Erin Herter
Hardin
Summary
Goal-oriented histology technician with over 30 years of experience in conducting appropriate testing in the laboratory. Possessing a solid understanding of principles in infection control for sterilizing equipment, I specialize in embedding skin sections and performing IHC. Skilled in grossing specimens with and without pathologist supervision, I have developed a strong foundation in histological techniques and laboratory practices. Consistently contributing to precise sample preparation and staining procedures, I showcase my proficiency in microscopy and attention to detail in identifying cellular structures.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Histology Technician, Travel
University of Rochester Medical Center
03.2024 - Current
- Performed gross dissection on approved samples to include skin shave biopsies and punch biopsies
- Grossing room fully stocked with necessary supplies and equipment ready for use.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities, staying current on industry advancements and trends.
- Complied with all safety protocols and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe working environment in the lab.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies, learning new software platforms that improved workflow within the department.
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by streamlining histology procedures and workflow.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy with meticulous attention to detail in slide preparation and staining.
- Maintained a high level of quality control, ensuring accurate and reliable test results for patients.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Sorted specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and recorded all processes in pathology log.
- Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.
- Dictated and grossed tissue samples obtained from multiple physicians' offices and medical facilities.
Histology Technician, Travel
Triage
10.2023 - 02.2024
- Prepared histologic slides for human tissue samples via processing, cutting, embedding, staining and mounting.
- Prepared specimens for analysis by centrifuging, staining, mounting and drying of slides prior to review by pathologists
- IHC, Ventana Platform
- Preparation of Cytology specimens
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Completed complex histological procedures to prepare slides for analysis.
- Sorted specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and recorded all processes in pathology log.
Histology Technician, Travel
Triage
12.2022 - 09.2023
- Prepared histologic slides for human tissue samples via processing, cutting, embedding, staining and mounting.
- Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
Histology Technician, Travel
AMN Healthcare
12.2021 - 12.2022
- Prepared histologic slides for human tissue samples via processing, cutting, embedding, staining and mounting.
Histology Technician, Travel
Triage
09.2021 - 11.2021
- Performed routine and specialized histology staining procedures.
Histology Technician, Travel
Triage
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Performed routine and specialized histology staining procedures.
Histology Technician, Travel
AMN Healthcare
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Performed routine and specialized histology staining procedures.
Histology Technician Travel
AMN Healthcare
03.2020 - 05.2021
- Performed routine and specialized histology staining procedures.
Histology Supervisor
Specialists in Gastroenterology
03.2012 - 02.2020
- Establish and start pathology lab for a group of 5 GI doctors from the ground up.
Histology Technician
Mercy Healthcare
06.2019 - 01.2020
- PRN routine histology technician
Histology Technician
SSM Healthcare
06.2018 - 06.2019
- PRN routine histology technician
Contract Pathology Assistant II
Mississippi Baptist Hospital through Club Staffing
11.2011 - 03.2012
- Grossing and cutting frozen specimens
Histology Technician
SSM Healthcare/St. Joseph's Hospital
12.2008 - 12.2011
- PRN histology technician
Histology Supervisor
Alton Memorial Hospital
04.1987 - 11.2011
- Supervise staff, inspection readiness for CAP, JCAHO, CLIA
- Routine histology and cytology
- Bone marrow collection and preparation
- Frozen sections
- Budgeting and ordering supplies.
- Developed customized training programs for new hires, increasing their competence in specialized histological techniques.
- Reduced waste and improved budget management by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing cost-effective purchasing strategies.
- Led cross-functional teams on special projects aimed at improving overall laboratory operations or expanding service offerings within the histology space.
- Assisted in maintaining accreditation standards by ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and industry best practices.
- Spearheaded continuous process improvement initiatives within the department, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced errors.
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing standardized protocols and procedures for histological processing.
- Collaborated with pathologists to improve diagnostic accuracy through enhanced communication of laboratory findings.
- Maintained state-of-the-art laboratory equipment through proper calibration, troubleshooting, and repair tasks.
- Championed a culture of teamwork and collaboration within the department, resulting in improved morale and increased staff retention.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Sorted specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and recorded all processes in pathology log.
- Dictated and grossed tissue samples obtained from multiple physicians' offices and medical facilities.
- Entered data on demographics, grossing descriptions, and clinical diagnosis into EMR.
- Kept grossing room fully stocked with necessary supplies and equipment ready for use.
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards.
- Stayed current on changing procedures to offer expert support for histology laboratory activities.
- Retrieved pathological data and delivered pathologist's dictation tapes and surgical pathology requisitions to medical transcriptionists.
- Logged over 5000 specimen samples yearly on average, handling each expertly to prevent contamination.
Education
Associates in Applied Science -
Lewis and Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL05.1984
Skills
- Proficient in all areas of histology
- Specimen Processing
- Specimen Preparation
- Histologic Slides Preparation
- IHC staining
- Special staining
- Equipment Maintenance
- Documentation Management
- Tissue Processing
- Tissue Embedding
- Specimen Handling
- Regulatory Compliance
- Universal Precautions
- Laboratory Safety Protocols
- Specimen Tracking
- Quality Control
- Verbal Communication
- Team Management
- Quality Assurance
Accomplishments
- Achievements/Tasks
Contact
Hardin, IL 62047
Certification
ASCP HT, ASCP MLT
Timeline
Histology Technician, Travel
University of Rochester Medical Center
03.2024 - Current
Histology Technician, Travel
Triage
10.2023 - 02.2024
Histology Technician, Travel
Triage
12.2022 - 09.2023
Histology Technician, Travel
AMN Healthcare
12.2021 - 12.2022
Histology Technician, Travel
Triage
09.2021 - 11.2021
Histology Technician, Travel
Triage
06.2021 - 08.2021
Histology Technician, Travel
AMN Healthcare
05.2021 - 07.2021
Histology Technician Travel
AMN Healthcare
03.2020 - 05.2021
Histology Technician
Mercy Healthcare
06.2019 - 01.2020
Histology Technician
SSM Healthcare
06.2018 - 06.2019
Histology Supervisor
Specialists in Gastroenterology
03.2012 - 02.2020
Contract Pathology Assistant II
Mississippi Baptist Hospital through Club Staffing
11.2011 - 03.2012
Histology Technician
SSM Healthcare/St. Joseph's Hospital
12.2008 - 12.2011
Histology Supervisor
Alton Memorial Hospital
04.1987 - 11.2011
ASCP HT, ASCP MLT
Associates in Applied Science -
Lewis and Clark Community College
Similar Profiles
ELIZABETH CONNORS DELAUSELIZABETH CONNORS DELAUS
Director of Finance at University of Rochester Medical CenterDirector of Finance at University of Rochester Medical Center
Eleanor StantonEleanor Stanton
Clinical Research Assistant at University Of Rochester Medical CenterClinical Research Assistant at University Of Rochester Medical Center
Melissa KelloggMelissa Kellogg
Clinical Intern Adult and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit Float at University of Rochester Medical CenterClinical Intern Adult and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit Float at University of Rochester Medical Center