Melissa Johnson
Jenkins
Summary
In my roles as a Specimen Collector I streamlined specimen processing workflows, quality assurance and timely reporting of results to medical staff as well as the individual patient to ensure the highest person centered care. My expertise in laboratory safety protocols and exceptional problem-solving abilities fostered a culture of quality and reliability, significantly improving turnaround times and diagnostic accuracy.
While offering a solid foundation in scientific principles and keen eye for detail, always ready to learn and develop within the laboratory setting and to remain up to date on current compliance standards brings the ability to follow standard operating procedures and handle biological specimens with care. Always ready to use and develop analytical and organizational. skills in the full time Specimen Collector role.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Full Time Specimen Processor
Mako Medical Laboratories
09.2024 - Current
- Followed safety protocols while handling hazardous materials.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant safety protocols while handling biohazardous materials during specimen processing tasks.
- Processed high volumes of time-sensitive specimens without compromising accuracy or quality standards under tight deadlines.
- Maintained a well-organized work environment by implementing effective storage and tracking systems for specimens.
- Developed strong relationships with internal departments, facilitating smooth communication channels for expedited issue resolution regarding specimens or testing requirements.
- Streamlined specimen processing workflows to improve turnaround times and ensure timely delivery of results to clients.
- Contributed to the accuracy of test results by promptly addressing any discrepancies or issues with specimen quality, identification, or documentation.
- Reduced errors in specimen data entry through meticulous attention to detail and thorough review processes.
- Efficiently prepared specimens for shipment to external testing facilities, ensuring adherence to packaging guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Played an integral role in maintaining inventory levels by regularly monitoring supplies and proactively ordering additional stock as needed.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture by consistently demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and adaptability under pressure.
- Collaborated with other laboratory staff to develop procedures that increased overall lab productivity and efficiency.
- Facilitated timely delivery of test results by efficiently organizing and prioritizing specimen processing tasks.
- Reduced processing errors, thoroughly reviewing and verifying specimen labels and requisition forms.
- Enhanced patient care by providing detailed documentation of specimen collection and processing steps.
- Streamlined communication between processing lab and medical staff, ensuring clear understanding of test requirements and results.
- Optimized storage procedures to maintain specimen integrity, ensuring accurate test outcomes.
- Improved turnaround times for critical tests by prioritizing high-priority specimens.
- Maintained rigorous compliance with safety standards during specimen handling, safeguarding against contamination.
- Ensured accuracy in specimen labeling, reducing potential for testing errors.
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy, meticulously following processing instructions for variety of specimen types.
Specimen Collector
Patient's Choice Laboratory
05.2021 - 09.2024
- Streamlined workflow through efficient organization of supplies and equipment needed for daily collections.
- Labeled and prepared specimens for shipment to laboratory facilities.
- Upheld high standards for professionalism while interacting with patients, maintaining a respectful demeanor at all times regardless of challenging situations.
- Assisted in the development of patient education materials, resulting in increased understanding and compliance with required testing protocols.
- Maximized patient satisfaction by providing clear explanations of collection procedures and addressing any concerns or questions.
- Continually expanded knowledge base in regard to evolving industry trends as well as updates regarding specific medical conditions that could impact test results.
- Adhered to compliance standards for confidentiality, accuracy and safety.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards by staying current on industry best practices and adhering to established protocols.
- Increased accuracy in specimen labeling and tracking through meticulous attention to detail and thorough documentation practices.
- Supported interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, ensuring timely communication of pertinent information related to patient care needs.
- Improved specimen collection efficiency by implementing standardized procedures and guidelines for staff.
- Facilitated a positive work atmosphere by consistently demonstrating strong teamwork skills and offering support to colleagues when needed.
- Ensured proper storage conditions for specimens, resulting in preserved integrity for accurate testing results.
- Implemented quality control measures to identify potential errors or areas needing improvement within the collection process, leading to increased accuracy rates across the board.
- Enhanced patient comfort during collection by maintaining a clean, organized, and calming environment.
- Reduced patient wait times with effective scheduling and streamlined specimen processing techniques.
Education
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Midway
Midway, KY05-2012
Skills
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Gram staining
- Workload prioritization
- Pipetting techniques
- Clinical laboratory experience
- Phlebotomy techniques
- Sample preparation
- Specimen handling
- Quality control procedures
- Result reporting
- Hazardous material handling
- Centrifuge operation
- Biohazard disposal
- Urine collection
- Patient identification
- Blood collection
- Specimen storage
- Body fluid analysis
- Proper labeling
- Swab collection
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Laboratory techniques
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Detail-oriented
- Relationship building
- Task prioritization
- Self motivation
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal communication
- Data collection
- Quality control
- Quality assurance
- Specimen preparation
- Specimen processing
Timeline
Full Time Specimen Processor
Mako Medical Laboratories
09.2024 - Current
Specimen Collector
Patient's Choice Laboratory
05.2021 - 09.2024
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Midway
Similar Profiles
Will BarnesWill Barnes
Inventory Management Specialist at Mako Medical LaboratoriesInventory Management Specialist at Mako Medical Laboratories
Heather HicksHeather Hicks
Lead Phlebotomist at Mako Medical LaboratoriesLead Phlebotomist at Mako Medical Laboratories
Genesis RamosGenesis Ramos
Response Test Lead at Mako Medical Laboratories | NCResponse Test Lead at Mako Medical Laboratories | NC