Sarah Castillo
Goose Creek,SC
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Technical Specialist
Palmetto Adult and Children Urology
North Charleston, SC
08.2022 - Current
- Working in a Molecular Laboratory
- Responsible for all Clinical Staff competency and training
- Updates to all CLIA documentation and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Budgeting including Capital/Process Improvements and outsourcing
- Troubleshot malfunctions and diagnosed issues for equipment and components.
- Managed computer hardware and software by installing new components and updating existing parts.
- Revamped existing system to improve functionality or repurpose for new requirements.
- Coordinated installation of updated computer programs and systems.
- Collaborated with employees to evaluate new software performance and reach technical requirements.
Team Lead, Medical Technologist
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, SC
07.2017 - 08.2023
- Worked as Team Lead in all lab areas, including Blood Bank and Microbiology. Training of new employees. Ensuring that the training was completed with proper documentation.
- Validations of Instruments, Middleware, and assays.
- Improvement Processes. Designed workflow to accomplish objectives in the clinical specialty area.
- Educator of non-laboratory personnel on proper laboratory practices
- Scheduled competency assessment program for the central laboratory.
- Monitored team progress and enforced deadlines.
- Collaborated with management team to implement new work procedures or policies.
- Fostered positive employee relationships through communication, training and development coaching.
- Followed staffing strategies to achieve production goals.
- Rotated through series of different stations based on team needs.
- Documented production levels and materials used to keep management informed.
Intermin Technicial Specialist, Medical Technologist
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, SC
03.2022 - 06.2022
- Technical Expect for the Chemistry Department including molecular testing.
- Maintains process control in a specialty area through a multifaceted quality assurance program.
- Identified, defined, and resolved issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial testing elements where no direct precedent exists.
- The go-to person for all issues relating to inventory, Quality Control, documentation, instrumentation issues, and middleware programs.
- Performed routine and complex laboratory tests using variety of techniques, instrumentation and equipment to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- Followed strict quality control procedures to deliver accurate test results.
- Documented medical test data and results in patient medical records.
- Conducted multiple tests at once using automated equipment and computerized instruments.
- Planned and carried out regular maintenance on equipment by following procedures and manufacturers' guidelines.
- Supported quality control processes by monitoring activities and reporting.
- Assessed equipment regularly by conducting instrument function inspections and calibrations.
- Reviewed test results to confirm accuracy and diagnosed causes behind irregular findings.
- Trained, coached and oversaw daily work of medical lab technicians.
- Demonstrated advanced product knowledge to solve customer issues.
- Dispatched vendors to perform onsite service to mitigate problems beyond scope of telephone troubleshooting.
- Maintained up-to-date case documentation for future reference.
- Handled customer service issues by providing guidance or escalating for advanced support.
- Increased technical knowledge by reading trade publications, operating manuals and diagnostics information.
- Served as first point of contact for incoming technical service calls and emails.
HIGH-RELIABILITY PROJECT MANAGER
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, SC
03.2020 - 08.2022
- Analyzing the use of Standard based work to reduce error, time, and waste.
- Establishing new training, competency, and scheduling procedures to ensure success.
- Developed Training and streamlined process. Ensured competency across multiple service lines.
- Built and established strong partnerships with teams, vendors and contractors.
- Created project plans with established timelines, assigned to appropriate teams and managed workflow throughout construction.
- Led meetings with internal team members, consultants and contractors.
- Forecasted, scheduled and monitored project timelines, personnel performance and cost efficiency.
- Developed solutions to project risks and issues, meeting quality and timeline goals and objectives.
- Conducted periodic inspections of job sites for quality and progress.
- Created team objectives and roles with specific goals outlined for each individual.
- Prepared cost estimates for projects of varying sizes.
- Made changes to project scope and cost and implemented most effective change management processes to keep project up-to-date.
- Generated and tracked change orders and other contractual modifications affecting budget and schedule.
- Modified project plans when needed to better align with organizational objectives.
- Furnished project updates to various stakeholders, informing on strategy, adjustments and progress.
Adjunct Professor
Trident Technical College
North Charleston, SC
03.2019 - 12.2019
- Instructed on Medical Assisting Lab Procedures -Collections along with Standard of Practice to be proficient in the workforce
- Identified training needs appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services in an educational environment.
- Implemented different teaching styles to meet needs of diverse student population.
- Fostered classroom environment conducive to learning and building character.
- Assisted students in achieving completion of learning objectives.
- Prepared, administered and graded exams and assignments to evaluate student progress.
- Documented student assignments, attendance and test scores in online reporting systems.
- Developed custom course syllabus outlining standards, material, grading and progression for students.
- Delivered course lectures using modern technology to enhance student comprehension.
- Designed exams, lecture material and writing assignments.
- Assessed student performance with integrity.
- Developed and adjusted course syllabus according to curriculum and university guidelines.
- Integrated multimedia technology in classroom instruction for well-rounded and engaging approach to instruction.
Medical Technologist
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, SC
10.2016 - 06.2017
- Performed routine and complex laboratory tests using variety of techniques, instrumentation and equipment to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- Followed strict quality control procedures to deliver accurate test results.
- Conducted multiple tests at once using automated equipment and computerized instruments.
- Documented medical test data and results in patient medical records.
- Planned and carried out regular maintenance on equipment by following procedures and manufacturers' guidelines.
- Used microscopes and cell counters to perform assigned tasks.
- Supported quality control processes by monitoring activities and reporting.
- Assessed equipment regularly by conducting instrument function inspections and calibrations.
- Conducted and evaluated quality control measurements to maintain equipment performance.
- Evaluated body fluids and tissue samples to document findings such as normal or abnormal results.
- Maintained safe work environment by wearing personal protective equipment.
- Set up, cleaned and maintained laboratory equipment.
- Operated, calibrated or maintained equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Collected and studied blood samples to determine number of cells, morphology or blood group.
- Cultivated, isolated or assisted in identifying microbial organisms or performing various tests on microorganisms.
Medical Technologist
CLINICAL LABORATORIES OF HAWAII
Maui, HI
11.2014 - 10.2016
- Performed routine and complex laboratory tests using variety of techniques, instrumentation and equipment to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- Followed strict quality control procedures to deliver accurate test results.
- Conducted multiple tests at once using automated equipment and computerized instruments.
- Planned and carried out regular maintenance on equipment by following procedures and manufacturers' guidelines.
- Used microscopes and cell counters to perform assigned tasks.
- Supported quality control processes by monitoring activities and reporting.
- Evaluated body fluids and tissue samples to document findings such as normal or abnormal results.
- Set up, cleaned and maintained laboratory equipment.
- Maintained safe work environment by wearing personal protective equipment.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Analyzed samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
- Legal Blood collections
Medical Laboratory Technician
Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital
Colebrook, NH
08.2014 - 11.2014
- Performed quality control procedures to validate test results according to established standards.
- Calibrated and performed routine maintenance to keep laboratory equipment in satisfactory condition.
- Maintained clean and fully operational laboratory equipment.
- Followed standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
- Maintained patient, specimen and tracking data using laboratory computer system.
- Operated equipment to analyze bodily fluids for anomalies.
- Monitored standardized clinical laboratory tests and procedures appropriate to blood banking.
- Performed complete blood counts using automated hematology analyzer.
- Followed laboratory guidelines for handling biological specimens.
- Collected blood or tissue samples from patients for lab work.
- Used microscope to examine cells stained with dye to identify anomalies.
- Supervised or instructed new technicians on laboratory protocols.
- Conducted blood tests for transfusions.
- Obtained serum or viral swab samples for analysis.
- Validated laboratory test processes for completeness and safety.
- Inoculated bacteriological material with test organisms.
- Maintained and tested sterility of medical equipment.
- Followed key principles of asepsis to protect medical equipment from contamination during blood work.
- Consulted with pathologist for diagnosis upon discovery of abnormal cells.
Medical Laboratory Technician
SOUTH PENINSULA HOSPTIAL
Homer, AK
01.2014 - 07.2014
- Performed quality control procedures to validate test results according to established standards.
- Calibrated and performed routine maintenance to keep laboratory equipment in satisfactory condition.
- Maintained clean and fully operational laboratory equipment.
- Followed standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
- Maintained patient, specimen and tracking data using laboratory computer system.
- Used appropriate collection and processing procedures to avoid inadequate specimens and promote reliability of blood products.
- Identified and corrected problems that could adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results.
- Operated equipment to analyze bodily fluids for anomalies.
- Monitored standardized clinical laboratory tests and procedures appropriate to blood banking.
- Performed complete blood counts using automated hematology analyzer.
- Followed laboratory guidelines for handling biological specimens.
- Collected blood or tissue samples from patients for lab work.
- Used microscope to examine cells stained with dye to identify anomalies.
- Conducted blood tests for transfusions.
- Obtained serum or viral swab samples for analysis.
- Inoculated bacteriological material with test organisms.
Medical Laboratory Technician
ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL
Cottonwood, ID
09.2013 - 12.2013
- Performed quality control procedures to validate test results according to established standards.
- Calibrated and performed routine maintenance to keep laboratory equipment in satisfactory condition.
- Maintained clean and fully operational laboratory equipment.
- Cleaned and sterilized lab area, tools and equipment.
- Maintained patient, specimen and tracking data using laboratory computer system.
- Used appropriate collection and processing procedures to avoid inadequate specimens and promote reliability of blood products.
- Properly documented all variables relative to specimen processing.
- Identified and corrected problems that could adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results.
- Ordered laboratory supplies to maintain inventory stock.
- Operated equipment to analyze bodily fluids for anomalies.
- Designed and executed laboratory testing to record observations and interpret findings.
- Performed complete blood counts using automated hematology analyzer.
- Cleaned and calibrated laboratory equipment.
- Collected blood or tissue samples from patients for lab work.
- Used microscope to examine cells stained with dye to identify anomalies.
- Supervised or instructed new technicians on laboratory protocols.
- Validated laboratory test processes for completeness and safety.
- Analyzed results of tests for conformity to specifications.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center
Coos Bay, OR
09.2013 - 12.2013
- Performed quality control procedures to validate test results according to established standards.
- Calibrated and performed routine maintenance to keep laboratory equipment in satisfactory condition.
- Cleaned and sterilized lab area, tools and equipment.
- Maintained clean and fully operational laboratory equipment.
- Followed standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
- Operated equipment to analyze bodily fluids for anomalies.
- Performed complete blood counts using automated hematology analyzer.
- Followed laboratory guidelines for handling biological specimens.
- Collected blood or tissue samples from patients for lab work.
Medical Laboratory Technician
THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston, SC
08.2007 - 08.2013
- Performed quality control procedures to validate test results according to established standards.
- Calibrated and performed routine maintenance to keep laboratory equipment in satisfactory condition.
- Cleaned and sterilized lab area, tools and equipment.
- Maintained clean and fully operational laboratory equipment.
- Followed standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
- Maintained patient, specimen and tracking data using laboratory computer system.
- Used appropriate collection and processing procedures to avoid inadequate specimens and promote reliability of blood products.
- Operated equipment to analyze bodily fluids for anomalies.
- Performed complete blood counts using automated hematology analyzer.
- Cleaned and calibrated laboratory equipment.
- Used microscope to examine cells stained with dye to identify anomalies.
- Supervised or instructed new technicians on laboratory protocols.
Education
MBA - Health Management And Clinical Assistance
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Southern Georgia University
Savannah, GA12.2010
Associate of Science - Medical Technology
Clinton Community College
Plattsburgh, NY05.2007
Skills
- Equipment Testing and Calibration
- High Complexity Testing
- Specimen Collection
- Specimen Processing
- Quality Control
- Inventory Control
- Relationship Building
- Microorganism Testing
- Decision-Making/ Critical Thinking/ Analytical Thinking
- Detail Oriented
- Technical Documentation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Transfusion Medicine
- Data Entry
- Quality Assurance Controls
- Inventory Restocking
- Biological Terminology
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Team Leadership
- Data Collection
- EMR Software
- Microorganism Identification
- Safety Procedures
- Strategic Planning
- Cost Reduction and Containment
- Project Management
- Performance Evaluations
- Compliance Monitoring
- Procedure Development
- Work Flow Planning
- Microsoft Office Suite Expert
- Root Cause Analysis
- Systems Implementation
- Processes and Procedures
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Lean Manufacturing and Design
- Conflict Management
Certification
- Medical Technology, American Medical Technology - 2016
- Certified Green Belt, Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center - 2022
Timeline
Technical Specialist
Palmetto Adult and Children Urology
08.2022 - Current
Intermin Technicial Specialist, Medical Technologist
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
03.2022 - 06.2022
HIGH-RELIABILITY PROJECT MANAGER
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
03.2020 - 08.2022
Adjunct Professor
Trident Technical College
03.2019 - 12.2019
Team Lead, Medical Technologist
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
07.2017 - 08.2023
Medical Technologist
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
10.2016 - 06.2017
Medical Technologist
CLINICAL LABORATORIES OF HAWAII
11.2014 - 10.2016
Medical Laboratory Technician
Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital
08.2014 - 11.2014
Medical Laboratory Technician
SOUTH PENINSULA HOSPTIAL
01.2014 - 07.2014
Medical Laboratory Technician
ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL
09.2013 - 12.2013
Medical Laboratory Technician
Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center
09.2013 - 12.2013
Medical Laboratory Technician
THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
08.2007 - 08.2013
MBA - Health Management And Clinical Assistance
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Southern Georgia University
Associate of Science - Medical Technology
Clinton Community College
- Medical Technology, American Medical Technology - 2016
- Certified Green Belt, Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center - 2022
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