Laboratory Assistant

STATUS: PRN

SCHEDULE: VARIES

Work independently performing laboratory and phlebotomy procedure. Duties include drawing blood from patients, following clearly prescribed policies for blood and body fluid testing assisting in statistical data collection, interpreting quality control, documentation of appropriate material, and work additional or non-scheduled hours as needed.

The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance and for reporting test results. The Laboratory Assistant must follow the laboratory’s procedure for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results. Maintain records that demonstrate the proficiency testing samples are testing in the same manner as patient specimens.

Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, laboratory’s established policies and procedure whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance. Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical supervisor, clinical consultant, or director. Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.

The Laboratory Assistant may perform duties of the Technician/Technologist with the exception of Transfusion Medicine testing, Urine Microscopy and Manual Differential Hematology Smear Reviews.

Knowledge & Experience

Skills-

• Ability to prioritize, good communication and interpersonal skills, maintain composure in all situations, possess professional demeanor, able to adjust to change.

Knowledge-

• General working knowledge of laboratory and operations.

Education-

• High School Diploma.
• Currently Enrolled in a NAACLS approved MLT/MT Program.

Experience-

• None Required.

Authority and Accountability

• Must be able to work and be able to handle different types of people.
• Must maintain enrollment in NAACLS approved MLT/MT program throughout employment.
• Must complete MLT/MT program within 3 years of hire date.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular requirement to use hands to feel; reach with hands or arms; talk; and hear.
• Frequent requirement to bend at the waist, walk and stand.
• Specific vision requirements include color vision No regular requirement to lift.
• Exceptional speaking and listening skills are essential.
• Work involved a variety of changing activities; constant interruptions.
• Must be able to work under stress: 20% of working time.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The noise level in this work environment is usually minimal.
• Works in an office/laboratory setting.
• May be subject to infectious disease transmitted by blood, body fluids, and tissue.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Reports to the Director of Laboratory.

QUALITY ASSURANCE-KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs phlebotomy successfully.
• Possesses working knowledge of laboratory’s paper flow.
• Follows established procedure and observes safety precautions in the laboratory. This includes wearing voles and lab coat at appropriate times.
• Has good and consistent attention to details.
• Has good and consistent ability to prioritize and manage time wisely.
• Consistently produces sufficient quantity of work.
• Consistently produces sufficient quality of work.
• Presents with professional demeanor.
• Has working knowledge of reference lab procedures.
• Complies with procedures for maintenance of supplies and equipment and carries out duties necessary to comply with the related needs as delegated to him/her.
• Completes all applicable competency exercises.
• Assist phlebotomy staff as needed.
• Works additional or non-scheduled hours when needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Maintains effective channels of communication with other employees and patients.
• Takes appropriate action in problem situations to offset adverse effects.
• Projects a professional and positive attitude regarding the hospital.

LEADERSHIP

• Monitoring quality control and instrument function.
• Adding to test menu/New Instrument start-up.
• Inventory.
• Monitoring instrument calibration/maintenance.
• Weekly departmental checklist.
• Monitoring refrigerator/freezer temperatures.
• Monitoring phlebotomy performance as relates to the department and reporting performance to Laboratory Director.
• Employee Competency.
• Troubleshooting problem areas in the department.
• Reporting in Monthly Laboratory Meetings
• Reporting unresolved issues to Laboratory Director.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Seeks opportunities for self development and identifies areas of improvement.
• Conducts self in professional manner acting as a role model while practicing and promoting effective guest relations.
• Observes Hospital dress guidelines and wear ID badge.
• Provides proper notification for absence and tardiness and is punctual for start of scheduled time.
• Participates in emergency procedures, fire drills, evacuation procedures and internal/external disaster plans and procedures in accordance with departmental responsibilities, i.e. Education Central.
• Maintains equipment assigned to department.
• Reports malfunctions and orders service as necessary.
• Complies with hospital policies and procedures.
• Completes projects and assignments on a timely basis.

CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Participates in Continues Quality Improvement Program under the direction of the Laboratory Director to meet stated goals and objectives of the continuous Quality Improvement Program by:
• Brings potential problems to the Director of Laboratory’s attention.
• Assists in data collection.
• Suggests solutions to problems.
• Emphasizes, supports and is committed to CQI practices and processes.
• Takes action to assure CQI within areas of responsibility.