education
Medical Assistant Diploma -
Midwest Technical Institute
East Peoria, IL05.2026
Phlebotomy Certificate -
Midwest Technical Institute
East Peoria, ILHigh School Diploma - undefined
Abingdon-Avon High School
Abingdon, IL01.2019
Skills
- Venipuncture & phlebotomy
- Capillary puncture & specimen collection/processing
- Vital signs measurement & patient assessment
- Injections & immunizations
- EKG/ECG administration
- Wound care & sterile technique
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) proficiency
- Patient identification & documentation accuracy
- Building rapport in high-stress environments
- Multitasking & prioritizing in fast-paced settings
- Team collaboration with nurses, physicians & lab staff
- Verbal and written communication
- Leadership qualities
Certification
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) — [Issuance Month/Year, or 'Pending upon program completion May 2026'] / Expiration: [Month Year]
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR for Healthcare Providers, American Heart Association — Issued: 2026-01-22 / Expiration: 2028-01
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training — 2025-09-08
- HIPAA Certificate of Training — Completed: 2025-09-22
Qualifications
- Hard-worker with a strong work ethic and dedication to completing tasks efficiently
- Organized and detail-oriented in managing procedures, documentation, and workflows
- Team player who collaborates effectively with nurses, physicians, lab staff, and multidisciplinary teams
- Reliable and dependable, consistently arriving on time and following through on responsibilities
- Compassionate and empathetic, prioritizing patient comfort and emotional support
- Adaptable and flexible in fast-paced, high-volume hospital environments
- Strong communicator with clear, patient-focused interactions
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in specimen collection, labeling, and compliance
- Problem-solver who handles challenges calmly and efficiently with a positive attitude under pressure
Timeline
Extern
OSF Medical Group Primary Care
03.2026 - 05.2026
Phlebotomist
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
03.2021 - 09.2023
Cashier
Kroger
10.2020 - 01.2021
Cashier
Hy-Vee
11.2018 - 09.2020
High School Diploma - undefined
Abingdon-Avon High School
Medical Assistant Diploma -
Midwest Technical Institute
Phlebotomy Certificate -
Midwest Technical Institute