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.

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.
  • Aids in training new lab employees and nursing staff.
  • Collects laboratory specimens: Perform venipuncture proficiently on all age groups. Escorts members for urine specimen collection to the rest room and explains collection procedure. Follows department policies/procedures for specimen collection, including Standard Precautions. Maintains a professional demeanor/appearance per regional policy while collecting specimens. Researches and collects appropriate specimen for the test requested. Addresses members properly, collecting specimens efficiently with compassion. Clearly explains, ensures understanding of collection/storage instructions for patient take home tests. Promptly responds 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. Protects PHI per HIPAA, including shredding or properly disposing of all unused labels. Keeps work area/phlebotomy room clean/stocked with in-date supplies, completes checklist.
  • Delivers great customer service: Shows care and respect for members at all times, resolving issues or finding someone who can. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with internal and external customers. Prioritizes work to meet member/customer needs, e.g., updates members of any delay or extended wait time, and verifies check-in/walk-in for lab. Consistently displays good communication skills. Greets members promptly using good customer service skills (makes eye contact, smiles).
  • Exhibits competency in Cerner, the laboratory information system. Exhibits competency in HealthConnect/EPIC. Maintains a professional demeanor/appearance per regional policy at all times. Uses good telephone etiquette (gives name, location).
  • Processes all orders/accurately. Monitors the waiting area for members waiting, using the Caution List. Protects PHI per HIPAA. Keeps lab area neat, clean, and stocked with in-date supplies & patient instructions.
  • Processes specimens: Processes STATS, coagulation, and other time-sensitive specimens immediately. Notifies technologist when stats are brought into technical area. Follows through with add-on requests. Follows department policies/procedures for processing specimens. Monitors pending functions/list daily to ensure all collected specimens have been processed. Keeps accession area clean/stocked with in-date necessary/appropriate supplies, completes checklist.
• Be informed/provide information: Completes all mandatory training, policy/procedure review and competency requirements. Assists with preparation of facility lab, participates in internal DHR inspections, being prepared to answer inspectors' questions. Attends 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. Documents quality issues and communicates to supervisor.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of experience as a Laboratory Assistant.
• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
• Basic Life Support required at hire.

Additional Requirements

• Must demonstrate good customer service skills.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must have a history of punctuality.
• Must have a history of good attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year of customer service experience.
• Completion of a phlebotomy training program.