Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

MERCEDES HOTCHKISS

BULL SHOALS

Summary

Dynamic phlebotomist with proven expertise at Baxter Regional Medical Center in venipuncture techniques and patient education. Adept at ensuring HIPAA compliance and delivering exceptional customer service, I effectively managed specimen processing and inventory, contributing to a streamlined workflow and enhanced patient safety. Recognized for mentoring new staff and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Phlebotomist

Baxter Regional Medical Center
Mountainhome
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Verified quality of specimens by centrifuging specimens for logistics courier to pickup.
  • Located veins suitable for puncture to draw blood using sterilized needles, vials and other equipment.
  • Educated patients on specimen collection procedures and post-draw care.
  • Provided excellent customer service while interacting with patients.
  • Delivered quality patient care by completing accurate and timely collection and transport of clinical specimens according to established procedures.
  • Adhered to HIPAA guidelines regarding patient privacy.
  • Processed samples accurately and efficiently.
  • Monitored inventory levels of supplies used in phlebotomy services.
  • Maintained fully-stocked phlebotomy cart, carrier and station.
  • Documented patient information into electronic medical records system.
  • Performed venipuncture and capillary draws with precision on patients of varying ages and health statuses.
  • Prepared patients for examination by properly draping patients, obtaining vital signs, verifying referrals and taking detailed health history.
  • Counseled patients to ease fears, explain procedures, and enhance cooperation during blood draws.
  • Responded quickly and effectively to emergency situations.
  • Mentored newly hired medical personnel in phlebotomy techniques and protocols.
  • Observed patient for unusual reactions or events to take appropriate action under established guidelines.
  • Verified patient information prior to specimen collection.
  • Identified best veins for intravenous lines and blood draws, avoiding unnecessary pokes.
  • Followed all safety protocols when handling hazardous materials.
  • Prepared specimens for transport to external laboratories.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
  • Obtained blood samples for medical testing and transfusion through venipuncture or capillary puncture.
  • Centrifuged blood specimens in test tubes and capillary tubes to separate cells and sediment from blood serum.
  • Interacted with patients to gather and record data prior to blood draws.
  • Adhered to all healthcare regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA standards.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using a variety of collection techniques and equipment.
  • Monitored patients for adverse reactions and provided immediate care as needed.
  • Assisted in the training and mentoring of new phlebotomy staff.
  • Maintained patient comfort and safety throughout the phlebotomy process.
  • Ensured the cleanliness and sterilization of phlebotomy equipment and work area.
  • Used heel and finger stick methods to obtain blood from capillaries.
  • Collected specimens for drug screens, paternity tests and alcohol tests.
  • Identified and labeled specimens accurately, ensuring proper handling and transport to lab.
  • Ensured compliance with federal regulations governing laboratory procedures.
  • Labeled blood vials with critical information like time of collection, date and patient name.
  • Collaborated with laboratory personnel to resolve specimen issues.
  • Identified patients using proper procedures prior to specimen collection.
  • Obtained variety of blood samples through venipuncture or capillary puncture using syringes, butterfly needles and straight needles.
  • Assisted in the training of new phlebotomists.
  • Collected specimen samples and transported to laboratory for processing.
  • Performed venipuncture and other blood collection procedures according to established standards.
  • Flushed intravenous lines with saline to prevent blockages.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Updated and maintained databases with current information.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.

Assistant Manager

Bull Shoals Hardware
Bull Shoals
04.2013 - 09.2022
  • Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
  • Implemented quality control measures to uphold company standards.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Managed customer service inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
  • Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Maintained accurate records of sales transactions using point-of-sale systems.
  • Communicated regularly with customers to gain insights into their needs.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Supervised daily operations including scheduling shifts, assigning duties.
  • Resolved conflicts between team members in an effective manner.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of company products and services.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Created reports on sales trends, inventory levels, and financial data.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.
  • Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
  • Updated and maintained databases with current information.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.

Education

Phlebotomy

ASU Mountain Home
Mountain Home, AR
05-2023

Associate of Arts - Health And Wellness

ASU Mountain Home
Mountain Home, AR

Skills

  • Venipuncture techniques
  • Specimen processing
  • Patient education
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Inventory management
  • Electronic medical records
  • Customer service
  • Emergency response
  • Patient safety
  • Time management

Affiliations

Volenteer Fire Department

Certification

Phlebotomy Certificate

Timeline

Phlebotomist

Baxter Regional Medical Center
01.2023 - 12.2023

Assistant Manager

Bull Shoals Hardware
04.2013 - 09.2022

Phlebotomy

ASU Mountain Home

Associate of Arts - Health And Wellness

ASU Mountain Home
MERCEDES HOTCHKISS