Laboratory Assistant I - Central Processing and Receiving at HUP, FT 3rd Shift

Responsibilities

• Correctly identifies the stage of growth of development of patients and significant others;
• Utilizes knowledge of growth and development when communicating to various age groups;
• Explains appropriate information according to age and developmental level of patients and visitors;
• Identifies communication barriers and intervenes appropriately;
• Recognizes cultural differences and the need to adjust communication styles and behaviors to meet the needs of the patient (e.g. direct eye contact, touching with transferring);
• Listens to patient's queries, comments and/or concerns and provides appropriate information and responses;
• Introduces self when interacting with patients, families, visitors or other employees.

Requirements

• Entry of (release of) patient demographics, test orders, billing information into a variety of computer systems (EMR/LIS);
• Follows established SOP and age-specific techniques for the collection of biological specimens for analysis and evaluates and solves problems related to that process;
• Correctly identifies outpatients and inpatients according to approved protocols with 100% accuracy;
• Performs accurate venipuncture and micro (capillary) techniques in sample collection;
• Maintains accurate and orderly log records and/or worksheets where required according to SOP’s.

Qualifications

• Operates the pneumatic tube system properly and observes all Infection Control policies while handling specimens;
• Provides timely distribution of specimens to appropriate laboratory sections;
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area;
• Demonstrates safe work practices;
• Keeps work area free from personal documents & items;
• Answers phone in a professional, courteous, and timely manner;
• speaking to caller in a caring manner;
• Answers questions or refers callers to the appropriate source;
• Avoids putting caller on hold or transferring call unnecessarily.

Skills

• Research phone inquiries regarding specimen collection or test results by referencing available manuals and records and calls caller back promptly;
• Understands collection requirements for special or referral testing, prepares specimens, ensures integrity and correctness of sample, and arranges for dispatch and pick-up of specimens;
• Keeps current with laboratory minutes and documented changes;
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies and appropriately communicates need to re-order before supplies run out;
• Assists with the instruction of procedures and techniques to other employees and students;
• Performs daily temperature checks on rooms, refrigerators, freezers, incubators and preventive maintenance on centrifuges as needed.

Benefits

• Projects an image of professionalism in appearance and conduct at all times;
• Works well with peers and those in authority;
• Works to promote the Penn Medicine BE standards;
• Promotes patient and staff relations and displays pride in work;
• Complies with Hospital, Laboratory, Safety, and HIPAA regulations;
• Notifies Supervisor or Safety Officer of hazards when found;
• Completes annual mandatories on or before the due date;
• Responsible for maintaining adequate staffing on all three shifts, weekends and holidays.