LABORATORY ASSISTANT: 32 HOURS/WEEK 11A-7:30P WEEKEND AND HOLIDAY ROTATION

About the role

Provides general laboratory services including greeting patients, test order entry, blood collection (including off-site facilities requiring driving of personal vehicle), specimen transport, pre-analytic processing of specimens, and distribution of blood and other samples for in-house testing and/or dispatch to reference laboratories. Responds to inquiries and collection requests from off-site facilities, nursing units, physician offices, and reference laboratories regarding test orders, specimen requirements, and reporting. Performs routine clerical duties and computer functions associated with processing patient samples. Maintains appropriate collection/testing supplies needed at each healthcare facility and in the main hospital.

Schedule

• 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM, 8-hour shifts
• Monday–Friday with rotating weekends and holidays

Responsibilities

• Supports the hospital's mission through customer-focused service
• Responds to inquiries from customers regarding all aspects of laboratory services including specimen requirements, turnaround times, reference ranges, and reporting protocols; communications are conducted in a positive, professional, and courteous manner
• Collects STAT, timed, and routine venous and capillary blood specimens from off-site facilities along with hospital inpatients and outpatients in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures
• Instructs patients in the proper collection and handling of non-blood specimens
• Generates and reviews collection lists and pending logs from the Laboratory Information Systems (LIS); contacts nursing units and off-site facilities to track pending collected and uncollected specimens
• Uses either personal vehicle (must provide proof of insurance and valid driver's license with clean driving record) or Riverview-provided vehicle for transporting specimens from outside facilities; keeps personal vehicle in good working order and follows all requirements listed in the Vehicle Safety Policy
• Stocks phlebotomy supplies on inpatient nursing units and fills orders for off-site facilities
• Performs all aspects of specimen processing, including: receiving specimens via pneumatic tube, entering required data into LIS, verifying patient/specimen identification and test requests, documenting rejected specimens, centrifuging and dispersing specimens to appropriate areas, communicating with technical staff to ensure efficient turnaround time of results, preparing specimens for referral testing, reviewing surgical specimens/requisitions for accuracy and completeness, storing specimens at appropriate temperatures according to testing requirements
• Reviews orders for completeness and enters test orders for patients in LIS
• Performs compliance checks on Medicare orders for diagnosis and medical necessity; notifies physicians or physician representatives when ICD-9/10 codes or narrative diagnosis do not meet Local Medical Review Policy (LMRP) criteria for medical necessity; obtains ABN from patients prior to specimen collection if necessary
• Must be familiar with basic laboratory ordering, testing, and reporting operations and recognize problem areas; takes appropriate corrective action or notifies the area coordinator or department manager
• Performs daily temperature and function checks for assigned areas, documents them appropriately, and takes appropriate corrective action if any are outside acceptable limits
• Uses personal protective equipment in accordance with hospital and laboratory policies
• Complies with all applicable policies and procedures including departmental and functional policies, maintaining acceptable attendance records, arriving punctually and leaving on time, safety and waste disposal, dress code, and demonstrating the Standards of Excellence
• Is sensitive to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of others; approaches others in a non-threatening and pleasant manner and treats everyone with respect; fulfills commitments to team members
• Performs CLIA WAIVED testing per CLIA'88 standards as trained and applicable
• Assists with new employee training and orientation, and trains staff on Medical Necessity Guidelines
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Minimum: High School Diploma or GED
• Preferred: Phlebotomy Certificate and/or Associate's degree in one of the chemical, physical, or biological sciences and at least one year full-time laboratory training or experience or both
• Minimum: Experience with data entry, medical terminology, and customer service or equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable job knowledge can be acquired
• Preferred: 1–2 years previous laboratory/phlebotomy experience
• Minimum: BLS certification through the American Heart Association within 30 days of date of hire

Skills

• Phlebotomy
• Lab Assistance

Behaviors

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization