Laboratory Assistant

Job Summary

Perform all aspects of patient care in a laboratory environment and optimize patient safety with minimal medical/health care errors. Collect specimens from patients of all ages via venipuncture or dermal puncture. Verify provider orders are entered into the LIS correctly. Process and prepare specimens for testing or submission to reference laboratory accurately.

Essential Functions

• Uses correct phlebotomy technique for specimen collection; collects the appropriate amount of blood and correct tube types; labels specimens at bedsite/chair in presence of patient.
• Understands order of draw and specimen integrity. Verifies and identifies patient to ensure information matches orders/labels prior to collecting specimens.
• Documents collection date/time and initials on specimens and in LIS.
• Verifies source indicated on sample containers and processes and prepares specimens for testing.
• Processes and prepares specimens to be sent to reference laboratory with minimum errors.
• Responds to STAT, Code, or Trauma in timely manner. Prioritizes STAT patient collection and handling.
• Communicates with the healthcare team to ensure quality patient care.
• Contributes to a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers by following established standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations.
• Enhances laboratory services and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Maintains competency to perform waived testing. Ensures CLIA requirements are met and demonstrates competency to perform waived testing.
• Ensures phlebotomy inventory is readily available by monitoring levels or inputting orders into spreadsheet for materials in a timely manner. Reconciles pending orders and troubleshoots any problems.
• Clarifies test orders and reviews orders to ensure correct testing is ordered.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested to support the overall needs of the department, and in accordance with Curry Health Network’s Mission, Vision and Shared Values.

Minimum Job Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Upon hire, certification as a Phlebotomy Technician is preferred.
• 1 year of phlebotomy experience is preferred.
• Within 14 months of hire date, certification as a Phlebotomy Technician through National Healthcareer Association is required.
• Alternately, the employee may be actively engaged in an advanced degree program that is supported by the lab director and Human Resources.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• The skills required for proper specimen collection, including patient preparation, if applicable, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, transportation and storage of specimens.
• The skills required for performing each test method.
• The skills required for proper instrument use.
• The skills required to implement procedures of the laboratory.
• The skills required to use network EMR, LIS, and electronic communication.

Physical Requirements

• None of the time: On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities:
• Up to 1/3 of the time: Taste or Smell
• From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Stand, walk, sit, talk or hear, use hands to finger/handle or feel, push/pull, stoop/kneel, crouch/crawl, reach with hands and arms.
• This job requires that weight be lifted, or force be exerted as follows:
• None of the time: 50+ pounds up to and more than 100 pounds
• Up To 1/3 of the time: From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Up to 2/3 of the time and more: up to 50 pounds

Work Environment

• None of the time: Extreme heat/cold; risk of electrical shock, work with explosives ; risk of radiation; vibration, Wet/humid; fumes/airborne particles; toxic/caustic chemicals, Near moving mechanical parts; fumes/airborne particles; toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes/airborne particles
• From 1/3 To 1/2 Of The Time: The typical noise level for the work environment is: Very Quiet to Moderate noise
• Hearing requirements: Ability to hear instructions, alarms and patient call.
• This job requires the following repetitive motion actions:
• From 0-1 hours per day: Repetitive use of foot control
• 1-2 hours per day: Firm/Heavy Grasping
• 3-4 Hours Per Day: Light/Simple Grasping
• 7+ hours per day: Repetitive use of hands, fine dexterity

Shared Values

• Service: We serve with compassion and understanding.
• Teamwork: We are one team – each one of us makes a difference.
• Curiosity: We promote learning.
• Integrity: We live by honesty, trust, and doing the right thing by our organizational values.