Lab Assistant HRA-791

Job Summary

Under direction and supervision of the Laboratory Support Services supervisor, collects specimens using appropriate techniques and acts to maintain specimen integrity. Represents the hospital via personable interaction with staff, patients and their friends/relatives. Develops and maintains adequate inventory control for specimen collection and processing section optimal functioning.

Responsibilities

• Obtains blood specimens from patients of all ages by venipuncture, finger stick, and/ or heel stick according to laboratory policy with minimum pain or discomfort.
• Follows “National Patient Safety Goals” which include: using two identifiers (full name, date of birth, medical record number, etc.) to correctly identify patients before drawing blood samples, hand hygiene guidelines, read-back when communicating with staff, and communicates with patients in a professional manner at all times.
• Greets patients in a courteous manner, responds to patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills.
• Evaluates samples for integrity and prepares components of specimens for analysis according to specification related to the type of specimen or analysis to be performed.
• Distributes specimens to appropriate departments for analysis.
• Accurate in specimen processing, logging, and data entry at all times.
• Able to collect and process specimens according to test priority (STAT, timed, routine).
• Rarely misses draw, if it is a difficult patient, refers to another phlebotomist after missing twice.
• Processes all lab requisitions, forms, and specimens for routine and reference tests.
• Maintains working knowledge of hospital’s information system and lab computer for specimen logging, labels disposition, written results production, and distribution to hospital units and physician’s offices.
• Consistently completes duties neatly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
• Performs all procedures in a professional manner.
• Enforces and follows all laboratory safety rules and reports any possible hazard to the supervisor.
• Shares appropriate communication with other laboratory personnel involving difficult venipuncture, timed draws, etc.
• Maintains records for send-out specimens to referral laboratories and prepares specimens according to reference lab instructions.
• Makes sure to monitor returning reports from referral labs daily. Accurate in specimen logging and writing reports. Alphabetizes and files reports daily.
• Delivers reports upon completion of work during downtime.
• Keeps phlebotomy areas neat, clean, and well stocked with supplies.
• Ensures inventory is adequate and submits orders per delegation by the supervisor.
• Unpacks and stocks supplies, documents date received with initials and date.
• Assists other laboratory personnel as workload permits.
• Responds to changes in work schedules as necessary or as requested.
• Accepts responsibility for and becomes available to work different work shift when workload and/ or other conditions warrant.
• Continuously works on establishing good rapport and cooperative working relationship with all co-workers.
• Shows ability to handle unexpected situations and is able to exercise independent thought and actions when necessary.
• Assists in training of new staff members as requested.
• Reports to work as scheduled.
• Always wears hospital identification badge and adheres to the hospital and department dress codes.
• Answers telephones and makes calls.
• Verifies ambiguous laboratory orders before entering order into the hospital information system or collecting specimen.
• Picks up and delivers specimens or supplies to offices outside of the hospital.
• Able to draw at locations outside of the main Hospital (clinics, Skilled Nursing Facilities, etc.).
• Performs tasks as assigned by the Laboratory Director.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Basic computer knowledge.
• Proficiency in the use of phlebotomy terminology, laboratory equipment and testing.
• Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Physical Demands

• Fine motor coordination, clear speech, normal hearing, and good visual acuity with the ability to distinguish major colors.
• Must be able to move readily from one location to another in the hospital and various drawing locations.

Education & Experience

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current California Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Certificate required.
• Experience: 6 months experience in an acute care setting preferred.