Lab Assistant

Work Status:

PRN (as needed based on staffing needs)

Department:

Laboratory Job Summary The lab assistant performs a variety of tasks to assist with work performed by the Clinical Laboratory Department. Such tasks include but are not limited to collection and transport of specimens for diagnostic testing, assistance with taking and/or making business phone calls, distribution of test reports. Work performed by the Laboratory Assistant is directed and overseen by the Clinical Laboratory Scientist and/or Laboratory Director. Essential Functions Performs daily/weekly preventive maintenance and troubleshooting. Observes and follows department preventive maintenance schedules. Documents all instrument checks and preventive maintenance. Performs clerical functions associated with the designated laboratory area. Prepares specimens and paperwork for referral. Maintains laboratory files in appropriate manner. Copies reports and sends/phones/faxes reports to appropriate destination. Collection of data for statistics/data reporting. Contributes to the general laboratory functions and institutional needs. Performs specimen collection and processing duties as needed or assigned and according to policies established in the phlebotomy area. Attends regular department staff meetings and in-service training. Attends and participates in the preparation and/or presentation of the laboratory continuing education programs and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for care and safety of patients when in their presence. Observes laboratory and hospital policies, procedures, and safety practices. Keeps work area neat and clean and restocks daily supplies. Assists in inventory control and requisition of supplies. Participates in quality assurance activities. Responsible for the collection of blood and other specimens under aseptic conditions. Checks the test requisition for completeness, proper date, and time of collection, etc. prior to testing. Any discrepancies should be checked against the patient chart or with nursing personnel prior to collection of specimens. Must be familiar with and observe isolation procedures. Responsible for verification of patient identification. Any discrepancies in patient hospital number or name (spelling, etc) between patient armband and test requisition must be resolved prior to phlebotomy. Checks the test requisition for completeness, proper date, and time of collection, etc. prior to testing. Any discrepancies should be checked against the patient chart or with nursing personnel prior to collection of specimens. Must perform specimen collection following proper procedures to ensure specimen integrity. Must be familiar with methods of coordinating therapeutic drug monitoring with proper drug dose and collection time. Must be able to administer oral test solutions prior to laboratory specimen collection. o Must comply with specimen labeling requirements including initials, date, and time of specimen collection. The Laboratory Assistant carefully handles infectious materials using established protocols for blood borne pathogens to protect all laboratory personnel and patients. The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for delivering all lab reports to the appropriate locations and for phoning/faxing laboratory results when required. The Laboratory Assistant must be able to effectively communicate unusual or panic value results to nursing personnel when appropriate. The Laboratory Assistant files original laboratory reports out of the active file into the inactive file in established alphabetical and/or chronological order. The Laboratory Assistant files outpatient, tissue, and neonatal reports into the appropriate files in established alphabetical and/or chronological order. The Laboratory Assistant assists the MLS in preparing specimens and paperwork for referral. The Laboratory Assistant performs miscellaneous duties such as cleaning and restocking supplies. The Laboratory Assistant must maintain compliance with laboratory and hospital policies and procedures, as well as safety practices. The Laboratory Assistant must be capable of performing maintenance procedures as required and recording appropriately.

Education:

High School diploma The Laboratory Assistant will have been trained in the use of blood collection equipment. Must complete an informal training period during which a MLS will accompany until s/he has become adept at venipunctures and finger sticks. Must complete an employee training program offered by this facility upon hiring and annually thereafter. May periodically be required to attend staff meetings and in-services.

Physical Qualifications:

Visual and tactile acuity sufficient to perform phlebotomy. Must be able to respond to audible alarms used in laboratory testing. Must be able to move 30-40 pounds to stock supplies and move or support patients. Must be able to transport laboratory reports from the laboratory to the Nurses' station or other areas of the hospital in an expeditious manner. Must be able to work at countertop and patient bed levels, which may necessitate bending over and stooping for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to stand for at least 60% of an 8-hour day. Inventory restocking will require bending, stooping, lifting, and reaching

Training Period and Performance Measurement:

A probationary period of 90 days (commencing with the date of employment) is required, during which time the employee will satisfactorily demonstrate to the Laboratory Director and MLSs the ability to perform specific duties required for the Laboratory Assistant position. Performance is measured based on the Laboratory Assistant's ability to perform accurately and efficiently the required skills defined in the job description. The Laboratory Assistant will be assessed periodically based upon observations on the job and by written competency testing. Evaluation will be done at the end of 90 days and annually before the employment anniversary date. The Laboratory Assistant must demonstrate self-control and emotional stability in a variety of situations. Must be interested in helping people and have a sincere desire to constantly improve knowledge and skills. Join Providence Medical Center and become part of a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to delivering quality patient care. We offer competitive compensation, opportunities for advancing education, certifications, and training, and the chance to help shape the future. As a PMC employee, you will also receive a free membership to our Wellness Center and a Retirement Plan with employer match contributions. Guided by our mission of providing quality healthcare in the Spirit of Christ, we strive to be the hospital and employer of choice, living our values of H onesty, E xcellence, A ccountability, R espect, and T eamwork.