Lab Assistant

Responsibilities:

• The Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist works under the supervision of Medical Technologist and Technicians to perform essential duties that ensure the smooth and safe operation of the lab. Their role is vital for accurate and timely patient diagnoses and involves a mix of clinical, administrative, and maintenance tasks. 
• Sample preparation: Prepare samples for analysis by centrifuging them to separate components. 
• Preparing slides for microscopic examination and aliquoting specimens. 
• Run specimens through automated analyzers and perform waived laboratory tests under direct supervision. 
• Record keeping: Accurately enter patient information, test requests, and results into the Laboratory System (LIS). 
• Equipment upkeep: Perform routine maintenance on lab equipment (i.e.; daily qc, recording temperatures) 
• Always identifies correct in-patient of all ages by comparing name and medical record number or FIN number on requisition (order) with the name and medical record or FIN number on the patient’s wristband before a procedure is performed. 
• Always identifies correct out-patient of all ages by requesting the patient (or guardian) to state his/her full name and date-of-birth and comparing that with the name and date-of-birth on the requisition, as well as to the patients wristband. 
• Consistently draws blood properly using established laboratory procedures (i.e., proper patient identification, proper tube selection, etc.) rarely fails to obtain a blood sample on the first attempt. 
• Always verifies and collects proper samples required for specific tests. 
• Always initials, dates and records time blood, urine or culture collected on laboratory tests samples. 
• Always accurately labels specimens (patient’s name, medical record # or FIN #, initials date and time collected). 
• Maintains awareness of timed specimen’s collection and their importance and attempts to collect these specimens at appropriate time (Troponin, BloodCulture). 
• Correctly logs all patient and specimen collection records in the respective Log (i.e. LabCorp Send Out Log). 
• Properly instructs out-patients of all ages, in the correct way to collect urine specimens. 
• Correctly process all lab requisitions forms and specimens for routine and reference tests. 
• Consistently completes duties neatly, accurately and in a timely manner. 
• Performs all procedures in a professional manner. 
• Enforces and follows all laboratory safety rules and reports any possible hazards. 
• Shares appropriate communication with other laboratory personnel involving difficult venipuncture, timed specimens, or clerical work. 
• Keeps the Phlebotomy areas neat, clean and well stocked with supplies. 
• Keeps the blood drawing trays neat, clean and well supplied. 
• Maintains an adequate supply of specimen collection equipment, (i.e., routine, special test and reference test needs) 
• Correctly processes incoming laboratory supplies. 
• Is attentive to and follows hospital policy with regard to “Universal Precautions” 
• Consistently completes routine blood draws within 10 minutes. 
• Processes all laboratory test requisitions and specimens quickly, efficiently and appropriately. 
• Assists other laboratory personnel as workload permits without being requested to do so. 
• Consistently determines proper priorities when organizing daily tasks and is able to adjust schedule in view of STAT's, out-patients and time draws. 
• Organize work for effective utilization of time. 
• Refers to appropriate policy and procedure manuals as necessary and communicates with reference labs for proper specimen requirements. 
• Utilizes supplies equipment in a non-wasteful manner. 
• Readily assist other laboratory personnel when requested. 
• Takes direction from the Medical Technologist/Technician for specimen collection and deliver of patient reports. 
• Accepts responsibility for and becomes available to work a different shift when workload and/ or other conditions warrant. 
• Can perform all tasks assigned to the phlebotomist. 
• Responds to changes in work schedules as necessary or as requested. 
• Greets patients in a courteous manner, responds to a patient with empathy and positive interpersonal skills. 
• Continuously works at establishing good rapport and cooperative working relationship with all co-workers. 
• Inspires confidence from patients and visitors by performing and communicating in a professional manner at all times. 
• Recognizes and is able to effectively function with the Laboratory and Hospital organization3 
• Seeks assistance when necessary from Laboratory Directory in solving technical or personnel problems. 
• Shows ability to handle unexpected situations and is able to exercise independent thought and actions when necessary. 
• Demonstrates competence in all procedures required of a phlebotomist in accordance with institutional policies; with particular emphasis on blood samples, blood cultures, referral tests and specimen requirements. 
• Assists in orientation of new staff members as requested. 
• Is neat in appearance, always observing the dress code as established. 
• Speech and conversation are of a quality acceptable to code (confidentiality)

Qualifications:

• High school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED) 
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record (essential).
• Phlebotomy Certification desired
• At least 1 year of experience preferred

Benefits Offered:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Short Term Disability
• Cancer, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity
• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Time
• Wellness Plan