Sarah Clemens
Camden,NY
Summary
Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician with relevant experience in providing high-quality patient care in a dialysis setting. Strengths include adeptness at operating, monitoring, and maintaining hemodialysis machines and systems. Known for ability to ensure compliance with safety procedures and regulations while enhancing patient comfort during treatment. In previous roles, made significant impact by improving processes that led to increased efficiency within the treatment team.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
CCHT/PCT
USRENAL
Rome, NY
08.2023 - Current
- Monitored patients during dialysis treatments, ensuring safety and identifying adverse reactions.
- Operated water purification systems producing high-quality water for dialysis processes.
- Managed inventory of supplies, restocking necessary items to sustain hemodialysis workflow.
- Conducted laboratory tests on blood samples pre- and post-treatment for accurate assessment.
- Educated patients on dietary needs, fluid management, and medication adherence for optimal outcomes.
- Assisted nursing staff with various duties while maintaining a clean working environment.
- Calibrated equipment as needed, troubleshooting issues to maintain high-quality standards.
- Communicated effectively with all stakeholders to resolve problems and enhance patient care.
Direct Support Assistant
OPWDD
Rome , NY
12.2018 - 08.2023
- Assisted client with personal hygiene, mobility and transportation.
- Served meals and assisted immobile or disabled individuals with eating.
- Provided direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering activities of daily living.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Assisted individuals in development of social skills to become integrated in community.
- Assisted individuals in learning and developing new skills.
- Documented current patient information to update vital signs, behaviors and eating habits.
- Accompanied or transported clients to appointments, errands and social activities.
- Assisted with planning and coordination of activities and outings based on individual needs.
- Supervised medication administration, personal hygiene and other activities of daily living.
- Transported clients to doctor's appointments and errands.
- Advocated for disabled individuals to foster communication and self-expression and achieve goals.
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications.
- Used approved crisis intervention techniques in emergency situations.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with patients to facilitate smooth, quality care.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Enhanced patient wellbeing by supporting participation in recreational activities.
- Reported changes in client condition to administrators, facilitating nursing intervention.
- Tracked and reported clients' progress based on observations and conversations.
- Encouraged and reassured clients throughout transitions to facilitate smooth discharge.
Collections Specialist/Phlebotomy Technician
Red Cross
New Harford / Liverpool , NY
05.2017 - 12.2018
- 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.
- Maintained fully-stocked phlebotomy cart, carrier and station.
- Counseled patients to ease fears, explain procedures and enhance cooperation during blood draws.
- Enforced infection control and sharps disposal procedures to protect patients, co-workers and self.
- Prepared blood-collecting equipment to draw blood and safely store and transport samples.
- Obtained blood samples for medical testing and transfusion through venipuncture or capillary puncture.
- Interacted with patients to gather and record data prior to blood draws.
- Coordinated workflow based on stat, schedule, or outpatient needs.
- Used multiple electronic medical software to conduct patient intakes and send correspondence.
- Conducted various blood tests and updated results into paper and electronic charts.
- Prepared patients for examination by properly draping patients, obtaining vital signs, verifying referrals and taking detailed health history.
- Interviewed patients and documented details to update and file paperwork.
- Screened prospective donors by conducting interviews, obtaining medical histories and measuring vital signs.
- Located veins suitable for puncture to draw blood using sterilized needles, vials and other equipment.
- Identified patients using proper procedures prior to specimen collection.
- Delivered quality patient care by completing accurate and timely collection and transport of clinical specimens according to established procedures.
- Promoted blood specimen integrity for laboratory testing using accurate selection of collection tubes and correct technique.
- Prepared and packaged specimens for courier transport.
- Transported specimens following established protocol for temperature and light.
- Observed patient for unusual reactions or events to take appropriate action under established guidelines.
- Upheld donor confidentiality throughout intake and collection process.
- Compiled and submitted data for demographic research.
CNA
Eastern Star Nursing Home
Oriskany, NY
02.2015 - 05.2017
- Answered signal lights, bells or intercom systems to determine resident needs.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
- Used mobility devices to transport patients.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Looked for physical, emotional and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Managed and maintained patient rooms, shared-living areas and nursing stations.
- Rendered hands-on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
- Examined and treated patient lacerations, contusions and physical symptoms and referred patients to other medical professionals.
CNA
Bethany Gardens
Rome, NY
01.2014 - 02.2015
- Answered signal lights, bells or intercom systems to determine resident needs.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
- Used mobility devices to transport patients.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Looked for physical, emotional and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Managed and maintained patient rooms, shared-living areas and nursing stations.
- Rendered hands-on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
- Examined and treated patient lacerations, contusions and physical symptoms and referred patients to other medical professionals.
CNA Student
Presbyterian Homes and Service
New Hartford, NY
06.2013 - 01.2014
- Provided basic patient care by bathing and grooming patients, changing bedding and assisting in feeding activities.
- Guided individuals to bathrooms and cared for incontinence needs.
- Recorded patient conditions and vital signs before and after medical operations.
- Transported bed-confined patients to different hospital rooms and other locations.
- Ambulated patients with appropriate assistive devices and in line with proper body mechanics.
- Recognized and reported abnormalities or changes in patients' health status to nursing staff.
- Planned, prepared and served meals and snacks according to prescribed diets.
- Supported resident interests and welfare by encouraging participation in events geared toward appropriate physical activity and social interactions.
- Organized games and other activities to engage clients and offer mental stimulation.
- Charted daily information such as mood changes, mobility activity, eating percentages and daily inputs and outputs.
- Used play, conversation, art and other forms of self-expression to prepare patients for everything from routine tests to complicated surgeries.
- Counted and recorded inventory levels of unit equipment and supplies.
- Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions and options.
- Administered therapies and medications under direction of physician to reduce symptoms and treat underlying conditions.
- Explained various warnings, side effects and dosage requirements of medications.
- Answered patient call signals and signal lights to determine patients' needs.
- Communicated with patients to determine feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
- Provided physical support to assist patients with bathing, dressing and toileting.
- Turned and repositioned bedridden patients to prevent bedsores.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Measured and recorded food and liquid intake and output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Assisted with lifting patients to move on or off beds, examination tables and surgical tables.
- Planned and served meals and snacks to patients according to prescribed diets.
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores and surgical site wounds.
- Documented and reported observations of patient behavior, complaints or physical symptoms to nurses.
- Documented information in patient charts and communicated status updates to interdisciplinary care team.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Kept medical supply room and patient rooms stocked with necessary supplies, equipment and instruments.
- Reminded patients to take prescribed medications or nutritional supplements.
- Collected specimens from patients for laboratory testing purposes.
- Shaved and draped patients to prepare for surgery, treatment or examination.
- Transported specimens, laboratory items or pharmacy items, verifying proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.
- Exercised comatose and paralyzed patients to reduce delirium and improve physical function.
- Administered medications and educated patients and families on correct at-home administration.
Driver
Bernie bus
Rome, NY
05.2013 - 12.2013
- Documented daily mileage, gas and other data.
- Monitored traffic conditions and applied defensive strategies to avoid accidents.
- Performed pre-trip inspection checks and reported problems to supervisor.
- Determined most expedient trip by mapping out driving routes ahead of time.
- Picked up clients from specific locations to transport and drop off at destinations.
- Saved fuel by leveraging GPS to identify faster routes.
- Transported riders to designated stops according to pre-determined schedules.
- Interacted with customers pleasantly to meet needs and drive satisfaction.
- Demonstrated professional conduct with clients to deliver outstanding customer service.
- Checked vehicle after shift for damage.
- Performed activities on time while maintaining regular attendance and punctuality to support scheduling and work coverage.
- Transported clients to specified destinations safely and on-time.
Education
CCHT - Dialysis
USRENAL Care
Rome01-2025
Phlebotomy
Boces
New Hartford, NY04.2017
GED -
Boces
Rome, NY03.2013
Skills
- Client education and patient monitoring
- Water purification and treatment
- Equipment calibration and laboratory testing
- Crisis intervention and infection control
- Problem solving and attention to detail
- Fluid management and bedside care
- Caring companionship and time management
- First aid and CPR certification
- Behavior redirection and clinical communication
- Venipuncture and vascular access care
- Blood pressure monitoring and sample collection
- Needle insertion and ultrafiltration management
- Adaptability to change
Timeline
CCHT/PCT
USRENAL
08.2023 - Current
Direct Support Assistant
OPWDD
12.2018 - 08.2023
Collections Specialist/Phlebotomy Technician
Red Cross
05.2017 - 12.2018
CNA
Eastern Star Nursing Home
02.2015 - 05.2017
CNA
Bethany Gardens
01.2014 - 02.2015
CNA Student
Presbyterian Homes and Service
06.2013 - 01.2014
Driver
Bernie bus
05.2013 - 12.2013
Phlebotomy
Boces
GED -
Boces
CCHT - Dialysis
USRENAL Care