Melissa Jarvis
Fayetteville
Summary
Dynamic Histology Laboratory Assistant with proven expertise at Premier Gastroenterology, skilled in specimen processing and laboratory safety protocols. Recognized for enhancing lab efficiency and accuracy through meticulous documentation and quality control monitoring. Strong collaborator with exceptional attention to detail, committed to maintaining high standards in a fast-paced environment.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Histology Laboratory Assistant
Premier Gastroenterology
Fayetteville, NC
10.2022 - Current
- Conducted sample preparations and assisted in various laboratory procedures to support gastroenterological analyses.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols and maintained cleanliness of laboratory equipment and workspaces.
- Operated and calibrated laboratory instruments, ensuring optimal performance for accurate test results.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to streamline sample processing workflows and improve turnaround times.
- Documented laboratory findings meticulously, enhancing record-keeping accuracy for patient reports.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking supplies to ensure availability of necessary materials for testing.
- Participated in quality assurance initiatives, contributing to continuous improvement of laboratory practices and protocols.
- Handled hazardous materials responsibly following proper waste disposal procedures to minimize environmental impact.
- Enhanced lab safety measures by conducting regular equipment maintenance and implementing updated protocols.
- Reduced sample contamination risks through rigorous adherence to proper specimen handling techniques.
- Executed preparation of samples for shipping, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by optimizing sample processing and data recording workflows.
- Acted as a trusted resource for colleagues requiring guidance on laboratory procedures and equipment utilization.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date laboratory records, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines and facilitating audits when necessary.
- Maintained safe, tidy and organized laboratory environment for accurate test results.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
- Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
- Troubleshot and resolved equipment and process issues.
- Embedded processed tissue samples into paraffin wax blocks.
- Rotary microtomy of tissue samples.
- Enter patient information to corresponding case number of the tissue sample.
- File glass slides and/or paraffin blocks for archival purposes.
Front Desk Representative
Fayetteville Gastroenterology and Associates
Fayetteville, NC
06.2019 - 10.2022
- Managed patient check-in and appointment scheduling to enhance office workflow.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing patient inquiries and concerns effectively.
- Coordinated communication between patients and medical staff to ensure timely information flow.
- Monitored office supplies inventory, ensuring availability of necessary materials for daily operations.
- Assisted in processing insurance claims, verifying coverage details with attention to accuracy.
- Participated in regular team meetings to address operational improvements and discuss opportunities for enhancing guest services.
- Monitored inventory levels of office supplies, maintaining adequate stock without excess expenditure.
- Assisted in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and organization at the front desk, creating a welcoming atmosphere for patient/ guests upon arrival.
- Transcribed phone messages and relayed to appropriate personnel.
- Answered multi-line phone system and enthusiastically greeted callers.
- Welcomed each patient/guest pleasantly and confirmed reservations and identification.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly and appropriately handled needs.
- Maintained clean and organized front desk areas to uphold polished company image.
Scope Washer
Carolina East Ear, Nose & Throat
New Bern, NC
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Operated cleaning equipment to ensure sterile environments in medical facilities.
- Maintained inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment for optimal operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with healthcare staff to adhere to safety protocols during cleaning procedures.
- Trained new staff on proper washing techniques and safety standards in healthcare settings.
- Conducted regular inspections of cleaned areas to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Maintained clean and hazard-free work areas.
- Kept equipment in good working order and properly stored between jobs.
- Trained new employees on proper washing procedures and company policies.
- Inspected washing tools, equipment, and materials daily for damage or needed repairs.
- Supported team members in daily operations, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall performance.
- Maintained accurate inventories of equipment and supplies and ordered replenishments when necessary.
- Adhered to detailed manuals and instructions to safely operate and maintain equipment.
- Followed company protocols and guidelines to avoid injuries and accidents and promote safety.
- Ensured proper sanitization of scopes equipment after use, reducing cross-contamination risks for both staff and clients alike.
Office Specialist Heart Center
Carolina East Heart Center
New Bern, NC
05.2015 - 07.2017
- Coordinated office operations, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow across departments.
- Managed scheduling and appointment logistics for team members, optimizing daily activities.
- Developed and maintained filing systems, improving document retrieval speed and accuracy.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced office productivity and reduced administrative errors.
- Facilitated communication between departments, strengthening interdepartmental collaboration and support.
- Optimized scheduling and appointment coordination, ensuring smooth daily operations for all team members.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new software programs and office tools as required, continuously improving skill set.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Handled incoming calls professionally, routing callers appropriately or taking detailed messages when necessary.
- Reduced errors in data entry tasks by meticulously reviewing documents and cross-referencing information.
- Provided exceptional support during peak periods, regularly prioritizing tasks based on urgency while maintaining attention to detail.
- Facilitated clear communication among team members by drafting professional correspondence and distributing memos as required.
- Contributed to positive company culture by assisting coworkers whenever possible, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates by providing prompt assistance with inquiries, concerns, or requests for information.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Followed detailed directions from management to complete daily paperwork and computer data entry.
- Performed wide-ranging administrative, financial and service-related functions.
Operating Room Assistant
Carolina East Medical Center
New Bern, NC
07.2002 - 10.2015
- Assisted surgical teams by preparing operating rooms and ensuring proper sterilization of instruments.
- Managed inventory of surgical supplies, maintaining optimal stock levels for efficient operations.
- Provided support during procedures by positioning patients and ensuring comfort throughout surgeries.
- Coordinated equipment setup and breakdown, contributing to timely surgery schedules and workflow efficiency.
- Trained new staff on operating room protocols, enhancing team performance and compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to streamline patient handoff processes, improving overall care continuity.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by maintaining clean and organized workspaces, supporting quick room turnover between surgeries.
- Maintained operating room's inventory of products and replenished stock, when needed.
- Prepared patients for surgery and transported patients to and from operating room.
- Cleaned and sterilized room after surgery and counted instruments and sponges used to account for supplies.
- Complied with all relevant regulations and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment at all times within the operating room setting.
- Played a crucial role in emergency situations by remaining calm under pressure and assisting surgical teams as needed to save lives or stabilize patients'' conditions quickly.
- Ensured proper handling of specimens through accurate labeling, documentation, and transportation to labs for analysis.
- Assisted in transporting patients, crash carts and equipment before and during surgical procedures.
- Participated in OR suite turnaround procedures such as cleaning and case cart management.
- Supported surgeons by anticipating their needs and promptly providing required instruments during procedures.
- Provided exceptional patient care, addressing concerns and alleviating anxiety before surgery.
- Oversaw proper handling of specimens and cultures, complying with prescribed hospital procedure.
- Upheld strict standards of infection control through consistent adherence to protocols related to sterilization, handling of contaminated materials, and hand hygiene practices.
- Delivered direct care to patients under supervision of charge nurse.
- Participated in OR quality initiatives, providing constructive feedback to enhance future performance.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices for optimal performance as an Operating Room Assistant.
- Opened and distributed sterile supplies during medical procedures.
- Adhered to universal precautions, applying aseptic techniques to operating room equipment and personnel.
- Passed instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons.
- Effectively communicated with colleagues and patients, ensuring clear understanding of tasks and expectations.
- Monitored patients' vital signs.
- Gowned and gloved staff to help team prepare for surgeries.
- Assisted with transfer of patients from recovery room to operating room, providing care and support.
- Verified identity of patient or operative site.
- Monitored patient vital signs, reporting changes to surgeon for further investigation.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Associate of Applied Science - Histopathology
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC12-2028
Bachelor of Science - Communications
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina, NC12-2019
Associate of Arts -
Craven Community College
New Bern, NC05-2014
Associate of Science - Medical Office Administration
Craven Community College
New Bern, NC05-2014
Skills
- Lab safety protocols
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Laboratory techniques
- Sterilization techniques
- Specimen processing
- Regulatory compliance
- Hazardous waste disposal
- Stock management
- Record preparation
- File management
- Lab equipment processes
- Laboratory documentation
- Attention to detail
- Infection control
- Critical thinking
- Active listening
- Data entry
- Problem resolution
- Computer proficiency
- Chemical handling
- Team collaboration
- Specimen preparation
- Quality control monitoring
- Sterile technique
- Chemical reagent preparation
- Safety protocols
- Analytical thinking
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Preventive Maintenance
- Specimen handling
- File and recordkeeping
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Histology Laboratory Assistant
Premier Gastroenterology
10.2022 - Current
Front Desk Representative
Fayetteville Gastroenterology and Associates
06.2019 - 10.2022
Scope Washer
Carolina East Ear, Nose & Throat
07.2017 - 07.2019
Office Specialist Heart Center
Carolina East Heart Center
05.2015 - 07.2017
Operating Room Assistant
Carolina East Medical Center
07.2002 - 10.2015
Bachelor of Science -
Associate of Applied Science - Histopathology
Pitt Community College
Bachelor of Science - Communications
East Carolina University
Associate of Arts -
Craven Community College
Associate of Science - Medical Office Administration
Craven Community College