Lauren Alukonis
Merritt Island
Summary
Accomplished, motivated, quality-focused Medical Laboratory Scientist seeking transfusion medicine advancement opportunities within the Clinical Laboratory. Nationally certified technologist who maintains a positive disposition, organization, and integrity with a plethora of experience, a wide variety of education, and top of the industry training. I pride myself with intense attention to detail, the ability to adapt and multitask efficiently, while upholding professionalism, productivity, and precision. Thrives under pressure, motivates team for overall success, and encourages continuous improvement, leading by example. History of excellent medical laboratory knowledge and success, driven by exceeding company standards of quality work. Undeniably fueled by helping others, upholding values, and providing irrefutable results. A self-starter in identifying and assuming ownership of opportunities for improvement, ensuring integrity each step of the way. Showcases positivity in action, thought, and communication. Accustomed to maintaining and monitoring laboratory accreditation agency standards such as CAP, JCOM, and AABB. Enthusiastic to learn, lead, and support team members in order to establish and maintain the highest standards of patient care.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Parrish Medical Center
Titusville, FL
03.2022 - Current
- Conducted complex laboratory tests and analyses to support accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.
- Proficient in all areas of the Clinical Laboratory – Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology
- Operated and maintained advanced laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal functionality and compliance with safety standards.
- Streamlined sample processing workflows, reducing turnaround times while maintaining high-quality standards in testing.
- Trained new staff on laboratory protocols, procedures, and safety practices to ensure smooth operations and compliance.
- Monitored inventory levels of reagents and supplies, proactively coordinating orders to prevent disruptions in lab operations.
- Engaged in continuous education efforts to stay current with advancements in laboratory technology and best practices.
- Optimized workload distribution among team members, ensuring timely completion of tasks without compromising quality.
- Served as a reliable resource for colleagues and hospital staff by diligently maintaining knowledge of relevant diagnostic tests, procedures, and best practices.
- Performs and documents required instrument maintenance, calibration, and linearity procedures. Identified and troubleshot technica issues related to laboratory procedures.
- Participated in laboratory audits and assessments to maintain compliance and improve results.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives through prudent resource management and waste reduction strategies in the lab setting.
- Increased diagnostic accuracy through meticulous attention to detail during testing procedures and data analysis.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards, participating in regular audits and maintaining up-to-date documentation.
- serves as the tech in-charge of the Laboratory in the absence of the section supervisor.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
- Oversaw maintenance and testing processes in partnership with transfusion services section chief to maintain quality standards in method validations and functionality testing. Assisted in completing monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance reports for blood bank operations.
- Guided new hires and students through comprehensive training in blood bank and chemistry, fostering professional growth and competency.
- Redesigned and executed comprehensive training program for blood bank personnel.
- Performs and documents quality control procedure. Assures quality control acceptability before reporting patient results. Follows the departmental guidelines for addressing unacceptable results.
- Participates in appropriate proficiency testing following the guidelines of the Quality Assurance Plan
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams for improved patient outcomes, sharing critical lab findings and insights.
- Managed crisis situations effectively by developing contingency plans and coordinating with emergency response teams during critical events.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements through regular audits, policy reviews, and proactive corrective action plans.
- Performed precise blood typing to ensure safe transfusions and reduce complications.
- Maintained strict compliance with AABB standards, ensuring the highest level of safety for blood products.
- Collaborated with management to refine transfusion medicine workflows, aiming to elevate patient care standards.
- Assessed new protocols and equipment for relevance and helped implement chosen updates.
Emergency Department Medical Scribe
ScribeAmerica LLC
Seymour, IN
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Documented patient encounters in real-time, ensuring accurate and comprehensive medical records.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to enhance communication and streamline documentation processes.
- Expedited the discharge process for patients by completing thorough clinical summaries in a timely manner.
- Trained new scribes on best practices for documentation and workflow efficiency.
- accurately recorded detailed medical histories, examination findings, treatment plans, and lab results into patient charts for streamlined healthcare delivery.
- Facilitated efficient patient care by assisting physicians, contributing to a 17% reduction in average wait times.
- Developed and maintained strong professional connections with physicians, hospital staff, and management to support quality patient care.
- Reviewed medical charts for completeness, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
- Accompanied physicians through day in fast-paced, stressful environments while maintaining exceptional presentation and professionalism.
- Developed advanced proficiency in Meditech records management software.
- Demonstrated adaptability and resourcefulness when faced with unexpected changes or challenges in the emergency department environment.
- Enhanced physician productivity by allowing them to focus on direct patient care instead of time-consuming documentation tasks.
- Maintained strict confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations throughout all aspects of the medical scribe role.
Medical Laboratory Technician
United States Air Force
Travis AFB, CA
08.2012 - 07.2015
- Performed manual and automated routine blood tests. Prepared specimens for microscope examination. Prepared chemical solutions, reagents, specimens for microscopic examination; perform laboratory tests; analyze and report findings; and investigate atypical results and discrepancies to determine causation.
- Appointed as Blood Bank Training Manager and Records Manager, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Maintained impeccable inspection records with zero discrepancies.
- Conducted lab tests in the areas of hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, serology, immunology, phlebotomy.
- Maintained strict aseptic fields when collecting biological samples, minimizing staff/patient infection risks.
- Expedited critical testing results without compromising sample validity or quality assurance. Worked as a lab technician in a high-volume medical testing laboratory.
- Operated and maintained diagnostic equipment and tested patient samples efficiently.
- Performed venipuncture and capillary punctures in alignment with established lab protocols. Managed blood culture collection processes to minimize contamination risks and uphold quality standards.
- Properly used containers, collection timing, labeling, centrifugation, and specimen processing techniques. Perform complex specimen processing and send out procedures. Instruct outpatients of proper specimen collection (i.e., UA's, cultures, O&P collection, 24-hour specimen collection, etc.) as described by the lab operating instruction and LIS online instructions.
- Learned and maintained thorough familiarity and compliance with all state and federal regulations, Standard Operating Procedure Manual, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
- Devoted special emphasis to punctuality and worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal and other regulatory standards.
- Supported coronary artery bypass grafting surgeries: performed and followed MTP; performed crossmatch to establish blood product compatibility; promptly reported any abnormal reactions.
- Accurately performs STAT and routine orders within established time limits. Recognized abnormal results and took appropriate action in accordance with departmental policy.
- Monitored temperatures of the stored products in refrigerators and freezers. Reported all equipment in need of repair to proper authority.
- Trained and mentored technicians on laboratory procedures, enhancing team efficiency and skill development.
- Enhanced team knowledge by contributing to training sessions on new techniques and technologies. Facilitated team-oriented environment, fostering collaboration and efficient workflow among technicians.
- Supported research projects by providing precise and reliable laboratory data.
- Played key role in laboratory accreditation process, ensuring compliance with national standards.
- Managed inventory of blood products, optimizing storage conditions for maximum efficacy.
- Ensured appropriate handling of biohazardous materials according to OSHA guidelines, maintaining a safe working environment.
- Collaborated with medical staff to provide timely and accurate blood product availability information during emergency situations.
- Performed precise blood typing to ensure safe transfusions and reduce complications.
- Participated in community outreach events to promote awareness of the importance of blood donation, leading to an increase in first-time donors.
- Conducted blood component preparation and labeling according to regulatory standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, FL05-2021
Associate of Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL2013
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, FL2012
Skills
- Customer service excellence
- Quality control management
- Adaptable to change
- Blood bank operations
- Quality assurance
- Data interpretation
- Lab supply management
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making and planning
- Complex Problem-solving
- Relationship building
- Issue resolution
Accomplishments
2024 Laboratory Employee of the Year – Medical Technologist
Certification
- MLS - Medical Laboratory Scientist
- State of Florida Clinical Laboratory TechnologistTechnologist License
- American Heart Association
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Parrish Medical Center
03.2022 - Current
Emergency Department Medical Scribe
ScribeAmerica LLC
09.2018 - 05.2020
Medical Laboratory Technician
United States Air Force
08.2012 - 07.2015
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
Eastern Florida State College
Associate of Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Eastern Florida State College