Michelle Najera
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
Irvine,CA
11
years of professional experience
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, quickly adapts to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop my professional skills. Always brings and upbeat and friendly personality. Has a special place in my heart for those walking the Cancer journey. Very dependable !
Work History
Lead Phlebotomist
4 Years 3 Months- Was part of the initial team to start the Blood Donor Center at Saddleback Memorial,
- Lead phlebotomist, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and best practices.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance accuracy in specimen collection and handling.
- Trained new team members on blood collection techniques and patient interaction standards.
- Optimized workflow processes, reducing wait times for patients during blood draw services.
- Recognized for outstanding performance as Blood Donor Phlebotomist consistently exceeding organizational goals while maintaining high levels of donor satisfaction.
Medical Assistant
3 Years 4 Months- Assisted physicians with patient examinations and procedures like Bone marrow biopsies, thoracentesis, helped monitor patients during chemotherapy treatments and assisted during reactions.
- Assisted physicians with patient examinations and procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and comfort.
- Managed weekly blood draws and administered Neupogen, Neulasta or Procrit injections based on physician orders and lab parameters.
- Mentored new staff on best practices in clinical procedures and patient interaction protocols.
- Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
- Optimized appointment scheduling processes to minimize conflicts and maximize physician availability for patients.
- Reduced wait times by swiftly processing insurance claims, verifying coverage, and obtaining pre-authorizations when necessary.
Phlebotomist /Microbiology Laboratory Assistant
3 Years 7 Months- Assigned to trauma calls for complex blood draws. Performed blood draws for neonate patients and all inpatient individuals.
- Maintained accurate patient records and labeling for effective sample tracking and compliance with protocols.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Prepared Microbiology specimens. set up cultures and assisted Microbiologist with tasks.
- Ensured high-quality results by following strict protocols for various microbiological testing procedures.
Medical Assistant
2 Years 5 Months- Assisted with both front and back office tasks, answering very busy phone lines, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance & submitting referrals and prior authorizations.
- Assisted physicians with patient examinations and procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and comfort.
- Responsible for collecting all Radiology and Pathology reports prior to scheduling patients .
- Managed scheduling for 6 physicians as well as the infusion center.
- Educated patients on treatment plans and health maintenance strategies.
- Assisted in infusion center , taking vital signs, monitoring patients, administering medications and assisting with reactions when needed.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
National Certified Phlebotomy Technician - Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomist / Laboratory Asst
Certified Medical Assistant - Medical Assisting
High School Diploma
Skills
Highly skilled phlebotomist
Thrives under pressure
Patient insurance coordination
Front and back office expertise
Clinical workflow optimization
Patient education
Insurance referrals knowledge
Strong Problem-solving abilities
Fast-paced environments
Busy practice experience
Timeline
Lead Phlebotomist
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
02.2009 - 05.2013Read More
Medical Assistant
Newport Cancer Care Dr Neil Barth
02.2005 - 06.2008Read More
Phlebotomist /Microbiology Laboratory Assistant
Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center
02.2003 - 09.2006Read More
Medical Assistant
Oncology Hematology Consultants
05.2002 - 10.2004Read More
Saddleback College
Associate of Science from Nursing
Read More
Saddleback College
National Certified Phlebotomy Technician from Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomist / Laboratory Asst
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Corinthian College
Certified Medical Assistant from Medical Assisting
Read More
Horizon High School
High School Diploma
Read More