Melissa Suarez
Gainesville,FL
Summary
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 entry-level position. Ready to help team achieve company goals. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level position. Ready to help team achieve company goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Dependable effective in managing operations. Successful in encouraging team members to work efficiently and meet production targets. Well-organized, self-motivated and knowledgeable about successful strategies for managing fast-paced work.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
PAA PHLEBOTOMIST
Shands UF
Gainesville, FL
09.2024 - Current
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sterilization of phlebotomy equipment, ensuring patient safety.
- Adapted to diverse patient needs by employing variety of blood collection techniques.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing gentle care and empathetic support during blood collection procedures.
- Improved customer satisfaction by consistently providing friendly and efficient service.
- Enhanced teamwork within the staff, promoting collaboration and communication during busy shifts.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
- Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Increased patient satisfaction rates through consistent delivery of professional phlebotomy services tailored to individual needs.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
- Ensured uninterrupted service by properly maintaining phlebotomy equipment, including centrifuges, needles, and tourniquets.
- Actively engaged with patients to educate them on proper post-draw care, reducing potential complications and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
- Monitored patients for adverse reactions post-venipuncture, ready to provide immediate care if needed.
- Enhanced patient experience by performing blood draws quickly and efficiently.
- Collected, labeled, and processed blood samples for variety of tests, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to laboratory.
- Identified veins suitable for venipuncture with precision, minimizing discomfort for patients.
- Ensured proper identification and documentation of samples, significantly reducing instances of mislabeling.
- Supported laboratory technicians by preparing and organizing samples for analysis, facilitating smoother workflow.
- Reduced patient wait times by implementing effective appointment scheduling system.
- Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Verified proper storage and transportation of specimens to laboratories.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
- Monitored supply levels and placed orders for laboratory supplies.
- Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
Lead Server
Woodyard Grill
Newberry, FL
03.2024 - 09.2024
- Managed high volume dining periods with effective time management and strong multitasking abilities.
- Promoted a positive workplace culture through teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among coworkers.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Oversaw daily operations of service team, delegated tasks, and trained new staff.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate and timely delivery of meals, resulting in higher customer satisfaction rates.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for guests at all times.
- Kept updated knowledge of menu and promotions, recommending specific items according to preferences and food allergies.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers, encouraging repeat business through genuine connection-building efforts.
- Collaborated with managers on employee scheduling needs, helping maintain optimal coverage during peak hours without sacrificing quality of service.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Inspected FOH stock to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
- Maintained clean and organized dining area to create pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for customers.
- Enhanced customer experience by providing attentive and personalized service during their dining visit.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations by regularly reviewing proper food handling procedures with the serving team.
- Coordinated large group reservations, working closely with event planners to ensure seamless execution of special occasions.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
Nursing Assistant
SIMED
Gainesville, FL
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Enhanced patient care by effectively monitoring vital signs and accurately documenting medical information.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
- Assisted nursing staff with wound care procedures for faster healing and reduced infection rates.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans for optimal patient outcomes.
- Promoted a safe and clean environment by maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols and sanitation standards.
- Facilitated efficient patient transfers, reducing risk of injury through proper body mechanics and use of assistive devices.
- Increased patient engagement by providing emotional support, companionship, and encouragement during challenging times.
- Monitored patient specimen samples and test results to effectively alert supervisors of potentially unhealthy changes.
- Reduced risks of patient infection and cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Agreed to take on additional shifts and extra hours during busy periods and holidays to maintain proper staffing and floor coverage.
- Identified and reported unsafe situations to maintain adherence to safety protocols.
- Wiped down equipment with proper cleaning products after each patient transport to reduce instances of infection.
- Reported unusual or urgent circumstances in patients' condition or environment immediately to nurse supervisor.
- Documented care actions by completing records and logs in medical software system.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Skillfully operated medical equipment, such as glucose monitors and blood pressure cuffs, ensuring accurate data collection for informed decision-making by healthcare providers.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss emerging issues within the unit, contributing ideas for quality improvement initiatives.
- Educated patients on prescribed medications, ensuring compliance with dosage instructions and awareness of potential side effects.
Phlebotomist
SIMED
Gainesville, FL
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
- Actively engaged with patients to educate them on proper post-draw care, reducing potential complications and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
- Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
- Assisted in the implementation of new electronic medical record systems for efficient patient tracking and accurate documentation.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
- Ensured uninterrupted service by properly maintaining phlebotomy equipment, including centrifuges, needles, and tourniquets.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Assisted in streamlining the specimen processing workflow for increased efficiency and reduced wait times for patients.
- Monitored patients for reactions and verified sample quality.
- Reviewed patient records for accuracy and completeness.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Verified proper storage and transportation of specimens to laboratories.
- Assisted in training and onboarding new phlebotomists.
- Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
Phlebotomist
Shands
Gainesville, FL
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
- Assisted in streamlining the specimen processing workflow for increased efficiency and reduced wait times for patients.
- Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Provided support to laboratory staff, facilitating prompt analysis of collected samples for expedited results delivery.
- Contributed to the development of phlebotomy training materials, enhancing the skillset of new employees and improving overall team performance.
- Ensured uninterrupted service by properly maintaining phlebotomy equipment, including centrifuges, needles, and tourniquets.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Increased patient satisfaction rates through consistent delivery of professional phlebotomy services tailored to individual needs.
- Continually sought opportunities for professional development by attending workshops, conferences, and staying up-to-date on industry best practices in phlebotomy techniques.
- Supported quality assurance efforts by diligently documenting all relevant information during the collection process, ensuring accurate test results for patients and providers alike.
- Played an integral role in managing inventory levels within the department, ordering necessary supplies while minimizing waste to maintain cost-effective operations.
- Participated in cross-training initiatives, bolstering the overall skill set of the team and promoting a collaborative work environment.
- Assisted in the implementation of new electronic medical record systems for efficient patient tracking and accurate documentation.
- Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Actively engaged with patients to educate them on proper post-draw care, reducing potential complications and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
- Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
- Reviewed patient records for accuracy and completeness.
- Monitored patients for reactions and verified sample quality.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay up to date on new technologies and procedures.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
- Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
- Performed venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
Phlebotomist
Life South
Gainesville, FL
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Assisted in streamlining the specimen processing workflow for increased efficiency and reduced wait times for patients.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
- Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Provided support to laboratory staff, facilitating prompt analysis of collected samples for expedited results delivery.
- Contributed to the development of phlebotomy training materials, enhancing the skillset of new employees and improving overall team performance.
- Ensured uninterrupted service by properly maintaining phlebotomy equipment, including centrifuges, needles, and tourniquets.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
- Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
Education
No Degree - Nursing
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FLHigh School Diploma -
Gainesville High School
Gainesville, FL06.2001
Skills
- Patient Relations
- Patient Assessments
- Vital Sign Monitoring
- Medical Terminology Knowledge
- Electronic Charting
- Quality Assurance
- Specimen Collection
- Supply Restocking
- Patient Care
- Computer Literate
- HIPAA
- Vital Signs Monitoring
- Organizational Skills
- Self-Motivation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Active Listening
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Empathy and Compassion
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Phlebotomist
- Data Entry
- HIPAA Compliance
- Specimen handling
- Patient care
- Order of draw
- Venipuncture
- Sample and specimen collection
- Butterfly needle technique
- HIPAA compliance
- Patient confidentiality
- Specimen labeling procedures
- Blood culture collection
- Glucose screening
- Patient monitoring
- Blood culturing
- Active listening
- Sample collection
- Data confidentiality
- Multitasking
- Phlebotomy technician
- Task prioritization
- Sample processing
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Customer service
- Specimen collection
- Butterfly venipuncture
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Specimen collection and storage
- Blood collection
- Sanitation and sterilization
- Proper labeling
- Sample labeling
- Laboratory procedures understanding
- Venipuncture and capillary puncture
- Geriatric phlebotomy
- Pediatric phlebotomy
- Recording data
- Patient preparation
- Paperwork processing
- Data entry
- Blood collection techniques
Timeline
PAA PHLEBOTOMIST
Shands UF
09.2024 - Current
Lead Server
Woodyard Grill
03.2024 - 09.2024
Nursing Assistant
SIMED
01.2007 - 01.2010
Phlebotomist
SIMED
01.2006 - 01.2007
Phlebotomist
Shands
01.2003 - 01.2006
Phlebotomist
Life South
01.2002 - 01.2003
No Degree - Nursing
Santa Fe College
High School Diploma -
Gainesville High School