Lab Associate 3 Clinical

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. VUMC is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and uniqueness is celebrated.

About the Role

Triages and processes advanced specimens independently. Works closely with laboratory staff, medical staff, and external customers, including advanced troubleshooting and problem resolution. Performs packing and shipping of laboratory specimens to referring laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Sorting, triaging, receiving, sending, processing, and batching specimens
• Accessioning specimens received with a requisition
• Processing samples pre-analytically for testing
• Processing test add-ons and resolving pre-analytical specimen or test issues
• Providing general clerical support

Additional duties may be assigned.

Technical Capabilities

• Laboratory Practices (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate laboratory practices in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
• Quality Assurance (Novice): Participates in continuous analysis and evaluation of work processes, striving for improvement. Contributes creative solutions and works on improving current business processes, products, or services.
• Pathology (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery of pathology in practical applications of a difficult nature. Capable of delivering results independently and training others.
• Specimen Collection (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery of specimen collection in practical applications of a difficult nature. Capable of delivering services independently and training others.
• Customer Service (Intermediate): Takes personal responsibility for customer satisfaction, discusses cost-effective alternatives, and negotiates service-level changes. Handles unexpected demands smoothly.
• Equipment Maintenance (Novice): Possesses sufficient proficiency to maintain equipment and ensure sufficient parts inventory.

Core Accountabilities

• Organizational Impact: Independently delivers on objectives with an understanding of their impact on related teams.
• Problem Solving: Analyzes complex problems using multiple data sources and may offer new perspectives on existing solutions.
• Breadth of Knowledge: Has advanced knowledge within a professional area and basic knowledge across related areas.
• Team Interaction: Acts as a resource for colleagues and may lead small project teams.

Core Capabilities

Supporting Colleagues

• Develops Self and Others: Invests in developing self and others to improve performance and gain knowledge.
• Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communicates Effectively: Adapts communication style to suit different situations and audiences.

Delivering Excellent Services

• Serves Others with Compassion: Understands and addresses current and future stakeholder needs.
• Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles and identifies new opportunities.
• Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing coaching to increase employee effectiveness.

Ensuring High Quality

• Performs Excellent Work: Engages in dialogue about quality and addresses issues promptly.
• Ensures Continuous Improvement: Identifies underlying causes of problems and resolves them.
• Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands and ensures a safe working environment.

Managing Resources Effectively

• Demonstrates Accountability: Focuses on driving critical issues to closure.
• Stewards Organizational Resources: Effectively manages resources for the department.
• Makes Data-Driven Decisions: Uses data to identify and elevate opportunities.

Fostering Innovation

• Generates New Ideas: Identifies new opportunities to improve processes.
• Applies Technology: Enthusiastically learns new technologies and tools.
• Adapts to Change: Views challenges as opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

• 1 year of relevant work experience
• High School Diploma or GED

Benefits

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include health, disability, retirement, and/or wellness offerings to enhance well-being and professional growth.