Mariah Bednar
Woodbury,CT
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with a strong background in clinical laboratory science and over 15 years of experience. Recognized for exceptional communication and organizational skills, adept at collaborating with healthcare teams to deliver accurate diagnoses and enhance patient outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Department Of Veteran Affairs Medical Center
03.2020 - Current
- Analyzed laboratory results to facilitate effective disease diagnosis and ongoing health assessments for veteran patients.
- Implemented and maintained quality control measures to ensure precise test results and regulatory compliance.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to interpret lab results and provide critical patient care insights.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new staff on laboratory procedures, promoting knowledge retention and operational effectiveness.
- Managed laboratory operations across blood bank, hematology, coagulation, chemistry, urinalysis, and microbiology to maintain exceptional customer service standards.
- Provides functional supervision of assigned staff, including work prioritization, troubleshooting, guidance during complex testing situations, and escalation of issues to supervisory leadership as needed.
- Assists with staff training, onboarding, and annual competency assessments, coordinating directly with supervisory staff to ensure compliance with continuing education and regulatory requirements.
- Maintains technical competency and performs bench testing as required, supporting staffing needs on a 60/40 technical/leadership basis.
- Oversees quality control, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory analyzers; identifies trends, documents errors, and implements corrective actions.
- Manages section inventory, ensuring appropriate levels of reagents, controls, consumables, and supplies while supporting departmental budget goals.
- Ensures continuous inspection readiness, actively maintaining compliance with CAP, TJC, FDA, DOT, VHA, and other regulatory agencies.
- Coordinates proficiency testing participation, reviews results, and implements corrective actions when indicated.
- Participates in Quality Assurance programs, prepares QA documentation, and collaborates with the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Quality Manager on incident reporting and corrective actions.
- Reviews and updates laboratory procedures to meet regulatory standards and operational needs.
- Assists with staff scheduling, including weekday, weekend, holiday, and emergency coverage.
- Achieved a safer work environment through proactive safety initiatives. Enhanced compliance with safety standards by addressing hazards swiftly. Fostered a culture of safety awareness among team members.
- Serves as a technical consultant to staff and providers regarding testing methodology, result interpretation, and troubleshooting.
- Actively participates in interdisciplinary communication with physicians, nursing staff, and leadership to ensure optimal patient care.
- Recognized consistently for exceptional customer service, teamwork, and professionalism.
- Facilitated a cooperative atmosphere and ensured adherence to professional standards to improve interactions among team members.
- Acknowledged for outstanding contributions to team dynamics and superior customer service.
Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor
New England Labs
07.2019 - 09.2021
- Supervised laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new laboratory staff, enhancing team competency.
- Oversaw scheduling and workflow management to optimize resource allocation and turnaround times.
- Managed equipment maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
- Supervised daily laboratory operations, staffing, and workflow for a high-volume toxicology laboratory.
- Assisted with hiring, training, mentoring, evaluating, and disciplining staff to build a cohesive, high-performing team.
- Developed and implemented competency and CE programs, ensuring staff maintained licensure and technical proficiency.
- Validated new analyzers, assays, and methodologies, including design, testing, analysis, implementation, and staff training.
- Oversaw quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, and inspection readiness (COLA).
- Managed inventory, purchasing, budgeting, and cost analysis, maintaining strict financial controls.
- Authored and revised policies and procedures in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Prepared and presented QA, safety, budget, and operational reports to the Medical Director and stakeholders.
- Served as liaison between leadership, providers, vendors, and service technicians.
- Led process improvement initiatives that enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and turnaround times.
Medical Technologist
Waterbury Hospital
11.2018 - 03.2020
- Conducted complex laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor patient health.
- Ensured accuracy of test results through meticulous quality control procedures.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient care and treatment plans.
- Trained new staff on laboratory protocols and safety standards.
- Maintained laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing workflow efficiency in lab operations.
- Contributed to the overall success of the laboratory by maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating strong teamwork skills in daily interactions with peers.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately performing and interpreting laboratory tests in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood bank departments.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new Medical Technologists, fostering a positive learning environment for skill development.
- Maintained strict adherence to safety protocols, minimizing the risk of infection or contamination in the laboratory environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Western Conn
Danbury, CTSkills
- Clinical staff relations
- Meticulous attention
- Problem-solving abilities
- Skilled at prioritizing tasks simultaneously
- Effective time management
- Excellent communication
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong organizational abilities
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with team of 2 in the development of developing new procedures.
Certification
MLS(ASCP)CM
Timeline
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Department Of Veteran Affairs Medical Center
03.2020 - Current
Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor
New England Labs
07.2019 - 09.2021
Medical Technologist
Waterbury Hospital
11.2018 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Western Conn