Clinical Lab Assistant, Full-time, Days, Lab, EWCH, Murphy, NC

Job Summary:

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant works within the laboratory, to distribute specimens, to assist testing personnel with the preparation of test samples, to perform infection control processes, to assist and perform and appropriately record maintenance and/or quality procedures within the clinical laboratory. The Clinical Lab Assistant must possess strong communication skills and maintain professionalism both inter-departmentally and with personnel outside the laboratory; physicians, clinicians, nursing staff. He/she is detail-oriented, and has strong computer skills with the ability to maneuver multiple IT programs and platforms. He/she is able to accurately identify patient information on specimens and to appropriately distribute samples in a timely manner. The Clinical Lab Assistant is willing to read and adhere to all facility and departmental policies and procedures as they apply to the laboratory and to their individual job duties. The Clinical Lab Assistant pays meticulous attention to detail and has the integrity and willingness to honestly and thoroughly communicate and document appropriately when questions or problems arise.

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant in Microbiology is responsible for receiving, managing, processing, and distributing samples for testing within the Microbiology Department or to referral laboratories. He/she must possess the knowledge of sample types received and the appropriate handling requirements. He/she must be able to operate within the computer system to access information for testing that is performed in the department. He/she will distribute molecular specimens to appropriate testing areas. After training, the CLA can perform molecular ID NOW testing along with other waived tests. He/she must be able to manually set up cultures utilizing appropriate technique (streaking inoculation) and proper media for all sample types received in the department.

The Clinical Lab Assistant in Referral Testing routes specimens for referral testing. The CLA in Referral must manage all aspects of the logistic process for testing appropriately. He/she must positively identify patient samples accurately throughout the process of receiving, labeling, shipping, and transcribing. He/she must be willing and able to obtain training and Certification in Hazardous Materials Shipping (training and certification arranged within the lab). The CLA in Referrals is required to adhere to all regulatory requirements of OSHA, DOT, FDA and other agencies as applicable. He/she is responsible for ordering and maintaining shipping supply inventories.

The Clinical Lab Assistant will be required to drive to outside Nursing Homes for collections of specimens from the patients. They are required to maintain proper Identification of the patient before collections and proper collection techniques. This will require the CLA to maintain current auto insurance coverage.

Education:

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
  
  

Preferred:

• AS or BS in a biological science
  
  

Experience:

Required: N/A

Preferred:

• 1 to 2 years of experience working in the Referrals, Blood Bank or Microbiology sections of clinical lab or other laboratory experience.
  
  

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration

Required: N/A

Preferred:

• Medical Lab Assistant Certification (ASCP)
  
  

Department Position Summary:

• Excellent attention to detail
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Research and analysis skills
• Experience working with lab equipment
• Mathematic and measurement skills
• Knowledge of computer research and analysis programs
• Good teamwork skills
• Ability to keep detailed records
  
  

The Clinical Lab Assistant works in a high stress environment within a busy laboratory. He/She answers phones and disseminates information to other laboratory personnel. Must have a strong ability to prioritize workload. Must possess knowledge of lab quality regulations, maintain and manage laboratory documentation and recordkeeping. He/she works closely with team members in an atmosphere of continuous quality improvement. He/she performs other duties as assigned by the Coordinator or Mangers. The CLA must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in his or her assigned department. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures.

The CLA in the Blood Bank Department is responsible for checking out products for administration to the patient. He/she is responsible for temperature tracking, quality control procedures and product preparation.

The CLA in the Microbiology Department is responsible for culture preparation, the operation of automated equipment, rotation of stock, completion of inventory counts and quality assurance equipment checks.

The CLA in the Referrals Department is responsible for the preparation and routing of patient samples to approved testing facilities

Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital Murphy, NC

Clinical Lab Assistant

Standard Hours

Regular