Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Toenatzine (Lani) Higgins

Toenatzine (Lani) Higgins

Whittier,Ca.

Summary

Experienced professional seeking to expand skills in drawing blood cultures, child and pediatric draws, and specimen processing. With four years of experience in performing challenging draws, I am passionate about the opportunities in this field. Eager to further develop my expertise and contribute to a precision-focused team that values patient care.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Phlebotomist

Tibor Rubin Long Beach Veterans Hospital
12.2022 - Current
  • Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
  • Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
  • Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
  • Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
  • Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
  • Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
  • Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
  • Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
  • Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
  • Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
  • Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
  • Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
  • Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
  • Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
  • Increased patient satisfaction rates through consistent delivery of professional phlebotomy services tailored to individual needs.
  • Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
  • Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
  • Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
  • Organized daily work based on collection priority.
  • Ensured uninterrupted service by properly maintaining phlebotomy equipment, including centrifuges, needles, and tourniquets.
  • Actively engaged with patients to educate them on proper post-draw care, reducing potential complications and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
  • Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
  • Conducted venipuncture and other CT procedures.
  • Participated in continuing education programs to stay up to date on new technologies and procedures.
  • Participated in cross-training initiatives, bolstering the overall skill set of the team and promoting a collaborative work environment.
  • Supported quality assurance efforts by diligently documenting all relevant information during the collection process, ensuring accurate test results for patients and providers alike.
  • Contributed to the development of phlebotomy training materials, enhancing the skillset of new employees and improving overall team performance.
  • Provided support to laboratory staff, facilitating prompt analysis of collected samples for expedited results delivery.
  • Assisted in streamlining the specimen processing workflow for increased efficiency and reduced wait times for patients.
  • Enhanced team collaboration by participating in regular meetings to discuss improvements in phlebotomy practices.
  • Ensured proper identification and documentation of samples, significantly reducing instances of mislabeling.
  • Streamlined inventory management process for phlebotomy supplies, preventing shortages and overstock situations.
  • Improved patient comfort and trust with compassionate communication and professional bedside manner.
  • Collaborated with healthcare teams to prioritize urgent blood draws, ensuring timely analysis for critical care decisions.
  • Monitored patients for adverse reactions post-venipuncture, ready to provide immediate care if needed.
  • Trained new phlebotomists in proper blood collection techniques and safety protocols, elevating overall quality of care.
  • Identified veins suitable for venipuncture with precision, minimizing discomfort for patients.
  • Enhanced patient experience by performing blood draws quickly and efficiently.
  • Reduced patient wait times by implementing effective appointment scheduling system.
  • Contributed to maintenance of patient records, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information was available for healthcare providers.
  • Assisted in development of phlebotomy training manual, standardizing procedures and improving training efficiency.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sterilization of phlebotomy equipment, ensuring patient safety.
  • Conducted blood drives in collaboration with local organizations, increasing community engagement and blood donations.
  • Collected, labeled, and processed blood samples for variety of tests, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to laboratory.
  • Increased patient satisfaction by providing gentle care and empathetic support during blood collection procedures.
  • Supported laboratory technicians by preparing and organizing samples for analysis, facilitating smoother workflow.
  • Participated in continuous education programs to stay updated on latest phlebotomy techniques and safety standards.
  • Provided clear post-draw instructions to patients, enhancing their understanding and compliance with care instructions.
  • Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
  • Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
  • Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
  • Adapted to diverse patient needs by employing variety of blood collection techniques.
  • Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
  • Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
  • Performed venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks for both adult and pediatric patients.
  • Verified proper storage and transportation of specimens to laboratories.
  • Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
  • Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
  • Followed established safety protocols and standards to minimize risk of infection and injury.
  • Assisted in training and onboarding new phlebotomists.
  • Reviewed and processed requisitions for laboratory tests.
  • Monitored supply levels and placed orders for laboratory supplies.
  • Participated in quality assurance and competency assessment initiatives.
  • Validated blood and specimen collection orders, alerting nurses, or physicians of discrepancies between order and nursing station logs.
  • Provided guidance and support to laboratory personnel.
  • Performed laboratory tests to assist physicians in diagnosis.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to improve phlebotomy processes.

Phlebotomist

Altasciences
01.2022 - 10.2022
  • Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
  • Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
  • Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
  • Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
  • Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
  • Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
  • Reduced contamination risks by strictly adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
  • Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
  • Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
  • Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
  • Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
  • Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
  • Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
  • Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
  • Increased patient satisfaction rates through consistent delivery of professional phlebotomy services tailored to individual needs.
  • Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
  • Promoted a positive atmosphere within the phlebotomy department through active participation in team meetings and effective communication with colleagues.
  • Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
  • Ensured uninterrupted service by properly maintaining phlebotomy equipment, including centrifuges, needles, and tourniquets.
  • Actively engaged with patients to educate them on proper post-draw care, reducing potential complications and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
  • Participated in continuing education programs to stay up to date on new technologies and procedures.
  • Participated in cross-training initiatives, bolstering the overall skill set of the team and promoting a collaborative work environment.
  • Supported quality assurance efforts by diligently documenting all relevant information during the collection process, ensuring accurate test results for patients and providers alike.

Waitress/Server

Applebee's Restaurant
01.2005 - 01.2006
  • 626-291-5153

Caregiver

Cecelia Tamayo
01.1999 - 01.2005
  • I worked in the home and helped my client with daily activities, outings, driving and picking up client throughout his daily activities, feeding, grooming, and some housework
  • I helped clients make and keep appointments with doctors, provide or arrange transportation and serve as a companion for my client
  • 323-812-3590

Waitress/Server

Marie Callendar's Restaurant & Bakery
01.2000 - 03.2003
  • 323-281-9548

Market Research Telephone Interviewer

Interviewing Services of America
03.2000 - 01.2001
  • I was assigned to a booth where my computer was automatically generated to call a list of people to conduct market research interviews by telephone and meet all standards of position requirements
  • Interviews are surveys and opinion polls regarding products and services used by consumers and business people
  • 626-979-4140

Waitress/Server

Jimmie's Family Restaurant
03.2000 - 01.2001
  • 323-726-7783

Cashier/Service Crew

Kenny Roger's Roasters Chicken
01.1999 - 01.2000
  • They must maintain cleanliness in food service areas and throughout the food establishment
  • Duties may also include notifying kitchen staff of any food orders or food shortages
  • Some fast food employees may have additional responsibilities, such as operating cooking equipment or preparing cold dishes and beverages
  • As a food Cashier highlighted tasks were to greet customers, taking and delivering orders, assisting with food preparation, solving customer complaints, handling monetary transactions, and keeping the restaurant front area clean and well-stocked, and sweeping and moping

Cashier/Service Crew

Papa John's Pizza
01.1999 - 01.2000
  • They must maintain cleanliness in food service areas and throughout the food establishment
  • Duties may also include notifying kitchen staff of any food orders or food shortages
  • Some fast food employees may have additional responsibilities, such as operating cooking equipment or preparing cold dishes and beverages
  • As a food Cashier highlighted tasks were to greet customers, taking and delivering orders, assisting with food preparation, solving customer complaints, handling monetary transactions, and keeping the restaurant front area clean and well-stocked, and sweeping and moping

Summer Day Care Attendant

Barnes Park Extended Day Care
05.1998 - 08.1998
  • This program was provided through my High School's R.O.P
  • Job Training Partnership Act
  • This was a extracurricular summer class that allowed us to attend four hours of class during the day and then attend a provided day job after class
  • This gave us school credits and also taught us job training while we also earned a check/income provided to us through our high school
  • Working in childcare centers, childcare workers keep children safe and care for their everyday needs
  • This includes greeting children upon arrival and leaving, teaching mannerisms, doing arts and craft projects with them, taking them on field trips, taking them to lunch at the park, or helping them with other activities, and making sure homework gets done
  • 626-307-1451

House Keeper

Various Family Homes
01.1993 - 01.1998
  • Basic housekeeping duties include vacuuming, dusting, mopping, surface cleaning and kitchen and bathroom details, making sure all assigned areas of the home are clean, neat and tidy

Education

Administration Of Justice - Administration of Justice

Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA

Phlebotomist Certification/License School - Phlebotomist

U.S. Colleges
Santa Ana, CA
04.2021

High School Diploma - General Studies

Mark Keppel High School
Alhambra, CA
06.2001

Skills

  • Venipuncture
  • Order of draw
  • Patient care
  • Specimen handling
  • Sample and specimen collection
  • Butterfly needle technique
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Venipuncture expertise
  • Blood collection techniques
  • Specimen labeling procedures
  • HIPAA
  • Patient support
  • Blood culture collection
  • Capillary puncture
  • Data entry
  • Specimen preparation
  • Infection control
  • Quality control
  • Paperwork processing
  • Pediatric phlebotomy
  • Recording data
  • Patient preparation
  • Syringe method
  • Quality control guidelines
  • Sample storage
  • Geriatric phlebotomy
  • Skin puncture
  • Adaptable approach
  • Health education
  • Quality assurance
  • Staff management
  • Personal protective equipment usage
  • Health and safety
  • Medical terminology
  • Technical troubleshooting
  • Emergency response training
  • Patient assessment
  • Sanitation and sterilization
  • Venipuncture and capillary puncture
  • Communication
  • Blood collection
  • Proper labeling
  • Multi-sample collection
  • Specimen collection and storage
  • Therapeutic phlebotomy
  • On-site testing
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Laboratory procedures understanding
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Time management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer service
  • Organizational skills
  • Specimen collection
  • Butterfly venipuncture
  • Excellent communication
  • Phlebotomy technician (PT)
  • Finger stick method
  • Problem-solving
  • Sample processing
  • Decision-making
  • Certified in CPR/AED
  • Task prioritization
  • CPR/AED
  • Phlebotomy technician
  • Multitasking
  • Data confidentiality
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Sample collection
  • Team leader
  • Active listening
  • Goal minded
  • Staff phlebotomy training
  • Patient monitoring
  • Phlebotomy technician (NCPT)
  • Workload management
  • Relationship building
  • Written communication
  • Analytical thinking

Certification

Certified and Licensed in Phlebotomy

Timeline

Phlebotomist

Tibor Rubin Long Beach Veterans Hospital
12.2022 - Current

Phlebotomist

Altasciences
01.2022 - 10.2022

Waitress/Server

Applebee's Restaurant
01.2005 - 01.2006

Market Research Telephone Interviewer

Interviewing Services of America
03.2000 - 01.2001

Waitress/Server

Jimmie's Family Restaurant
03.2000 - 01.2001

Waitress/Server

Marie Callendar's Restaurant & Bakery
01.2000 - 03.2003

Caregiver

Cecelia Tamayo
01.1999 - 01.2005

Cashier/Service Crew

Kenny Roger's Roasters Chicken
01.1999 - 01.2000

Cashier/Service Crew

Papa John's Pizza
01.1999 - 01.2000

Summer Day Care Attendant

Barnes Park Extended Day Care
05.1998 - 08.1998

House Keeper

Various Family Homes
01.1993 - 01.1998

Administration Of Justice - Administration of Justice

Long Beach City College

Phlebotomist Certification/License School - Phlebotomist

U.S. Colleges

High School Diploma - General Studies

Mark Keppel High School
Toenatzine (Lani) Higgins