Hospital Lab Assistant I - Lab - Tulsa

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education - High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.


Experience - Two (2) years specific related experience in a medical laboratory facility including phlebotomy, or college level biology and/or chemistry courses (minimum of 6 hours college biology and 6 hours of college chemistry), such as completion of first year of Medical Laboratory Technician program at an accredited college or university and participating in clinical rotation of laboratory sections.


Licenses & Certification - Eligibility for certification in phlebotomy is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills -

1. Knowledge of chemistry, math, medical terminology, knowledge of specimen preparation techniques, and principles of operation of common laboratory instruments.
2. Ability to follow instructions with accuracy and perform detailed tasks thoroughly and completely.
3. Capability of performing repetitive work with a high degree of precision.
4. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
5. Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with patients, Laboratory staff, other employees and the general public, both orally and in writing, and maintaining a professional demeanor.
6. Ability to maintain a positive, helpful department, encouraging team members.
7. Ability to work under stress and function in emergency situations.
8. Good communication skills, computer knowledge, and the ability to work with others as a team to ensure quality patient care.
9. Ability to meet and deal with the public for the purpose of supplying or obtaining information.
10. Capability of working with biological specimens in a safe manner.
11. Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
12. Capability of maintaining high standards for all production work with timely completion.
13. Capability to manage large volumes of data and generate reports in an accurate, timely manner.
14. Skills in organizing and maintaining accurate records and documentation.
15. Capability to report required pathogens to OSDH, Infection Prevention, and other required government agencies.

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of the Hospital Laboratory Assistant position is to perform phlebotomist duties including collecting and transporting specimens for testing and analysis, processing and performing waived and moderate complexity testing, specimen verification and tracking, as well as clerical duties and general clean-up tasks. You will also assist by placing properly labeled specimens on automated instruments and identifying results which need to be reviewed with a MLT/MLS, documentation, releasing results, and/or computer verification.

The Hospital Laboratory Assistant position must be competent in all tasks related to phlebotomy, processing, send outs, ordering, and competent to perform all waived testing, moderate complexity testing including general chemistries, CBC's, urinalysis, Wet Preps, Manual Differentials up to segmented bands, Urine Microscopy, and other moderate complexity testing. The Hospital Laboratory Assistant must be able to perform daily, weekly, monthly, routine, and as needed maintenance duties, troubleshoot QC and instrument issues, assist MLT/MLS as needed, assist the phlebotomists, train less experienced coworkers and ensure documentation is complete for waived testing and assigned duties.

Because MCNDOH hospital laboratories must be staffed 24/7, the Hospital Laboratory Assistant will rotate holidays, and may be required to rotate to other days and hours as needed for patient care.
WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a clinical laboratory environment. There is common exposure to infectious communicable disease, potentially hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials. Incumbent must be aware of all risks involved and be willing to take precautions as required and requested. Special attire may be required as protection against infection and radiation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires long periods of standing and walking in a laboratory and other areas of the hospital. Working with patients requires recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching and positioning patients. Ability to lift in excess of 50 pounds is needed. Incumbent will also have to cope with constant changes in a stress-laden environment. Must be able to differentiate color and pass a color blindness test.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Satisfactory job performance will be determined by successful execution of the following:

1. Knows and complies with clinical laboratory policies and procedures; general policies and Exposure Control (bloodborne pathogens), Chemical Hazard, Illness and Injury Prevention Program and Quality Assurance Program. Understands the hazards associated with failing to follow those procedures.
2. Understands laboratory workflow and the role of Preanalytics in the laboratory.
3. Organizes work for large batch processing appropriately. Prioritizes tasks and organizes work for efficient completion.
4. Documents in a clear, concise and thorough manner. Sees that all paperwork is completed properly during the shift.
5. Performs all tasks as necessary for the safe, smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory.
6. Performs all moderate complexity and waived testing in the laboratory.
7. Performs all maintenance procedures unassisted.
8. Assists in troubleshooting to determine root cause of quality control or instrument failures.
9. Uses knowledge to resolve issues prior to releasing patient results.
10. Recognizes results that are clinically significant or not compatible with patient diagnosis or life.
11. Halts testing as needed to resolve issues which could impact patient care.
12. The successful participation in the Laboratory American Proficiency Institute program.
13. Successful compliance of specimen testing boundaries.
14. Works occasionally unassisted.
15. Recognizes limitations and requests assistance from MLT, MLS, and management as needed.
16. Regular attendance is required.
17. Provides administrative support to the laboratory Manager and/or Lead.
18. Performs other duties as required and or assigned.
19. Assists in the following under direct supervision of a Laboratory Manager or Lead:

• Sets up automated tube sampling racks for automated instruments.
• Performs routine testing on automated instruments if working in a moderate or high complexity CLIA laboratory.
• Performs moderate complexity and waived testing.
• Performs routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Actively participates in facility's Quality Assurance program.

LIMITATIONS

1. Testing is limited to waived test and moderate test procedures only.
2. Lab assistants will always work under the direction of a Medical Laboratory Technician or Technologist.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.