LaRissa Baca
Pueblo,CO
Summary
Certified Medical Assistant and experienced Phlebotomist with hospital and diagnostic lab experience supporting patient-centered care. Skilled in specimen collection, clinical assisting, vitals, and safety monitoring while maintaining strict HIPAA, OSHA, and infection-control standards. Reliable team member in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Diligent dental assistant with comprehensive background in dental assisting. Successfully supported dental procedures and ensured patient comfort, contributing to improved practice efficiency. Demonstrated competence in sterilization techniques and patient record management, consistently maintaining high standards of care.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Dental Assistant
Dr. Villalon
Pueblo, CO
03.2024 - 05.2025
- Managed sterilization of instruments and equipment following infection control protocols.
- Educated patients on post-operative care and oral hygiene practices to enhance recovery.
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
- Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
- Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
- Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
- Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
- Sterilized rooms and prepped equipment and instruments for 10 plus procedures daily.
- Assisted dentists, hygienists, and other personnel by handing appropriate tools and supplies needed for procedures.
Phlebotomist / Urinary Technician
Dominion Diagnostics
Pueblo
04.2018 - 10.2018
- Collected and processed blood specimens using correct tubes and centrifugation techniques
- Verified patient identity using two identifiers in compliance with HIPAA policies
- Conducted observed urine collections for drug screening and ensured specimen integrity
- Maintained accurate documentation and adhered to OSHA safety protocols
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Verified proper storage and transportation of specimens to laboratories.
Phlebotomist
Parkview Medical Center
Pueblo, Colorado
03.2017 - 10.2017
- Performed venipuncture and specimen collection in a hospital setting
- Selected appropriate tubes for laboratory testing and verified patient information
- Completed early-morning specimen runs in a time-sensitive environment
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols and infection control measures during sample collection processes.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced patient flow and reduced wait times for blood draws.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Collaborated with lab personnel to streamline specimen processing and improve turnaround times.
- Assisted in training new staff on phlebotomy techniques and best practices within the department.
- Conducted quality control checks on equipment to ensure optimal function and accuracy in testing results.
- Provided exceptional patient care by addressing concerns and educating individuals about the phlebotomy process.
- Maintained accurate records of all procedures and patient interactions in electronic health systems.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
Patient Attendant
Parkview Medical Center
03.2017 - 10.2017
- Monitored patients under anesthesia and those at high risk to ensure safety
- Assisted CNAs with repositioning, hygiene care, and linen changes
- Provided reassurance and support while maintaining a calm, professional presence
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Monitored patient vital signs, reporting any changes to nursing staff promptly.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient care areas to enhance hygiene standards.
- Implemented infection control protocols, contributing to reduced hospital-acquired infections.
- Educated patients on health management techniques, improving overall wellness awareness.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care effectively.
Education
Medical Assistant Diploma -
IntelliTec College
Pueblo, CO01-2022
High School Diploma - undefined
South High School
Pueblo01-2011
Skills
Equipment sterilization
Sterilization techniques
Professionalism and etiquette
Infection control proficiency
Order of draw
Venipuncture
Patient care
Specimen handling
Butterfly needle technique
HIPAA compliance
Venipuncture expertise
Works Well Under Pressure
Dementia care
Patient safety
Compassionate care
Infection control standards
Patient positioning
Dental impressions
Instrument sterilization techniques
Team collaboration
Cross-training capabilities
Treatment room breakdown
Sanitation protocols
Oral surgery
Instrument preparation
Chairside assistance
Disinfecting rooms and equipment
Additional Experience
Customer Service Roles — Various Employers
Timeline
Dental Assistant
Dr. Villalon
03.2024 - 05.2025
Phlebotomist / Urinary Technician
Dominion Diagnostics
04.2018 - 10.2018
Phlebotomist
Parkview Medical Center
03.2017 - 10.2017
Patient Attendant
Parkview Medical Center
03.2017 - 10.2017
High School Diploma - undefined
South High School
Medical Assistant Diploma -
IntelliTec College