Ruth Brown Darden
Passaic,NJ
Summary
Professional specimen technician with solid background in laboratory procedures and specimen handling. Strong collaborative skills and adaptability ensure reliable support for dynamic team environments. Expertise in maintaining sample integrity, adhering to protocols, and utilizing laboratory equipment. Known for achieving consistent results and driving quality improvements. Knowledgeable Medical Specimen Tech with solid background in handling and processing laboratory specimens. Proven ability to maintain sample integrity and ensure accurate documentation. Demonstrated attention to detail and proficiency in laboratory protocols.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Microbiology Specimen Tech II
Hackensack University Medical Center/ Quest Diagnostics
Hackensack, New Jersey
06.2021 - Current
- Assist with pre-analytical preparation of specimens (e.g., printing labels, uncap/cap specimen tubes, aliquot specimens, prepare racks, work lists, enter/scan specimens and load automated instruments).
- Record digital temperature; notify licensed personnel if the temperature is out of range.
- Assist in preparation of chemicals, reagents, and solutions.
- Clean, organize and maintain work area, glassware, and laboratory equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, and supply cabinets, as needed)
- Perform other departmental tasks such as filing, archiving, and retrieving slides/blocks, reports, requisitions/other paperwork and answering the telephone.
- Comply with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
- Support senior microbiologists in conducting tests, maintaining equipment, and implementing new diagnostic procedures while fostering team collaboration
- Conducted routine laboratory tests and recorded results for quality assurance.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of laboratory equipment and workspaces.
- Supported senior staff in executing experimental protocols and data collection.
- Documented findings accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot technical issues during experiments.
- Adhered to safety guidelines and standard operating procedures consistently.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance knowledge of microbiological practices and tools.
- Assisted in the identification of microorganisms by performing accurate gram staining and microscopy techniques.
- Maintained quality control standards by adhering to established laboratory protocols during sample processing and analysis.
- Promoted a safe work environment by consistently following bio safety guidelines when handling hazardous materials or biological agents.
- Troubleshot problems with equipment and recalibrated devices or brought serious concerns to supervisor for handling.
- Ensured timely completion of lab tasks by prioritizing assignments and working closely with team members.
- Mentored junior staff members on laboratory techniques and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Ensured proper functioning of laboratory equipment through routine maintenance checks and timely calibration updates.
- Improved data accuracy by meticulously recording results in laboratory notebooks and digital databases.
- Effectively communicated project progress with supervisors and team members through detailed written reports or verbal presentations as required.
- Prepared specimens for shipment to external laboratories or collaborators while adhering to strict safety regulations.
Specimen Support Specialist III
Summit Health Lab
Woodland Park, New Jersey
01.2019 - 05.2022
- Provided technical support for software applications, enhancing user experience and resolving issues efficiently.
- Assisted in onboarding new team members, facilitating training sessions on systems and processes.
- Managed customer inquiries via multiple communication channels, ensuring timely resolution and satisfaction.
- Analyzed support ticket trends to identify areas for process improvement and implement solutions.
- Developed training materials for staff, improving knowledge retention and operational effectiveness.
- Streamlined documentation processes, increasing consistency and accessibility of support resources.
- Mentored junior support specialists, fostering skill development and promoting teamwork within the department.
- Enhanced user experience by providing comprehensive troubleshooting guidance for various software and hardware systems.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with customers to ensure their issues were fully resolved and to gather feedback for service improvement.
- Trained new team members on support protocols and tools, enhancing team efficiency and service quality.
- Installed, configured and maintained computer systems and network connections.
Medical Records Clerk II
CIOX Health, Health Information Management
Wayne, NJ
03.2015 - 02.2019
- Managed electronic medical record systems ensuring accurate patient data entry and retrieval.
- Trained new staff on medical records protocols and compliance regulations.
- Streamlined chart retrieval processes to enhance operational efficiency in patient care.
- Conducted regular audits of medical records for accuracy and completeness, promoting best practices.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to improve documentation standards and workflows.
- Printed and photocopied documents to provide patients with copies of medical records.
- Maintained patient records systems by archiving, scanning and indexing important documents and files.
- Responded effectively to requests for medical records from legal representatives, insurance companies, and other authorized parties in a timely manner.
- Obtained necessary signatures on information release forms to obtain medical and treatment records from other service providers.
- Assisted with the transition to an electronic health record system, ensuring a seamless migration of patient data while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
Education
STERILE PROCESSING TECH - Sterling Processing Tech
Penn Foster College
Scranton, PA06-2026
High School Diploma - Basic
Passaic High School
Passaic, NJ06-2003
Skills
- Data Analysis (8 years)
- Quality Assurance (6 years)
- Inventory Management (10 years)
- Chemical Safety (13 years)
- Laboratory (7 years)
- Team Collaboration (10 years)
- Data Entry (Experienced 10 years)
- Lab safety procedures
- Sterilization techniques (7 years)
Languages
Spanish
English
Timeline
Microbiology Specimen Tech II
Hackensack University Medical Center/ Quest Diagnostics
06.2021 - Current
Specimen Support Specialist III
Summit Health Lab
01.2019 - 05.2022
Medical Records Clerk II
CIOX Health, Health Information Management
03.2015 - 02.2019
STERILE PROCESSING TECH - Sterling Processing Tech
Penn Foster College
High School Diploma - Basic
Passaic High School