Dorothy Nilest
Shepherdsville,KY
Summary
Experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist with a proven ability to effectively lead and manage laboratory operations. Proficient in clinical testing, quality control, and regulatory compliance, I am dedicated to upholding the highest standards of accuracy and precision. A strong emphasis on team collaboration allows me to optimize performance and adapt seamlessly to changing needs. Exceptional problem-solving and data analysis skills foster a results-driven environment that consistently achieves impactful outcomes. Known for reliability and preparedness, I am poised to make a significant impact in any scientific setting.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Laboratory Director
FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS
05.2018 - Current
- Company Overview: Federally Qualified Health Care Center
- Routinely visit all laboratory sites in person to inspect for compliance and to perform document review.
- Write and edited Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory testing personnel
- Managed daily operations of the lab efficiently while maintaining standards for accuracy, timeliness, and quality assurance in test results output.
- Improved laboratory efficiency by implementing new processes and streamlining workflows.
- Oversaw training and competency assessment for laboratory staff, nursing staff and medical providers performing waived and moderately complex testing, to ensure compliance with SOPs and regulatory standards
- Enhanced staff productivity through regular training sessions and performance reviews.
- Collaborated with other department supervisors to ensure seamless coordination between clinical areas.
- Maintained a positive relationship with 65 medical providers serving primary care, pediatrics, women's health, mental health, urgent care and healthcare for the homeless
- Coordinated and monitored lab test ordering, resulting in multiple systems interconnected: EHR, LIS, in-house analyzers and multiple reference lab interfaces
- Developed a strong, cohesive team atmosphere by promoting open communication and collaboration among staff members.
- Addressed issues related to staffing levels or scheduling in a timely manner, ensuring sufficient coverage for all laboratory tasks.
- Successfully prepared for and passed three consecutive Joint Commission Laboratory Surveys
- Maintained a high standard of quality control by implementing strict adherence to regulatory guidelines.
- Followed Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) consistently across daily activities and special products.
Generalist - Norton Children's Medical Center Brownsboro
NORTON HEALTHCARE
08.2004 - 08.2020
- Performed testing across all clinical laboratory departments
- Coordinated staff scheduling and availability for all shifts
- Kept work areas clean and neat to promote efficient operations.
- Delivered high-quality work consistently, exceeding performance objectives regularly.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Manager of Clinical Initiatives, CPA Lab
NORTON HEALTHCARE
08.2004 - 08.2020
- Researched problem root causes to implement resolution, preventative measures and education utilized in assisting Norton Community Medical Centers with resolving laboratory problems
- Strong skills in organizing workflow, ideas, and materials utilizing this to accommodate over 200 percent increased volume of workflow while maintaining staffing of twenty (20) employees on three shifts
- Successfully prepared for two CAP inspections in this department with zero deficiencies and zero recommendations
- Organized departmental budgetary data
- Coordinated the needs of many individual departments in order to reach a common goal
Blood Bank Technologist - Norton Women's and Children's Hospital
NORTON HEALTHCARE
08.2004 - 08.2020
- Maintained inventory of supplies for the department
- Operated a cell-saver machine in the OR
- Developed an organized training program for students during clinical rotation through the Blood Bank
- Successfully prepared for and passed one CAP inspection in this department with zero deficiencies and zero recommendations
- Coordinated inventory supplies and equipment to maximize team productivity.
- Ensured appropriate handling of biohazardous materials according to OSHA guidelines, maintaining a safe working environment.
- Adhered to strict labeling practices to guarantee proper identification and traceability of all collected samples throughout the testing process.
- Performed precise blood typing to ensure safe transfusions and reduce complications.
- Maintained strict compliance with AABB standards, ensuring the highest level of safety for blood products.
Generalist - 3rd Shift GS-9
ROBLEY REX VA MEDICAL CENTER
01.2013 - 06.2013
- Performed testing across all clinical laboratory departments
- Maintained a safe and organized laboratory environment, adhering to strict safety protocols.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Troubleshot equipment malfunctions, ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining optimal functionality.
- Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Kept abreast of current industry, scientific and regulatory developments and issues.
Reference Laboratory Technologist
AMERICAN RED CROSS
07.2002 - 03.2004
- Experienced in working under strict regulatory requirements of CAP and FDA
- Capable of organizing details and data to resolve complicated problems such as rare antibody identification
- Consistently maintained a high level of accuracy in test results, ensuring confidence in the laboratory''s findings among healthcare providers.
- Demonstrated expertise in various analytical techniques, contributing to a diverse range of testing capabilities for the laboratory.
- Maintained a safe and compliant work environment by adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
- Coordinated with external laboratories to ensure accurate inter-laboratory comparisons and maintain high-quality standards across facilities.
- Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
- Prepared reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
Medical Technologist- Blood Bank, Blood and Marrow Transplant Lab, Generalist
UL Health
09.1993 - 07.2002
- 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.
- Ensured timely reporting of critical results to healthcare providers, allowing for swift interventions in life-threatening situations.
- Identified patient and labeled specimens with correct information to protect patient from adverse errors.
- Participated in essential quality improvement programs to maintain accurate and timely laboratory testing and meet customer needs.
- Upheld regulatory compliance by adhering to all relevant laws, guidelines, policies, and procedures related to medical laboratory practice.
- Played key role in laboratory accreditation process, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Collected and studied blood samples to determine number of cells, morphology, blood group and blood type.
Education
Master of Science - Business Communication, Organizational Leadership
SPALDING UNIVERSITY
Louisville06.2022
Bachelor of Health Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
Louisville05.1996
Skills
- Adobe Acrobat
- Carelink
- EClinicalWorks
- EPIC
- Greenway Intergy
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Orchard Harvest
- Sunquest
- Quality Assurance
- Data Analysis
- Risk Assessment
- Root Cause Analysis
- Process flow and optimization
- Training and Development
- Effective written and spoken communication
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Problem Solving
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Accuracy
- Cost Containment
- Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations
- Experience in a Federally Qualified Health Center
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Critical thinking
- Team leadership
- Professionalism and ethics
- Continuous learning mindset
- Staff training and development
- Analytical problem solving
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Interdepartmental collaboration
- Regulatory compliance
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
Principles of GMP Biopharma, Institute
Professional References
- James Jackson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer (recently retired), Family Health Centers, thejacksons@twc.com, 502.550.9972
- Ana Huang, M.D., Center Medical Director, Louisville Metro Wellness Center, Fern Valley, AKHuang@concentra.com, 502.472.3929
- Karen Burnett, RN, Coordinator of Substance Use Services, Family Health Centers, KBurnett@FHCLouisville.org, 502.909.0030
- Carol Burke, MT(ASCP), Lab Supervisor, Norton Children's Medical Center Brownsboro, Norton Healthcare
Timeline
Clinical Laboratory Director
FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS
05.2018 - Current
Generalist - 3rd Shift GS-9
ROBLEY REX VA MEDICAL CENTER
01.2013 - 06.2013
Generalist - Norton Children's Medical Center Brownsboro
NORTON HEALTHCARE
08.2004 - 08.2020
Manager of Clinical Initiatives, CPA Lab
NORTON HEALTHCARE
08.2004 - 08.2020
Blood Bank Technologist - Norton Women's and Children's Hospital
NORTON HEALTHCARE
08.2004 - 08.2020
Reference Laboratory Technologist
AMERICAN RED CROSS
07.2002 - 03.2004
Medical Technologist- Blood Bank, Blood and Marrow Transplant Lab, Generalist
UL Health
09.1993 - 07.2002
Master of Science - Business Communication, Organizational Leadership
SPALDING UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Health Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
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