Medical Laboratory Technician II & UBT Co-Lead
Kaiser Permanente
Kelso, WA
01.2013 - Current
- High-Complexity Instrument Partner:
- Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for two high-complexity analyzers, responsible for performing advanced troubleshooting, calibration verification, quality control monitoring, and essential preventative maintenance to ensure maximum uptime.
- Quality Assurance :
- Conducted laboratory tests to analyze samples, ensuring accuracy and compliance with safety protocols.
- Operated and maintained laboratory equipment, troubleshooting issues to minimize downtime.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to interpret test results and provide timely feedback.
- Implemented quality control measures, enhancing reliability of test outcomes through regular calibrations.
- Trained new staff on laboratory procedures, fostering a culture of safety and efficiency within the team.
- Led initiatives to streamline sample processing workflows, reducing turnaround time for diagnostic results.
- Mentored junior technicians in best practices for specimen handling and data interpretation, boosting team competency levels.
- Ensured quality control by performing routine maintenance on lab equipment and calibrating instruments as needed.
- Assisted in the training of new staff members, ensuring proper knowledge transfer and adherence to safety protocols.
- Trained and supervised new laboratory staff to improve skills in laboratory procedures.
- Developed strong working relationships with colleagues, fostering a positive team culture focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Participated in laboratory audits and assessments to maintain compliance and improve results.
- Provided excellent customer service to patients by answering questions about lab tests clearly while maintaining empathy for their concerns.
- Member of the Quality Assurance Team since 2016, actively performing internal audits across multiple laboratory sections to ensure strict compliance with CAP, CLIA, and organizational standards, and documenting and tracking corrective actions.
- Unit Based Team (UBT) Co-Lead:
- Co-lead the departmental UBT, collaborating directly with management to bridge communication gaps and champion continuous process improvement projects, resulting in [quantifiable result, e.g., X% reduction in pre-analytical errors].
- Clinical Operations:
- Accurately and efficiently perform a wide variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests that are critical for timely patient diagnosis and treatment planning.