Maura Ham
Hemet,California
Summary
Proven Medical Laboratory Assistant with a track record of enhancing lab productivity and streamlining processes at Loma Linda Medical Center. Expert in Pathology, Histology safety protocols and specimen collection, coupled with exceptional mentoring abilities. Increased efficiency by prioritizing tasks and leveraging some Cytology knowledge, demonstrating a commitment to quality control and patient confidentiality. Hardworking M.L.A bringing 19 years of expertise.
Skilled multitasker with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Proven history of maintaining equipment and lab areas in alignment with regulatory guidelines. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure CYTO- M.L.A position. Ready to help, detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Loma Linda Medical Center
02.2005 - Current
- Assisted in the training of new M.L.A, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Maintained a clean, safe work environment by following strict laboratory protocols and guidelines.
- Promoted patient confidentiality by adhering to HIPAA regulations during all phases of specimen handling and reporting processes.
- Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills when troubleshooting issues related to sample preparation or equipment malfunctions.
- Streamlined the process for data entry into Cerner information management systems, reducing the potential for human error.
- Participated in ongoing education and professional development opportunities to stay current with industry advancements and best practices.
- Increased lab productivity by effectively prioritizing tasks and completing them within designated timeframes.
- Facilitated communication between medical staff and Pathology personnel for efficient result delivery and collaboration.
- Fostered a positive work environment by maintaining open lines of communication and promoting teamwork among Pathology staff.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
- Documented and reported equipment malfunctions to supervisor for fast resolution and maintenance.
- Documented and verified patient information using LLEAP information system.
- Kept supplies organized and well-stocked, requesting more supplies and avoiding unnecessary testing delays.
- Maintained safe work environment free of unnecessary hazards to protect staff and testing results.
- Used correct formulas and procedures to prepare solutions and reagents for testing needs.
- Cross covered multiple shifts
- Histology Dept. duties: Running Leica stainer controls, taking multiple equipment temperatures, loading and unloading slides off Leica stainer, then processing through automatic cover slipper, organization of paraffin blocks for Histotechs, verifying patient's slide cases off Histology Master list and and Cerner list and distribute to Pathologists & Residents.
- Pathology office duties: Accessioning outside pathology cases, clerical filing, answering phones, filing of all internal and external Pathology slides.
- Accessioning room duties; Logging in all received specimens which come through from MC OR's, Surgical Hospital, East Campus Hospital, Labor & Delivery, Cytology, Women's Cancer Center, GI Lab, verifying carefully all specimens and its requisition match with Patients identifiers. Assisting Pathologists & Residents with Frozen section, prepping Patient tissue specimens for grossing personnel. Communicating with different Departments through our Entity regarding discrepancy in either specimen identifier or requisition information. Recording on daily QC logs, and preparing all QC logs at end of month, for Department Managers signatures.
Medical Assistant
Kerrigan Family Medical Group
01.1998 - 01.2005
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Called and faxed pharmacies to submit prescriptions and refills.
- Documented vital signs and health history for patients in clinic and hospital environments.
- Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
- Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
- Maintained a safe and clean clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
- Scheduled appointments, registered patients, and distributed sample pharmaceuticals as prescribed.
- Facilitated seamless patient care with thorough and accurate documentation of medical histories, vital signs, and medications.
- Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during examinations, effectively addressing concerns and answering questions.
- Kept medical supplies in sufficient stock by monitoring levels and submitting replenishment orders before depleted.
- Boosted patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and promptly addressing needs during visits.
- Performed phlebotomy tasks efficiently while ensuring minimal discomfort for patients during blood collection procedures.
- Enhanced clinic efficiency by assisting physicians with routine procedures and diagnostic tests.
- Taught patients about medications, procedures, and care plan instructions.
- Assisted with routine checks and diagnostic testing by collecting and processing specimens.
- Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
- Completed clinical procedures and gathered patient data for interpretation by physician.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols by following proper sterilization techniques for medical equipment.
- Improved patient experiences by efficiently managing appointments and maintaining organized medical records.
- Collaborated with medical and administrative personnel to maintain patient-focused, engaging and compassionate environment.
- Contributed to positive health outcomes by educating patients on preventative measures, treatment plans, and follow-up care instructions.
- Aided in accurate diagnoses by performing laboratory tests and preparing specimens for analysis.
- Assisted in the development of clinic policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Provided support during emergencies by administering first aid treatments under physician supervision until further assistance arrived.
- Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
- Obtained and documented patient medical history, vital signs and current complaints at intake.
- Completed EKGs and other tests based on patient presentation in office.
- Prepared lab specimens for diagnostic evaluation.
- Explained procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and increase patient cooperation.
- Oriented and trained new staff on proper procedures and policies.
- Updated inventory, expiration and vaccine logs to maintain current tracking documentation.
- Helped improve patient outcomes by educating and advising on relevant treatments and care.
- Supported duties for diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, such as setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.
- Collected pertinent data and calculations to aid physician in interpreting results.
- Implemented care and efficiency improvements to support and enhance office operations.
- Back office Medical Assistants Supervisor.
- Physicians Office Laboratory duties; Certified and in charge of all Patients Lab testing, using Abbott Cell-Dyn 1700 Hematology Analyzer, & Roche Cobas Mira diagnostic system.
- Streamlined office operations by managing inventory levels, ordering supplies, and organizing storage areas.
Education
General Studies
College of The Desert
Palm Desert, CAHigh School Diploma -
Coachella Valley High School
Coachella06.1982
Skills
- Adaptable to change
- Centrifugation Techniques
- Patient confidentiality
- Hematology Knowledge
- Biohazard Waste Disposal
- Quality Control Procedures
- Specimen Collection
- Phlebotomy expertise
- Lab equipment maintenance
- Laboratory Information Systems
- Reagent handling
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Sample Preparation
- Sterile technique
- Training and mentoring
- Equipment Calibration
- Test Documentation
- Quality Control
- Medical Terminology
- HIPAA Compliance
- Word Processing
- Inventory Control
- Phlebotomy
- Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Biohazard Disposal
- Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
- Equipment Troubleshooting
- User Equipment Training
- Patient Records Documentation
- Staff Training
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Loma Linda Medical Center
02.2005 - Current
Medical Assistant
Kerrigan Family Medical Group
01.1998 - 01.2005
General Studies
College of The Desert
High School Diploma -
Coachella Valley High School