Michelle Vargas
Tampa,FL
Summary
Detail-oriented Phlebotomist with strong track record in painless venipuncture. Highly familiar with centrifugation and aliquoting procedures and medical terminology. Responsible and hardworking professional dedicated to using compassionate and caring approach to provide outstanding services to patients.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Site Coordinator\ Phlebotomist
LabCorp
Tampa, FL
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Provided training, mentoring and coaching to new team members in order to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Performed daily quality control checks on laboratory equipment.
- Developed standard operating procedures for specimen collection and processing activities.
- Ensured that all supplies necessary for successful completion of duties were available at all times.
- Monitored the workflow of specimens from collection through analysis, storage, disposal or transfer as appropriate.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to laboratory practices and techniques.
- Managed inventory levels by ordering additional supplies as needed.
- Adhered strictly to HIPAA guidelines regarding confidentiality of patient information at all times.
- Located veins suitable for puncture to draw blood using sterilized needles, vials and other equipment.
- Identified patients using proper procedures prior to specimen collection.
- Maintained fully-stocked phlebotomy cart, carrier and station.
- Prepared and packaged specimens for courier transport.
- Centrifuged blood specimens in test tubes and capillary tubes to separate cells and sediment from blood serum.
- Obtained blood samples for medical testing and transfusion through venipuncture or capillary puncture.
- Promoted blood specimen integrity for laboratory testing using accurate selection of collection tubes and correct technique.
- Transported specimens following established protocol for temperature and light.
- Collected specimens for drug screens, paternity tests and alcohol tests.
- Observed patient for unusual reactions or events to take appropriate action under established guidelines.
- Verified collection orders and communicated discrepancies to nurses.
- Processed client payments and collected appropriate billing information.
- Labeled blood vials with critical information like time of collection, date and patient name.
- Counseled patients to ease fears, explain procedures and enhance cooperation during blood draws.
- Obtained variety of blood samples through venipuncture or capillary puncture using syringes, butterfly needles and straight needles.
- Collected specimen samples and transported to laboratory for processing.
- Enforced infection control and sharps disposal procedures to protect patients, co-workers and self.
- Identified best veins for intravenous lines and blood draws, avoiding unnecessary pokes.
- Interacted with patients to gather and record data prior to blood draws.
- Verified quality of specimens by centrifuging specimens for logistics courier to pickup.
- Input medical and insurance information into database for inclusion in patient records.
- Assessed donor vital signs during and after procedures to check for fatigue or dizziness.
Phlebotomist
BioReference Laboratories
Fairlawn, NJ
06.2018 - 01.2023
- Performed venipuncture and other blood collection procedures according to established standards.
- Assisted in the preparation of laboratory specimens for analysis and testing.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
- Verified patient information prior to specimen collection.
- Collected specimens from pediatric, adult, geriatric, and special needs patients.
- Processed samples accurately and efficiently.
- Followed all safety protocols when handling hazardous materials.
- Calibrated equipment according to manufacturer specifications.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations governing laboratory procedures.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies used in phlebotomy services.
- Prepared specimens for transport to external laboratories.
- Adhered to HIPAA guidelines regarding patient privacy.
- Provided excellent customer service while interacting with patients.
- Assisted in the training of new phlebotomists.
- Maintained accurate records of collected specimens and test results.
- Identified patients using proper procedures prior to specimen collection.
- Located veins suitable for puncture to draw blood using sterilized needles, vials and other equipment.
- Prepared and packaged specimens for courier transport.
- Maintained fully-stocked phlebotomy cart, carrier and station.
- Delivered quality patient care by completing accurate and timely collection and transport of clinical specimens according to established procedures.
- Reported any abnormal results or trends to supervisor or laboratory manager.
- Performed quality control tests on collected specimens.
- 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.
- Promoted blood specimen integrity for laboratory testing using accurate selection of collection tubes and correct technique.
- Transported specimens following established protocol for temperature and light.
- Observed patient for unusual reactions or events to take appropriate action under established guidelines.
- Collected specimens for drug screens, paternity tests and alcohol tests.
- Verified collection orders and communicated discrepancies to nurses.
- Conducted various blood tests and updated results into paper and electronic charts.
- Processed client payments and collected appropriate billing information.
- Labeled blood vials with critical information like time of collection, date and patient name.
- Obtained variety of blood samples through venipuncture or capillary puncture using syringes, butterfly needles and straight needles.
- Collected specimen samples and transported to laboratory for processing.
- Counseled patients to ease fears, explain procedures and enhance cooperation during blood draws.
- Identified best veins for intravenous lines and blood draws, avoiding unnecessary pokes.
- Enforced infection control and sharps disposal procedures to protect patients, co-workers and self.
- Interacted with patients to gather and record data prior to blood draws.
- Coordinated workflow based on stat, schedule, or outpatient needs.
- Input medical and insurance information into database for inclusion in patient records.
- Verified quality of specimens by centrifuging specimens for logistics courier to pickup.
- Offered snacks and beverages to blood and plasma donors to maintain proper sugar levels.
Medical Assistant
Diagnostic & Treatment Center
01.2004 - Current
- Currently working as a Medical Assistant with the following duties and responsibilities: Mainly responsible for serving as Medical assistant in the office and handle all daily office operations; Responsible for handling all patients and laboratory work; Maintain patients' records; Responsible for answering phones in the office; Help doctors in examining and treating patients; Responsible for checking patients' height, weight, blood pressure and temperature; Handle and solve patients' problems and queries
Medical Assistant
WCPC of Passaic
06.2003 - 11.2003
- Worked as a Medical Assistant; Responsible for keeping patients' medical and family history; Responsible for handling laboratory equipments; helped physicians in examining and treating patients; Handled and answered external phone calls; Responsible for scheduling patient appointments
Education
High School Diploma -
Ridgefield Park High School
01.2006
Certificate of Completion in Medical Assisting -
Business Training Institute
05.2003
Skills
- Medical Records Management
- Knowledge of Medical Terminology and Equipments
- Knowledge of Clinical Procedures
- Knowledge of Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Billings
- Knowledge of Office Administration
- Excellent Clerical Skills
- Data Entry
- Phlebotomy
- Dependable and Responsible
- Venipuncture
- Specimen handling
- HIPAA Compliance
- Pediatric phlebotomy
- Order of draw
- Geriatric phlebotomy
- Venipuncture Expertise
- Blood collection
- Specimen Preparation
- Quality Control
- Butterfly needle technique
- Skin puncture
- Sample storage
- Butterfly Venipuncture
- Glucose Screening
- Professional Demeanor
- Continuous Improvement
- Self Motivation
- Team Collaboration
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Site Coordinator\ Phlebotomist
LabCorp
01.2023 - 05.2024
Phlebotomist
BioReference Laboratories
06.2018 - 01.2023
Medical Assistant
Diagnostic & Treatment Center
01.2004 - Current
Medical Assistant
WCPC of Passaic
06.2003 - 11.2003
High School Diploma -
Ridgefield Park High School
Certificate of Completion in Medical Assisting -
Business Training Institute