Full-time, 40 hours per week, Day shift

Job Summary:

Skillfully performs the job of drawing all types of blood specimens (with the exception of blood gases), from adults, children, and infants. The Laboratory Assistant is also responsible for a variety of clerical and record keeping duties, as well as specimen handling, shipping, ordering, EKG's and Holter's.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Specimen Handling

• Collects and processes specimens in accordance with laboratory procedures by:
  • collecting specimens and processing correctly;
  • determining acceptability of specimens submitted to the lab, and
  • notifying Laboratory Manager or Technologist of unacceptable specimens and documenting the incident.
• Judges appropriateness of test order by checking questionable order with Laboratory Manager or Technologist.
• Handles and disposes of laboratory specimens in accordance with laboratory safety procedure by:
  • wearing personal protective equipment as required;
  • disposing of bio-hazardous waste and sharps correctly;
  • maintaining a clean work area and disinfecting as specified; and
  • consulting with Laboratory Manager when cleaning a spill or disposing of chemical waste.
• Must be familiar with LIS (Laboratory Information System)

Clerical

• Answers the telephone as courteously and quickly as possible, taking messages, providing routine information, and/or referring call to appropriate party.
• Files laboratory reports as required.
• Distributes incoming and outgoing mail.
• Types miscellaneous correspondence, committee reports, procedures, etc., as required by Laboratory Manager.
• Photocopies materials as required.
• Assists in tabulating the monthly statistical reports.
• Submits supply requests as needed.
• Relays patient results either by phone, fax, or hand delivery as needed.
• Cooperates with business office to assure proper patient billing.
• Clearly and accurately completes patient information on laboratory requisition slips.
• Receives and checks supplies as they arrive contacting the Laboratory Manager when errors are observed.
• Receives verbal or written requests for laboratory studies from physicians and nursing staff.

Communication

• Uses appropriate oral and written communication skills to clearly and effectively present relevant ideas or information by:
  • reporting to Laboratory Manager any problems or suggestions;
  • exchanging job related information with co-workers;
  • awareness of lab changes by attending by attending lab meetings;
  • communicating with physicians, clients, and co-workers in a courteous manner;
  • providing support in implementation of new procedures and routines;
  • contributing to harmonious and effective working environment within the department;
  • seeking out opportunities to enhance personal professional development;
  • instructing patients in proper collection of laboratory specimens; and
  • reading communication log daily.

Other Department Responsibilities

• Assists in the training of new employees.
• Reviews clerical procedures as required and recommends appropriate changes.
• Attends continuing education programs, when available, and reads laboratory journals to keep current on new techniques and procedures.
• Identifies alarm values and brings them to the attention of a Technologist.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for the Position

Skills:

• Must be able to demonstrate adequate technical skills and judgment to function unsupervised during on-call, second shift, and weekend hours.

Ability to:

• Ability to tactfully communicate with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to handle stress and work in emergency situations. Ability to use of fingers and hands to operate all laboratory-related equipment as described on the Laboratory Department checklist. Additionally, must use beeper, telephone, calculator, fax, and other related office equipment.
• Ability to stand and walk constantly.
• Ability to lift up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.
• Ability to bend, twist, crouch, squat, pull, push, reach, and remain stationary for short period of times and perform repetitive motions.
• Frequent bending, twisting, crouching, squatting, pulling, pushing, and reaching required, as well as the ability to remain stationary for short periods and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to use hands, fingers, arms and wrists, hearing, smell, and verbal skills are required in order to perform job duties.

Credentials and Experience Required

• High School Degree or GED required.
• Prior experience of up to 6 months working as a Phlebotomist in a laboratory preferred and performance of EKG's and Holter Monitors.

Special Requirements

• Although the position generally works the day shift, evening shift assignments, as well as the need to be on-call on a rotating basis for evening/nights, weekends, and holidays are required.
• Must be available to work overtime as needed to complete all job duties.
• Must be available to work in the case of a Hospital declared emergency.