Valerie Buckholdt
Bear,DE
Summary
Certified medical laboratory professional with expertise in analyzing, recording, and reporting test results across various disciplines, including hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, microbiology, and PCR testing. Currently serving as the chemistry and referral technical supervisor, with a proven track record of mentoring and training staff while overseeing quality assurance, scheduling, and continuous improvement projects. Extensive experience in instrumentation validation and troubleshooting supports the ability to drive operational excellence and ensure compliance with safety standards. Recognized for effective team leadership and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments, consistently contributing to the enhancement of laboratory policies and procedures.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Core Lab/Chemistry Supervisor
Nemours Children's Hospital DE
Wilmington, DE
11.2019 - Current
- Supervised daily operations of chemistry department, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for laboratory staff.
- Oversaw quality control processes, maintaining accuracy in testing and reporting procedures.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to streamline workflows and improve patient care outcomes.
- Analyzed laboratory data to identify trends, driving evidence-based improvements in service delivery.
- Led initiatives to adopt new technologies, enhancing laboratory capabilities and operational efficiencies.
- Streamlined laboratory processes for increased efficiency and productivity by optimizing workflows.
- Maintained high-quality standards with thorough analysis and documentation of test results.
- Established effective communication channels between departments for enhanced collaboration on interdisciplinary projects.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork among staff members while maintaining individual accountability for achieving personal performance metrics.
- Actively participated in regulatory compliance audits, demonstrating adherence to established guidelines and protocols.
- Prepared and reviewed documentation and SOPs.
- Involved in planning, development of workflows and validation of test builds for EPIC BEAKER implementation.
Laboratory Instructor
University of Delaware
Newark, DE
01.2019 - 11.2019
- Taught 1/2000 until 12/2000
- Taught 1/1993 until 5/1993
- Facilitated hands-on experiments, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and procedures.
- Prepared laboratory and taught students coagulation theory, procedures, testing, instrumentation, and resulting.
- Taught instrumentation and manual procedures for general cell count testing.
- Taught classification and diagnosis for hematologic diseases.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
Clinical Laboratory Technical Supervisor
Nemours
Wilmington, DE
04.2015 - 2019
- Involved with the other supervisors in interviewing, Continuous improvement, new test development, and problem resolution.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels between team members and encouraging professional growth opportunities.
- Developed training programs for staff on new technologies, enhancing skill sets and performance.
- Allocated resources for optimum coverage and effectiveness.
Senior Medical Technologist
Nemours
Newark, DE
01.2012 - 04.2015
- Performed highly complex tests on clinical specimens for diagnostic purposes.
- Took on addition responsibilities of scheduling, training, competency records for off shift medical technologists.
- Helped to run monthly staff meetings, provided support to the Evening/Nights Clinical Supervisor.
- I took on additional duties in July 2014: Kronos, Midas, Performance management, Huddles and Staff meetings.
Medical Technologist
Nemours DuPont Children's Hospital
Wilmington, DE
06.1991 - 12.2011
- Operated and maintained advanced laboratory equipment ensuring accurate results and compliance with safety standards.
Casual Medical Technologist
Christiana Care
Newark, DE
04.1994 - 10.1996
- Covered the hematology department every other weekend.
- Performed highly complex tests on clinical specimens for diagnostic purposes.
- Previously worked as a receiving clerk 8/1990 to 04/1991
Education
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
University of Delaware
Newark, DE, USA06.1991
Skills
- Oversight of technical operations
- Perform diagnostic tests in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and PCR
- Specimen analysis preparation and prioritization Monitoring of pre and post analytical issues
- Facilitated cross-shift collaboration
- Leadership and management skills
- Contribute to continuous improvement projects in the laboratory
- Effective coordination of laboratory staffing for all shifts
- Proficient in training and troubleshooting
- Perform well in high-pressure situations
- Involved in creation of training protocols for technologists
- Skilled in candidate evaluation
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 25 staff members across three shifts.
- Achieved successful implementation of EPIC BEAKER with our multidisciplinary team.
- Performed multiple CAP inspections including General Laboratory, Chemistry and Hematology Sections.
Certification
MT(ASCP)
Timeline
Core Lab/Chemistry Supervisor
Nemours Children's Hospital DE
11.2019 - Current
Laboratory Instructor
University of Delaware
01.2019 - 11.2019
Clinical Laboratory Technical Supervisor
Nemours
04.2015 - 2019
Senior Medical Technologist
Nemours
01.2012 - 04.2015
Casual Medical Technologist
Christiana Care
04.1994 - 10.1996
Medical Technologist
Nemours DuPont Children's Hospital
06.1991 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
University of Delaware