Tracey Carter
Chilhowie,VA
Summary
Dynamic Medical Technologist with extensive experience at Smyth County Community Hospital, excelling in quality management and regulatory compliance. Proven expertise in Chemistry and Blood Bank operations, enhancing laboratory efficiency and accuracy. Strong troubleshooting skills and a commitment to continuous improvement fostered a culture of excellence and patient care.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Technologist/Blood Bank Tech. Specialist
Smyth County Community Hospital
03.2014 - 08.2025
- Conducted complex laboratory tests to diagnose patient conditions accurately.
- Blood Bank Hematology Tech Specialist.
- Operated and maintained advanced laboratory equipment ensuring optimal performance.
- Analyzed test results, providing critical data to healthcare providers for informed decision-making.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards and quality assurance protocols in laboratory processes.
- Identified patient and labeled specimens with correct information to protect patient from adverse errors.
- Upheld regulatory compliance by adhering to all relevant laws, guidelines, policies, and procedures related to medical laboratory practice.
- Trained and oriented new medical technologists to perform and interpret tests.
Medical Laboratory Technologist/Office Manager
Abingdon Healthcare for Women
02.2012 - 03.2014
- Conducted complex laboratory tests to diagnose diseases, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Analyzed test results and collaborated with healthcare professionals for accurate patient diagnosis and treatment plans.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency in specimen processing and analysis.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on laboratory protocols, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Oversaw equipment maintenance and calibration, ensuring optimal functionality for reliable testing outcomes.
- Developed standard operating procedures to streamline testing processes, reducing turnaround time for critical results.
- Led quality assurance initiatives that resulted in improved compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care through effective laboratory services integration.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to safety guidelines.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
Medical Technologist
Smyth County Community Hospital
10.2010 - 05.2012
- Conducted complex laboratory tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients.
- Utilized advanced diagnostic equipment, maintaining calibration and compliance with safety standards.
- Analyzed test results, providing critical data for medical staff to make informed decisions.
- Implemented quality control measures, enhancing reliability of laboratory results and processes.
- Mentored junior technologists, fostering skill development and adherence to best practices in the lab.
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis, and results reporting.
- Contributed to the overall success of the laboratory by maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating strong teamwork skills in daily interactions with peers.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately performing and interpreting laboratory tests in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood bank departments.
- Served as Blood Bank/Hematology Tech Spec for 7 years.
Staff Nurse
Bristol Regional Medical Center
07.2009 - 07.2010
- Provided comprehensive patient care, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and best practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Mentored junior nursing staff in clinical procedures and emergency response techniques.
- Utilized electronic health records to document patient information accurately and efficiently.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients' conditions, identifying critical changes promptly.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
Treatment Team Nurse
Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute
08.2003 - 05.2009
- Supervised patient care activities, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement personalized care plans.
- Mentored junior nursing staff on clinical procedures and patient management strategies.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to treatments effectively.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and optimize care delivery.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medication administration, self-care techniques, and disease management strategies for improved health outcomes at home.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients'' physical, emotional, and social needs to inform individualized care plans.
Registered Nurse
Abingdon Healthcare for Women
10.2001 - 08.2003
- Administered patient care plans, ensuring adherence to protocols and standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and streamline communication.
- Mentored junior nurses, improving team efficiency and skill development through training sessions.
- Implemented evidence-based practices, resulting in improved patient health metrics and satisfaction rates.
- Evaluated patient care plans, adjusting strategies based on clinical assessments and outcomes.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous professional growth.
- Performed CLIA waived testing as appropriate for a Physicians Office.
Registered Nurse/
Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute
10.1999 - 10.2001
- Delivered comprehensive patient assessments and developed individualized care plans.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and streamline workflow.
- Educated patients and families on health management, promoting adherence to treatment plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Conducted comprehensive health assessments, identifying critical changes in patients' conditions rapidly.
- Educated patients and families on health management strategies fostering improved adherence to treatment plans.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
Medical Technologist
Greenbrier Valley Medical Center
08.1994 - 09.1999
- Streamlined workflow processes, reducing turnaround times for critical test results significantly.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient care through effective communication of lab findings.
- Led initiatives for continuous improvement in laboratory operations, driving efficiency and accuracy standards.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new Medical Technologists, fostering a positive learning environment for skill development.
- Collected and reviewed patient medical histories to accurately interpret test results.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care when interacting with patients during specimen collection processes.
- Employed microscopic techniques to collect and study blood samples to determine number of cells, morphology, and blood group, assessing compatibility for transfusion purposes.
- Operated, calibrated, and maintained sophisticated instruments and equipment to facilitate quality laboratory and patient care operations.
- Ensured accurate diagnoses with thorough quality control procedures and diligent recordkeeping.
Medical Technologist
Wytheville County Community Hospital
06.1987 - 06.1994
- Participated in essential quality improvement programs to maintain accurate and timely laboratory testing and meet customer needs.
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by efficiently processing specimens and maintaining optimal instrument performance.
- Maintained strict adherence to safety protocols, minimizing the risk of infection or contamination in the laboratory environment.
- Increased efficiency by troubleshooting equipment malfunctions and performing routine maintenance tasks as needed.
- Ensured timely reporting of critical results to healthcare providers, allowing for swift interventions in life-threatening situations.
- Maintained required laboratory supplies inventory, and verified viability of supplies prior to use.
- Participated in evaluation of new laboratory techniques, products and instruments.
- Blood Gas and counter immunoassay (kit testing) section leader. Microbiology backup tech.
Education
High School Diploma -
Chilhowie High School
Chilhowie, VA06-1983
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Labortaory Technician
Wytheville Community College
Wytheville, VA07-1987
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Organizational Management
Tusculum College
Greeneville, TN05-1991
No Degree - Additional Credits For ASCP MED TECH EXAM.
Wytheville Community College
Wytheville, VA01-1992
Associate of Science - Associate Degree in Nursing
Wytheville Community College
Wytheville, VA05-1999
Skills
- Quality management practices
- Quality control expertise
- Demonstrated proficiency in Chemistry, Hematology, Coag, Urinalysis, and Blood Bank
- Proficient in phlebotomy
- Troubleshooting issues
- Maintenance of lab instruments
- Adherence to laboratory safety protocols
- Understanding of regulatory compliance standards
- Data evaluation
- Regulatory adherence
- Blood bank operations
- Efficient laboratory organization
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of nine staff members In blood bank/hematology for 7 years at SCCH.
- Section Leader for Chemistry, Toxicology and Special Chemistry and Microbiology Back-up tech at GVMC.
- Section Leader for Blood Gases and Counter Immunoassay at WCCH.
Timeline
Medical Technologist/Blood Bank Tech. Specialist
Smyth County Community Hospital
03.2014 - 08.2025
Medical Laboratory Technologist/Office Manager
Abingdon Healthcare for Women
02.2012 - 03.2014
Medical Technologist
Smyth County Community Hospital
10.2010 - 05.2012
Staff Nurse
Bristol Regional Medical Center
07.2009 - 07.2010
Treatment Team Nurse
Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute
08.2003 - 05.2009
Registered Nurse
Abingdon Healthcare for Women
10.2001 - 08.2003
Registered Nurse/
Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute
10.1999 - 10.2001
Medical Technologist
Greenbrier Valley Medical Center
08.1994 - 09.1999
Medical Technologist
Wytheville County Community Hospital
06.1987 - 06.1994
High School Diploma -
Chilhowie High School
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Labortaory Technician
Wytheville Community College
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Organizational Management
Tusculum College
No Degree - Additional Credits For ASCP MED TECH EXAM.
Wytheville Community College
Associate of Science - Associate Degree in Nursing
Wytheville Community College
Medical Laboratory Technician
I am a quick study, have great computer skills, and enjoy being a team player or working on my own. I am dependable, reliable and providing the best possible patient care is always my priority.