Laboratory Assistant - Full Time - Days

About the role

Jupiter Medical Center is a leading health care provider in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, known for its high standards in safety, quality, and patient satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Performs computer data entry and workflow monitoring of all pending phlebotomy draws.
• Maintains pending log lists and organizes workflow to improve efficiency.
• Answers phones, faxes, reports, and maintains phlebotomy inventory.
• Maintains a clean environment, including lab equipment and work benches.
• Supports the laboratory technical staff by performing various tasks such as specimen procurement, processing, testing, sending out specimens, and maintaining quality assurance records.
• Understands quality control and expected results for point-of-care testing (POCT) tests.
• Expedites all specimens based on priority levels (e.g., STAT, Timed, Routine).
• Acts as the front line for laboratory customer service by communicating effectively over the phone and in person, resolving specimen issues, and identifying/recalling specimen opportunities.
• May process microbiology specimens and cross-train to perform phlebotomy when needed.
• Completes all associated competencies in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Recognized national certification/certificate, such as ASPT, ASCP, preferred.
• Able to communicate professionally with coworkers, supervisors, and physicians.
• Strong computer data entry skills, capable of learning multiple IS data entry systems and utilizing multiple computer systems to track and receive orders.
• Precise hand-to-eye coordination and finger dexterity necessary for performing procedures, obtaining specimens, and using electronic/computerized equipment.
• Able to learn specimen requirements for over 2000 tests, timing of draws, and anatomical details for correct collections.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to self-direct and exercise independent judgment in situations requiring follow-up and discussions with clinical staff and/or other areas of the laboratory to ensure task completion and customer satisfaction.
• Works well in a team environment to accomplish common tasks, solve problems, and enhance the smooth and efficient flow of the department.

Special Skills

• Precise hand-to-eye coordination and finger dexterity.
• Ability to learn specimen requirements for over 2000 tests.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Self-directed and able to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to self-direct and exercise independent judgment in situations requiring follow-up and discussions with clinical staff and/or other areas of the laboratory to ensure task completion and customer satisfaction.

Team Member Competencies

• Establishing Relationships: Builds effective networks, working relationships, and alliances within the department and organization.
• Peer Support: Provides guidance and feedback to help others strengthen knowledge/skills needed to accomplish tasks, solve problems, and perform effectively within the team.
• Inspiring and Motivating Others: Fosters commitment and cohesiveness by facilitating cooperation and working as a team within the organization toward goal accomplishments.
• Demonstrating Emotional Intelligence: Exercises self-leadership, self-awareness, and self-regulation; manages emotions so that they are expressed appropriately; leads others by showcasing adaptability, empathy, and social skills.
• Acting with Integrity: Interacts with others in a way that is seen as direct and truthful; ensures confidence in individual and organizational motives and representations; acts in a way that is consistent with personal and organizational values by keeping confidence, promises, and commitments; clearly states goals and beliefs; informs people of their true intentions, does what they say they will do; follows through on commitments.
• Championing for Change and Innovation: Supports people in their efforts to try new things. Generates novel and valuable ideas and uses these ideas to develop new or improved processes. Accepts new ways of doing things and adapts to change.
• Communicating Effectively: Speaks and writes clearly, conveys information in a concise, organized, and logical manner. Is adept at tailoring the message to fit the interests and needs of the audience. Listens attentively and exercises tact, discretion, and diplomacy when interacting with members of the department and organization.
• Treating All People with Dignity and Respect: Treats all people with dignity and respect. Demonstrates an open-minded approach to understanding people regardless of their gender, age, race, national origin, religion, ethnicity, disability status, or other characteristics. Challenges bias and intolerance. Develops all-inclusive groups in the realms of social interaction and communication. Shows respect for the beliefs of others; encourages and promotes practices that support cultural diversity; discourages behaviors or practices that may be perceived as unfair, biased, or critical toward people with certain backgrounds.

Physical Requirements

• Standing on feet 65% of shift while performing lab tests.
• Sitting up to 4 hours/day on a chair while doing paperwork.
• Walking up to 50 yards per day.
• Lifting: 1-10 lbs from floor to counter level, PRN to replace reagents.
• Carrying: 1-10 lbs, distance <50 yards; several times a day.
• Pushing: 1-5 lbs, distance <50 yards; several times a day.
• Squatting: several times a day to reach cabinets, equipment.
• Twisting: Upper body 45 degrees; frequency – 10 times/day.
• Rotating: Upper body 45 degrees; frequency – 10 times/day.
• Reaching: Arms distance 1-3 feet; several times a day.

Environmental Conditions

• Environment is noisy and disruptive.
• Numerous interruptions occur throughout the day.

Threshold Requirements

• Annual Joint Commission mandatory education requirements, in-service and health requirements including attendance at new employee orientation.
• TB/PPD Surveillance Program.
• Maintenance of required professional licensing and/or certification(s).