The Medical Laboratory Assistant I hasresponsibility for the processing organizing labeling andtransporting of specimens for laboratory testing.

As an experiencedand fully competent laboratory assistant performs advancedfunctions such as phlebotomy and / or sectionspecific specialty tasksand serves as a role model and preceptor for other staff.

Dutiesinclude the input and extraction of data from the LaboratoryInformation System as well as clerical tasks such as answeringphones and filingdocuments.

PEOPLEESSENTIALFUNCTIONS

Promotes apositive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focusedwork unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimaldepartment results.

Collaborates with all members of the patientcare team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patientcare information and data in a comprehensivemanner.

Serves as apreceptor to less experienced and / or new staff and students byutilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educateothers.

SERVICEESSENTIALFUNCTIONS

• Preparesspecimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab asnecessary. Communicates with other laboratory personnel whenspecimens need to be transported to otherareas.
• Performs variousLaboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions reportsand other pathology materials appropriately.

Answers the telephoneand refers requests for the delivery of results to physicianofficesappropriately.

• Independentlyhandles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifiesmanagement of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation supportfor less experiencedstaff.
• Organizes workloadsets priorities and troubleshoots workflow issues. Utilizes allavailable work time by assisting others and performing additionaltasks.

QUALITY / SAFETYESSENTIALFUNCTIONS

Receivestriages orders labels and transports specimens for laboratorytesting. Processes specimens aliquots and / or slides / blocksaccording to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as wellas samples forwarded to referral laboratories.

Handles STAT samplesexpeditiously. Assists pathologist and / or other laboratorypersonnel with specimen grossing asneeded.

• Recognizesproblems (such as mislabels incorrect tube type etc.) identifiescauses and takes corrective action to solve basicproblems.
• Operatesautomated instrumentation as applicable at entity following allsafety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipmentmaintenance.
• Performs oneor more of the following advanced functions :
• PreAnalytic : In an outpatient and inpatient setting performsphlebotomy and other specialized specimen collection procedures forpatients;

maintains competency of techniques and principlesrequired to perform quality phlebotomy services

Specialty Areas (i.e. Anatomical Pathology Microbiology Molecularetc.) : Performs advanced functions such as assisting with frozensections special stain procedures cytology processing fine needleaspirations (FNAs) and other section specific specialty tasks asper sectionscope.

Maintains a safeenvironment within the Laboratory following all policies andprocedures for safety hazardous materials security and emergencypreparedness.

FINANCEESSENTIALFUNCTIONS

• Adjusts workschedule to accommodate departmental / organizational needs.Appropriately utilizes the time recordingsystem.
• Uses departmentresources / equipment / supplies properly andefficiently.

GROWTH / INNOVATIONESSENTIALFUNCTIONS

• Guides andmentors section employees and students to help build confidence inskills knowledge andabilities.
• Participates indepartmental projects activities and seeks continuing educationopportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies witha focus on continualdevelopment.

This jobdescription is not intended to be allinclusive; the employee willalso perform other reasonably related business / job duties asassigned.

Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job dutiesand responsibilities as the needarises.

EDUCATION

HighSchool diploma or equivalent education (examples include : GEDverification of homeschool equivalency partial or full completionof postsecondary educationetc.)

WORKEXPERIENCE

Minimum of 3years of related experiencerequired

LICENSESAND CERTIFICATIONSREQUIRED

N / A

LICENSESAND CERTIFICATIONSPREFERRED

Relevantcertification (e.g. phlebotomy medical laboratoryassistant)

KNOWLEDGESKILLS ANDABILITIES

• Demonstratesthe skills and competencies necessary to safely perform theassigned job determined through ongoing evaluations consisting ofone or more of the following : skills competency assessments and / orperformancereviews
• Exhibits stronginterpersonal and team player skills with all levels of thehealthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer serviceto all patients visitors physicians andcoworkers
• Strongorganizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintainaccuracy
• Demonstrates aworking knowledge of specimen requirements for testing processingand proper wastedisposing
• Possesses basiccomputer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to includeHospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software tomaintain patient and testing records and other relateddocuments
• Independentlyadapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing workflow
• Demonstratesindependent judgment and discretion to recognize problems identifycauses and take correctiveaction
• Strong trainingleadership and mentoringskills
• Sufficientproficiency in speaking reading and writing the English languagenecessary to perform the essential functions of this job especiallywith regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety orsecurity
• Ability toeffectively communicate with patients physicians family members andcoworkers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus andapplication of positive languageprinciples

SUPPLEMENTALREQUIREMENTS

WORKATTIRE

• Uniform
• Scrubs
• Businessprofessional
• Other (departmentapproved)

ONCALL*

• Notethat employees may be required to be oncall during emergencies (ie.DIsaster Severe Weather Events etc) regardless of selectionbelow.
• OnCall*

TRAVEL

Travelspecifications may vary bydepartment

• May requiretravel within the Houston Metropolitan area
• Mayrequire travel outside Houston Metropolitanarea

CompanyProfile :

Houston Methodist ClearLake Hospital is committed to leading medicine in Clear Lake andsurrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodiststandard of exceptional safety quality service and innovation.

Houston Methodist Clear Lake provides a broad spectrum of adultpediatric medical and surgical care. It is an accredited chest paincenter and acute strokeready designated through DNV.

• HoustonMethodist Clear Lake offers advanced inpatient and outpatientservices including stateoftheart imaging; childbirth center with alevel II neonatal intensive care unit;
• minimally invasive surgery;cancer center; neurology and spine care; heart and vascular care;bariatric and digestive care;

emergency care; primary care;rehabilitation services; and comprehensive orthopedics and sportsmedicine.

Equal EmploymentOpportunity

Houston Methodist isan Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employmentopportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodistis firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage indiscrimination against or harassment of any person employed orseeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of racecolor religion sex sexual orientation gender identity nationalorigin age disability status as a protected veteran or othercharacteristics protected by law.

VEVRAA Federal Contractorpriority referral Protected Veteransrequested.

Last updated : 2024-05-08