Specimen Processor

WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION

SPECIMEN PROCESSOR

MAIN FUNCTION:

Receives and unpacks specimens checking labeling for accuracy.   Preparing them for lab testing, including centrifugation, separation, and labeling of aliquot tubes.  Ensures that specimens are preserved properly before being stored for analysis, pickup, or mailing. Delivers prepared specimens to appropriate testing locations.   Performs data entry in laboratory information system.  

RESPONSIBLE TO:     Administrative Director, Laboratory

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• No written disciplinary action within the last 12 months.

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1-2 Years work experience
• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Computer literate

NOTE:

• Employee in this position may be exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and is required to wear personal protective equipment.

• Employees in this position must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete laboratory tasks.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:  All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) essential.

Leadership

1. Embraces teamwork by adhering to standards of good laboratory practice
2. Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
3. Demonstrates appropriate workplace behavior and competence in job duties
4. Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills
5. Completes all assignments and competence requirements on time

Communication

1. Maintains awareness of verbal / non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
2. Addresses patient and family of patient (if present) in an appropriate manner for patient's age and level of understanding.  
3. Maintains patient confidentiality and professionalism in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic and digital
4. Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
5. Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations
6. Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance and instruction.  Follows appropriate chain of command.
7. Reports critical information for physician or caregiver as indicated by policy and within acceptable timeframes.
8. Reports problems appropriately
9. Interacts with students in a positive, productive manner
10. Participates in lab meetings / team collaboration

Operations

1. Work habits and work speed are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in an independent and timely manner.  Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills.
2. Greets patients and visitors in a friendly way.
3. Uses proper phone etiquette.
4. Follows all hospital policies and procedures as well as all laboratory policies and procedures including but not limited to: specimen handling and processing, and maintaining records of patient results.
5. Reads all physician orders for instructions and tests ordered, and enters orders in the LIS accurately, completely, and with proper notification
6. Identifies patient records and specimens accurately using at least two forms of identification
7. Consistently uses appropriate personal protective equipment follows safety policies
8. Labels specimens accurately and appropriately
9. Processes lab specimens according to lab policy
10. Seeks assistance of other staff members as needed
11. Routes specimens to appropriate area or department of the lab or reference lab, following established procedures for processing and handling of specimens.
12. Responds promptly to patients, with particular attention to STAT test orders.  Notifies lab staff performing test procedure of STAT or urgent test order.
13. Monitors proper labeling, dating, and inventory of supplies to ensure accurate testing of patient samples.  Notifies proper person of supplies that are low or depleted.   
14. Stocks products upon receipt of shipment to ensure sensitive reagents are stored in proper environment.
15. Maintains flexibility in scheduling and availability for meeting the Laboratory’s needs.
16. Other duties as assigned by management team.

Customer Service

1. Displays a positive attitude.  Treats others with honesty and respect.  Speaks positively in all customer interactions internal and external.
2. Assesses customer satisfaction when interacting with patients and other non-patient customers and uses appropriate chain of command for unresolved issues or problems.
3. Utilizes appropriate communication skills:
   1. Optimize the patient’s experience by reducing the patient and families anxiety
   2. Develop positive relationships with other departments to foster patient satisfaction
   3. Encouraging expression of ideas, concerns, and expectations by listening carefully, explaining information clearly and trying to understand the other’s experience
4. Use face to face resolutions (crucial conversations) to intervene with patients or staff in situations where customer needs have not been met to determine a positive, mutually agreeable outcome.

Staff Development / Personal Growth

In conjunction with the Department Administrative Director, Technical Specialist:

1. Demonstrate professional growth by participating in PI projects
2. Demonstrates initiative and responsibility to develop personal, leadership and career goals
3. Accepts feedback as opportunity for growth
4. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of new policies and procedures, practices, changes in practice, and initiatives.  Obtains this knowledge via staff meeting attendance, reading of communication, required hospital education, discussion with departmental leadership and peers.

Performance Improvement

1. Identify processes to be improved and communicate to management team.  Assists in data collection as directed.
2. Develop and maintain an awareness of CAP (College of American Pathologists), CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment), DNV-GL, CMS (Centers for Medicare Services), as well as other quality and safety measures.

1. Develop and maintain an ongoing understanding of current practice for the types of patients for whom care is provided.

Revised Dates: 3/2016, 10/2019

Approved by Human Resources:  Marlon Taylor