Assistant, Laboratory

About the Role

Performs phlebotomy functions and non-technical duties in areas including the hospital laboratory and outpatient services.

Responsibilities

• Performs phlebotomy (venipuncture, finger stick, and heel stick) according to established procedure.
• Performs venipuncture using correct technique and with minimal discomfort to the patient.
• Performs finger stick procedures with correct technique when unable to obtain specimen by venipuncture.
• Performs heel stick on babies with correct technique.
• Identifies patients and properly labels specimen tubes by checking name, date of birth, and hospital medical record number (for blood bank specimens) on patient armband.
• Labels all specimen tubes following established procedure, including date and time of draw and phlebotomist initials.
• Determines priority of STAT draws and ensures timely transport of all patient specimens to the lab for testing.
• Draws STATs within 10-15 minutes of request; draws severe trauma and/or disaster patients immediately.
• Ensures STATs are transported to the lab on a priority basis (immediately for serious cases such as trauma or disaster; within 15 minutes for other STATs; hourly for routines).
• Utilizes computers to register patients, complete required fields with accurate information, verify data, perform order entry, generate collection lists, NCC lists, and add or cancel tests.
• Organizes assigned work, completes workload accurately, and assists co-workers to ensure orderly workflow.
• Communicates with laboratory departments regarding missed patients or issues obtaining specimens.
• Assists in training new employees and student interns in phlebotomy duties and departmental procedures under supervision.
• Follows all organizational, departmental, and unit policies and procedures.
• Attends required safety training programs and demonstrates knowledge of safety responsibilities, including general safety, department/service safety, and job-related hazards.
• Maintains work area and equipment according to department standards and operates equipment safely.
• Demonstrates proper body mechanics and follows hospital exposure control plans for bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
• Ensures a safe environment by using protective barrier equipment and following safety procedures (e.g., wearing gloves, disposing of needles and used gloves in designated containers).
• Adapts to changes in assignment and performs work of equal or higher skill and responsibility as needed.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees.
• Maintains confidentiality of hospital and patient information.
• Presents a neat appearance in proper attire and identification as required by policy.
• Promotes effective working relationships and participates in staff meetings as determined by the supervisor.
• Completes work assignments on time and supports the hospital’s mission, policies, and procedures.
• Utilizes automated systems for inter- and intra-departmental communication.

Requirements

• Equivalent of four years of high school education.
• One to six months of phlebotomy experience required; at least one year of acute care hospital experience preferred.
• Current California CPT I or CPT II License.
• Current Basic Life Support Certification.
• Current MAB (Management of Assaultive Behavior) certification.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

The hospital’s mission is to provide quality healthcare in a safe environment that is sensitive and supportive to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and diverse multicultural needs of patients and their loved ones. The role requires advocacy for the preservation of human dignity in service delivery within a 24/7 hospital setting.