The Selma Times-Journal

Lashana Jones, a certified phlebotomist at Vaughan Regional Medical Center, was awarded the hospital laboratory’s first ever Employee of the Year award during National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 22-28.

For those wondering what a phlebotomist does, Jones is happy to explain.

A phlebotomist, she says, is a health care professional who collects blood either for testing or transfusion &045;a critical profession at any hospital.

Jones has been employed at Vaughan for three years.

The 1996 Selma High School graduate says she’s always had a passion for the health care field and has obviously pursued her passion.

When informed of the honor on Wednesday, Jones admits she was caught off guard.

Jones added that she enjoys working with her bosses &045;Joyce Harris, lab coordinator, and Becky Hardy, lab director. Harris said Jones has &8220;gone above and beyond&8221; the call of duty and said the hospital lab plans to carry on Employee of the Year for years to come.

Harris said the award is open to all who work in the VRMC lab, and will be awarded annually during National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, observed during the fourth week in April.

According to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), approximately 265,000 medical laboratory professionals are recognized each year.

Harris described lab employees as &8220;the people behind the results,&8221; and went on to explain their many tasks.

Harris said a plaque will be placed in the lab reception area to honor Jones and future Employees of the Year, those who exhibit excellence in their chosen profession.