Lakeva Leigh
Cordova,TN
Summary
Im a knowledgeable Microbiology Laboratory Scientist that's skilled in all facets of medical laboratory testing. Some of these testing includes various sub-disciplines like mycology, bacteriology, immunology, and parasitology. I'm also familiar with Joint Commission(JC) , Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI).
I'm a professional scientist with comprehensive experience in medical laboratory environments that demonstrates expertise in diagnostic testing, quality control, and data analysis. I have a strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. I'm adaptable to changing needs. I'm skilled in utilizing advanced laboratory equipment, implementing safety protocols, and maintaining accurate records. I'm committed to upholding high standards.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Laboratory Scientist Lead
LeBonheur Children's Hospital
08.2021 - Current
- Performed pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing procedures.
- Documented test results using computerized and manual transcription methods.
- Maintained high levels of laboratory safety by adhering to strict guidelines and conducting regular safety audits.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance targets related to accuracy, efficiency, and productivity
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing standardized testing procedures and protocols.
- Streamlined workflow by maintaining a well-organized and efficient work environment.
- Mentored new staff members, providing training on laboratory techniques and best practices for efficient workflow management.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings, sharing insights from lab findings to inform treatment decisions.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care and improve treatment outcomes.
- Maintained certification with American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- Led training sessions for new laboratory staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and protocols.
- Customized laboratory tests to meet specific research project requirements, facilitating breakthrough findings.
- Validate new instruments, write procedures and policies, hold monthly meetings, assist with bench work, read cultures, and submit CAP proficiency testing.
- Create the Antibiogram report annually for ID physicians
- I have Epic experience and built Epic for LeBonheur's microbiology department
- I'm also familiar with the technical aspects of the new system.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
St. Francis Hospital Memphis
07.2018 - 08.2021
- Recorded, reported and posted test results using CernerWorks
- Grew microbe cultures on different media including Sheep Blood Agar(BAP), MacConkey Agar (MAC), Columbia Agar(CNA), Chocolate Agar, Salmonella/ Shigella Agar(SS) Agar, Anaerobe Blood Agar( CDC), Anaerobic PEA Agar(CDC PEA), Schaedler KV Agar( SKV), MacConkey Agar with Sorbitol(SMAC), ETA Agar( for yeast identification)
- Responsible for ruling out agents of bio-terrorism
- Apart of the Tennessee Emerging Infections Program
- Report positive Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia results to the Tennessee Health Department
- Perform daily QC on Vitek 2
- Perform QC on all antibiotics as they are received
- Review Culture Activity Report daily before sending it to Infection Control
- Reading urine, stool, respiratory, and anaerobic cultures daily and performing susceptibility on suspected organisms
- Participate in College of American Pathologist (CAP) surveys
Blood Bank Technologist
Lebonheur Children's Hospital
06.2018 - 07.2019
- Assisted with safe transfusions by conducting tests and completing blood counts
- Performing ABO type and screens
- Performing antibody panels
- Cross matching blood
- Performed routine and complex testing in the area of blood bank
- Performed donor processing on apheresis platelets
- Processing donor units
- Handling and adding patient information into the Cerner Works database
- Modify components, label and properly disposition
- Inspect blood components for any abnormal appearance
Emergency Department Unit Coordinator
Lebonheur Children's Hospital
10.2013 - 06.2018
- Created customized care plans, working with hospital staff and families to assess and meet individual needs
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN05-2018
Bachelor of Science - Biology
LeMoyne-Owen College
Memphis, TN05-2015
Skills
- Microscopic techniques
- Lab test analysis
- Specimen processing
- Ability to study bacteria
- Microorganisms classification skills
- Understanding of microbiology techniques
- Specimen collection
- Laboratory procedures
- Loading/ unloading positive blood cultures
- Identifying the preliminary inspection of growth on primary isolation media after incubation
- Examine and record gram stains
- Perform immunofixation and protein electrophoresis gels( urine/ serum)
- Perform and Interrupt a Kirby Bauer
- Read urine, stool, respiratory, body fluids, CSF, wounds, gonorrhea, vaginal,Group A strep, ears, eyes, and anaerobic cultures
- Equipment operation
- Team management
- Data interpretation
- Technical troubleshooting
- Instrument maintenance
- Analytical thinking
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Team building
- Active listening
- Decision-making
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- SOP implementation
- Report preparation
Accomplishments
- Achieved building Epic for LeBonheur's microbiology department
- Epic SuperUser
References
Sondra Baker, Supervisor
St. Francis Hospital
901-765-3178
Sondra.baker@tenethealth.com
Jeffery Higgs, LeMoyne Owen Community Development Corporation President
LeMoyne Owen College
901-508-5027
jhiggs@loc.edu
Karen Pugh, Mircobiologist
St. Francis Hospital
901-765-3178
Karen.pugh@tenethealth.com
Volunteer
LeMoyne Owen College Alumni Board
University Tennessee Health Science Center Alumni Board
Black Student Association (BSA)
Lebonheur Children's Hospital Pumpkin Run
St. Jude Marathon
St.Francis Laboratory Social Officer
Licenses
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Medical Laboratory Technologist- Supervisor License
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Scientist Lead
LeBonheur Children's Hospital
08.2021 - Current
Medical Laboratory Scientist
St. Francis Hospital Memphis
07.2018 - 08.2021
Blood Bank Technologist
Lebonheur Children's Hospital
06.2018 - 07.2019
Emergency Department Unit Coordinator
Lebonheur Children's Hospital
10.2013 - 06.2018
Master of Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Bachelor of Science - Biology
LeMoyne-Owen College
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