Theresa Stephens
Kalamazoo,MI
Summary
Compassionate Patient Care Technician - CCHT with expertise in delivering care to diverse patient populations, including individuals with chronic illnesses. Proficient in conducting vital sign assessments, administering medications under supervision, and executing fundamental healthcare tasks. Exceptional interpersonal skills facilitate effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Proven ability to enhance patient comfort and safety in previous roles.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patient Care Technician - CCHT
DaVita
Battle Creek, Michigan
04.2024 - Current
- Assisted patients during dialysis treatments and monitored their vital signs.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety of treatment areas and equipment.
- Prepared dialysis machines and supplies for patient sessions.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to ensure patient comfort and care.
- Responded promptly to patient needs and requests during treatments.
- Adhered to all safety regulations while providing quality care to patients.
- Operated medical equipment such as infusion pumps, respirators and oxygen tanks.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care and progress in an electronic health record system.
- Monitored patient conditions and reported any changes to the nurse or doctor on duty.
- Followed infection control measures when cleaning and attaching hemodialysis machine to access sites like fistulas, catheters, and grafts.
- Took and documented patient temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates before and after dialysis treatment.
- Performed routine sterilization, cleaning, and maintenance of hemodialysis machines and equipment.
- Attached dialyzer and tubing to dialysis machines for use in hemodialysis treatment.
- Initiated and terminated reverse osmosis water system and performed water quality monitoring tests prior to dialysis initiation.
- Primed dialyzer with saline or heparinized solutions and followed formula directions when preparing dialysate.
- Discontinued dialysis treatment according to established procedures.
- Eased patients' anxiety by explaining dialysis procedures and dialysis machine operations.
- Sustained hemodialysis workflow by inventorying and restocking needed equipment and supplies.
- Conducted pre- and post-treatment assessments of patients, including vital sign monitoring.
- Responded to and managed emergency situations during dialysis treatments.
- Trained new dialysis technicians on machine operation and patient care procedures.
- Documented all patient information accurately in their medical records.
- Ensured strict adherence to safety protocols and infection control measures.
- Provided excellent customer service by effectively communicating with patients, families, staff and staff in other hospital departments.
- Adjusted settings or positions of medical equipment.
PCT
Fresenius
Kalamazoo, MI
06.2022 - 04.2024
- Monitored patient vitals during dialysis treatments to ensure safety and comfort.
- Prepared and maintained dialysis machines and equipment for optimal performance.
- Assisted in troubleshooting machine malfunctions to minimize downtime during treatments.
- Documented patient treatment records accurately for compliance and follow-up care.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a sterile treatment environment.
- Monitored patient's vital signs during dialysis treatments, adjusting the rate of fluid removal as necessary.
- Performed daily maintenance on dialysis machines, such as cleaning and sterilization.
- Performed routine sterilization, cleaning, and maintenance of hemodialysis machines and equipment.
- Followed infection control measures when cleaning and attaching hemodialysis machine to access sites like fistulas, catheters, and grafts.
- Primed dialyzer with saline or heparinized solutions and followed formula directions when preparing dialysate.
- Eased patients' anxiety by explaining dialysis procedures and dialysis machine operations.
- Calibrated dialysate solution according to prescribed formula for each individual patient's needs.
- Ensured all safety protocols were followed while performing duties in the dialysis unit.
- Attached dialyzer and tubing to dialysis machines for use in hemodialysis treatment.
- Evaluated access sites for infection or other complications prior to initiating treatment.
- Restocked supplies needed for dialysis procedures in an organized manner.
- Discontinued dialysis treatment according to established procedures.
- Identified and reported any adverse reactions or changes in patient condition to the supervising nurse.
- Updated knowledge of current trends in nephrology through continuing education courses.
- Participated in continuous education to stay updated on dialysis technology advancements.
- Performed routine maintenance on dialysis equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
- Monitored patient reactions and machine operation during dialysis treatment.
- Provided excellent customer service by effectively communicating with patients, families, staff and staff in other hospital departments.
- Communicated with management or other staff to resolve problems.
Phlebotomist
Aureus Medical
Omaha, Nebraska
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Collected blood samples using sterile techniques and proper equipment.
- Maintained accurate patient records and ensured confidentiality standards.
- Prepared blood specimens for laboratory testing and transportation.
- Engaged with patients to explain procedures and alleviate concerns.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
- Verified patient information prior to specimen collection.
- Located veins suitable for puncture to draw blood using sterilized needles, vials and other equipment.
- Adhered to HIPAA guidelines regarding patient privacy.
- Performed venipuncture and other blood collection procedures according to established standards.
- Collected specimens from pediatric, adult, geriatric, and special needs patients.
- Provided excellent customer service while interacting with patients.
- Delivered quality patient care by completing accurate and timely collection and transport of clinical specimens according to established procedures.
- Maintained fully-stocked phlebotomy cart, carrier and station.
- Centrifuged blood specimens in test tubes and capillary tubes to separate cells and sediment from blood serum.
- Processed samples accurately and efficiently.
- Verified collection orders and communicated discrepancies to nurses.
- Collected specimens for drug screens, paternity tests and alcohol tests.
- Observed patient for unusual reactions or events to take appropriate action under established guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations governing laboratory procedures.
- Educated patients on proper blood draw techniques.
Clinical Laboratory Assistant
Bronson Methodist Hospital
Kalamazoo, Michigan
01.2020 - 08.2021
- Operated laboratory equipment to conduct various analyses.
- Maintained accurate records of test results and procedures.
- Collaborated with medical staff to ensure timely sample collection.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain a clean laboratory environment.
- Trained new staff on standard operating procedures and best practices.
- Adhered to HIPAA regulations when dealing with confidential patient information.
- Responded promptly to requests from physicians or other healthcare professionals regarding patient testing needs.
- Assisted with training new employees on laboratory procedures and techniques.
- Performed basic laboratory tests such as urinalysis, hematology, chemistry, and serology.
- Carried out pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic procedures to reduce inaccuracy.
- Followed safety guidelines while working in the lab environment to ensure proper handling of hazardous materials.
- Assisted laboratory personnel with specimen collection and processing.
- Processed specimens for further analysis by other labs or healthcare providers.
- Followed laboratory guidelines for handling biological specimens.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mattawan High School
Mattawan, MI06-1989
Skills
- Dialysis machine operation
- Patient monitoring
- Infection control protocols
- Patient assessment
- Customer service
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Training and mentoring
- Compliance adherence
- Phlebotomy techniques
- Isolation precautions
- HIPAA compliance
- Vital signs monitoring
- Dialysis equipment operation
- Blood sample collection
- Safety monitoring
- Treatment documentation
- Direct patient care
- Alarm response
- Patient observation
- Patient care techniques
Certification
Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician-CCHT
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Patient Care Technician - CCHT
DaVita
04.2024 - Current
PCT
Fresenius
06.2022 - 04.2024
Phlebotomist
Aureus Medical
08.2021 - 01.2022
Clinical Laboratory Assistant
Bronson Methodist Hospital
01.2020 - 08.2021
High School Diploma -
Mattawan High School