Laboratory Assistant (Per Diem)

About the role

The primary responsibility of the Laboratory Assistant is the performance of phlebotomy, specimen processing, registration, and limited laboratory testing.

Responsibilities

• Exhibits courteous and cooperative behavior towards patients, families, visitors, volunteers, students, peers, and providers.
• Anticipates service needs and proactively resolves issues.
• Consistently holds self and others accountable for meeting patient/customer service standards.
• Practices service recovery skills.
• Works openly and collaboratively both inside and outside the department; promotes performance improvement.
• Follows through on statements and actions in a timely manner.
• Strives for excellence in all endeavors.
• Encourages discussion and consensus building.
• Recognizes and adapts to different viewpoints and opinions, values diversity.
• Uses "indoor" voice.
• Avoids interrupting others.
• Champions change and exhibits flexibility and adaptability.
• Accepts responsibility for own actions, behaviors, and decisions.
• Maintains compliance with the Absenteeism and Tardiness policy: Consistently optimizes time efficiently and effectively.
• Reports to work promptly at the beginning of the work shift and prepares to begin work.
• Returns to work promptly from lunch and breaks.
• Completes work assignment and departs timely.
• Is viewed as a resource in the department when dealing with issues of systems and resources and accomplishing tasks in the most efficient and effective ways.
• Obtains specimens and independently performs lab tests in the CLIA "waived" and "moderate" complexity category.
• May assist Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Technician with performance of other tests, quality controls, and projects as assigned.
• Performs phlebotomy duties as required, obtaining venous and capillary blood specimens as ordered.
• Completes paperwork necessary to process specimens (registration, order entry and result entry).
• Transports STAT blood work and alerts Laboratory Technician to STAT testing.
• Transports specimens from the OR.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment.
• Assesses the patient for risk or potential of neglect or abuse.
• Makes referrals as appropriate.
• For Medicare patients, determines if ordered laboratory tests meet Medicare medical necessity guidelines and obtains Medicare ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice) prior to obtaining specimen, when indicated.
• If needed, consults with ordering practitioner about diagnosis for a specific test.
• Accurately registers patients and enters orders tests in Meditech and completes all necessary paperwork in a timely fashion.
• Is proficient in the utilization of the general laboratory applications of the laboratory information system.
• Maintains competencies in all areas.
• Refers to Standard Operating Procedures when needed.
• Maintains a safe environment and observes standard safety practices with particular attention to standard precautions.
• Processes reference laboratory and pathology testing.
• Performs breath alcohol testing.
• Maintains current certification.
• Performs urine drug screen collections.
• Maintains current DOT certification.
• Demonstrates technical aptitude.
• Is familiar with computer applications.
• Is willing to learn software applications.
• Understands and complies with patient privacy and HIPPA regulations.
• Complies with the phone usage policy at NCH.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent; associate degree preferred.
• One year of phlebotomy experience preferred.
• Phlebotomy certificate desirable.
• Clerical/secretarial experience preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of medical terminology desirable.
• Familiarity with computer applications required.