Assistant II, Laboratory

Job Summary

A Laboratory Assistant II is responsible for the proper collection and processing of laboratory specimens under the direction of the Laboratory Manager, Assistant Manager, Laboratory Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor, Medical Technologist II, Medical Technologist/Technician and/or Lead Lab Assistant. He/she is expected to be proficient in the use of the laboratory information system and KPHC/EPIC to manage test pending lists/test reports (i.e., filing, distributing, faxing) and to maintain supplies associated with laboratory functions. Must demonstrate excellent customer service skills, teamwork, professionalism, good judgment, critical thinking, and organizational skills. Works independently as the only laboratory staff onsite at assigned facility.

Essential Responsibilities

• Serves as the onsite laboratory liaison for the facility: working lab independently. Record temperatures, troubleshooting when out of range, recording action. Equipment maintenance. Assists with training new lab employees and nursing staff.
• Collect laboratory specimens: Perform venipuncture proficiently on all age groups. Escort members for urine specimen collection to the rest room and explain collection procedure. Follow department policies/procedures for specimen collection, including Standard Precautions. Maintain a professional demeanor/appearance per regional policy while collecting specimens. Research and collect appropriate specimen for the test requested. Address members properly, collecting specimens efficiently with compassion. Clearly explain, ensure understanding of collection/storage instructions for patient take home tests. Promptly respond to requests for venipunctures to be performed in areas outside of the lab. Be familiar with emergency codes and be able to execute appropriate emergency procedures. Protect PHI per HIPAA, including shred or properly dispose of all unused labels. Keep work area/ phlebotomy room clean/stocked with in date supplies, complete checklist.
• Deliver great customer service: Show care and respect for members at all times, resolving issues or finding someone who can. Establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external customers. Prioritize work to meet member/customer needs, e.g., update members of any delay or extended wait time, and verify check-in/walk-in for lab. Consistently displays good communication skills.
• Greet members promptly using good customer service skills (make eye contact, smile). Exhibit competency in Cerner, the laboratory information system. Exhibit competency in HealthConnect/EPIC. Maintain a professional demeanor/appearance per regional policy at all times. Use good telephone etiquette (give name, location). No eating, drinking, chewing gum, or applying makeup, no cell phone usage in patient care and testing area. Process all orders/accurately. Monitor the waiting area for members waiting, using the Caution List. Protect PHI per HIPAA. Keep lab area neat, clean, and stocked with in date supplies & patient instructions.
• Process specimens: Process STATS, coagulation, and other time sensitive specimens immediately. Notify technologist when stats are brought into technical area. Follow through with add-on requests. Follow department policies/procedures for processing specimens. Monitor pending functions/list daily to ensure all collected specimens have been processed. Keep accession area clean/stocked with in date necessary/appropriate supplies, complete checklist. Other duties as assigned.
• Be informed/provide information: Complete all mandatory training, policy/procedure review and competency requirements. Assist with preparation of facility lab, participate in internal DHR inspections, being prepared to answer inspectors questions. Attend department and facility meetings as well as applicable in-service education programs. Responsible for reading and complying with information communicated in Laboratory Newsletters, and Cerner pop-ups. Document quality issues and communicate to supervisor.