Tameka Smith
Quincy,Florida
Summary
Committed Medical Assistant/Home Health Aide offering 20+ years in home healthcare. Dedicated to delivering consistent and focused attention to client safety, comfort and dignity. Well-versed in direct patient care and recordkeeping.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Licensing Specialist
State Of Florida - APD
06.2023 - Current
- Ensure consistent understanding of licensing policies and procedures.
- Improved compliance rates by conducting thorough audits and providing detailed feedback on areas for improvement.
- Leveraged industry knowledge to advise clients on best practices for maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Streamlined licensing processes by implementing efficient tracking systems and organizational strategies.
- Conducted regular reviews of existing licenses to ensure continued alignment with evolving regulations and standards.
- Evaluated potential risks associated with proposed changes to licensed products or services, advising clients on appropriate mitigation strategies accordingly.
- Informed customers by mail or telephone of additional steps needed to obtain licenses.
- Performed routine data entry or document management.
- Stayed up-to-date on [State] laws and licensing requirements to complete accurate and efficient reviews.
- Updated operational records or licensing information using computer terminals.
- Worked closely with applicants to determine eligibility and verify accuracy and integrity of application data.
- Increased efficiency in managing high volume of license applications by developing a robust database system for tracking and reporting purposes.
- Accomplished successful renewal of expiring licenses through meticulous preparation, submission, and follow-up of relevant documentation.
- Provided exceptional customer service to applicants, addressing inquiries with accurate information and timely responses.
- Enhanced cross-functional collaboration between departments through effective communication and coordination of licensing activities.
Behavior Aide/Home Health Aide
Interim Healthcare Agency
01.2021 - 10.2022
- Worked with special needs and developmentally disabled patients.
- Supported behavior improvement strategies by modeling appropriate choices and reinforcing good behaviors.
- Worked alongside treatment team to train clients in basic living skills.
- Developed strong rapport with patients & their family by fostering trust, respect, and open communication within a supportive atmosphere.
- Maintained a clean and safe home environment for patients, reducing falls and accidents.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
- Performed light housekeeping duties including laundry linen changes sweeping vacuuming and mopping ensuring a clean and organized living space for patients.
- Assisted with meal planning and preparation according to dietary restrictions, meeting nutritional needs while adhering to personal preferences.
- Completed entries in log books, journals, and care plans to accurately document and report patient progress.
- Provided mobility assistance such as walking and regular exercising.
- Traveled to clients' homes to complete healthcare services and promote continuity of care.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Monitored client health by performing routine pulse, temperature and blood pressure checks.
- Adapted to ever-changing patient needs, consistently adjusting care plans and strategies in order to provide the highest quality of personalized assistance.
- Completed thorough documentation of patient care activities, maintaining accurate records for effective communication amongst the healthcare team.
- Safely transferred patients using appropriate equipment such as Hoyer lifts or gait belts minimizing injury risks.
- Reported unusual or urgent circumstances in patients' condition or environment immediately to nurse supervisor.
- Prevented pressure ulcers through frequent repositioning and regular skin assessments, maintaining patient comfort while reducing complications.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans, addressing specific needs and goals of each patient.
- Offered patients and families emotional support and instruction in preparing healthy meals, independent living, and adaptation to disability or illness.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions as directed by healthcare providers, improving patient comfort and mobility.
- Educated family members on proper caregiving techniques in order to provide seamless continuity of care between shifts or visits.
- Managed complex wound care under the supervision of a registered nurse, facilitating timely healing processes.
- Assisted with end-of-life care.
- Utilized universal precautions and infection control principles in all aspects of care.
- Delivered top-notch care for children with developmental disabilities, acquired illnesses or injuries.
Lead Histology Technician
Dermatology Associates Of Tallahassee
10.2007 - 07.2021
- Maintained a high level of quality control, ensuring accurate and reliable test results for patients.
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by streamlining histology procedures and workflow.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy with meticulous attention to detail in slide preparation and staining.
- Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists.
- Minimized infection risk by regularly cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Documented routine laboratory instrument maintenance and corrective actions.
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
- Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.
- Entered data on demographics, grossing descriptions, and clinical diagnosis into EMR.
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards.
- Stayed current on changing procedures to offer expert support for histology laboratory activities.
- Assisted in troubleshooting equipment issues, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity levels.
- Retrieved pathological data and delivered pathologist's dictation tapes and surgical pathology requisitions to medical transcriptionists.
- Actively participated in internal audits and inspections resulting in consistent compliance with accreditation standards.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings, offering valuable insights from a histological perspective.
- Trained new histology technicians, sharing best practices and improving overall team capabilities.
- Managed workload effectively under tight deadlines, prioritizing cases based on clinical urgency.
- Updated patient records accurately, ensuring timely communication of critical test results to healthcare providers.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities, staying current on industry advancements and trends.
- Conducted regular maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and functionality.
- Operated microtomes to section body tissues for microscopic examination.
- Cut body tissue sections for microscopic examination using microtomes.
- Used glass slides to mount tissues for tests.
- Readied specimens with use of embedded or infiltrated paraffin wax.
- Maintained laboratory histologic manuals to standardize procedures.
- Improved visibility of cells with use of dyes and other chemicals.
Home Health Aide
Interim Home Health
09.1997 - 03.2013
- Helped patients maintain personal hygiene through bathing, grooming, and toileting assistance when necessary for dignity preservation.
- Maintained a clean and safe home environment for patients, reducing falls and accidents.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
- Performed light housekeeping duties including laundry linen changes sweeping vacuuming and mopping ensuring a clean and organized living space for patients.
- Improved patient well-being by providing compassionate and attentive personal care.
- Assisted with meal planning and preparation according to dietary restrictions, meeting nutritional needs while adhering to personal preferences.
- Traveled to clients' homes to complete healthcare services and promote continuity of care.
- Transported patients to medical appointments and social outings, fostering community engagement and overall wellbeing.
- Reported unusual or urgent circumstances in patients' condition or environment immediately to nurse supervisor.
- Monitored vital signs regularly, promptly reporting any abnormalities or concerns to supervising nurse or physician.
- Documented vital statistics and coordinated with health care providers.
- Supported families through difficult times by offering emotional support and education on important care tasks.
- Utilized universal precautions and infection control principles in all aspects of care.
- Assisted with end-of-life care.
- Directed patients in simple prescribed exercises to assist with daily physical therapy routines.
- Communicated regularly with clients' families to provide updates on health and wellbeing.
- Managed complex wound care under the supervision of a registered nurse, facilitating timely healing processes.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions as directed by healthcare providers, improving patient comfort and mobility.
- Prevented pressure ulcers through frequent repositioning and regular skin assessments, maintaining patient comfort while reducing complications.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times, promoting a positive atmosphere conducive to healing.
- Safely transferred patients using appropriate equipment such as Hoyer lifts or gait belts minimizing injury risks.
- Adapted to ever-changing patient needs, consistently adjusting care plans and strategies in order to provide the highest quality of personalized assistance.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Provided mobility assistance such as walking and regular exercising.
Patient Account Coordinator II
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
07.2003 - 08.2007
- Improved patient satisfaction by efficiently handling account inquiries and resolving billing issues.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of multiple insurance plans, allowing for efficient navigation of varying requirements and processes.
- Contributed to the development of departmental policies and procedures, promoting best practices in patient account management.
- Assisted in training new staff members on department procedures, contributing to a cohesive work environment.
- Streamlined the billing process for increased efficiency with thorough review of insurance claims and accurate data entry.
- Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive patient information, adhering to HIPAA guidelines at all times.
- Increased accuracy in payment postings by carefully reviewing remittance advices and applying adjustments as needed.
- Reduced errors in claim submissions, ensuring thorough verification of patient information and coverage details.
- Provided exceptional customer service while addressing complex billing questions from patients or their representatives over phone or email communications.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams such as coding specialists, case managers, and financial counselors to ensure seamless workflows within the department.
Education
No Degree - Histotechnology - Caertification
Indiana University - Purdue School of Medicine
Indianapolis, IN12.2012
Associate of Science - Medical Assisting
Keiser College
Tallahassee, FL05.1993
Skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Document Review
- Document Preparation
- Researching skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Meeting Preparation
Timeline
Regional Licensing Specialist
State Of Florida - APD
06.2023 - Current
Behavior Aide/Home Health Aide
Interim Healthcare Agency
01.2021 - 10.2022
Lead Histology Technician
Dermatology Associates Of Tallahassee
10.2007 - 07.2021
Patient Account Coordinator II
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
07.2003 - 08.2007
Home Health Aide
Interim Home Health
09.1997 - 03.2013
No Degree - Histotechnology - Caertification
Indiana University - Purdue School of Medicine
Associate of Science - Medical Assisting
Keiser College
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