Clinical Laboratory Technician

About This Role

Department

Clinical Laboratory

Reports to

Laboratory Support Supervisor

Type

Full-Time, Non Exempt

Requisition #

12756

Position Summary

The Clinical Laboratory Technician (Non-Testing Personnel) essential healthcare worker, under the direction of CUA Lab leadership as described in California Business and Professions Code - BPC § 1269, is responsible for:

1. Biological specimen collection, including patient preparation, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens
2. Assisting a licensed physician and/or scientist in a licensed clinical laboratory.
3. Assisting in clinical laboratory, equipment preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting
4. Preparation, maintenance and storage of reagents such as culture media and other reagent kits.
5. Assisting in the performance of quality control procedures.

CLT personnel shall not do any of the following:

1. Record test results, but he or she may transcribe results that have been previously recorded, either manually by a physician and surgeon or personnel licensed under this chapter, or automatically by a testing instrument.
2. Perform any test or part thereof that involves the quantitative measurement of the specimen or test reagent, or any mathematical calculation relative to determining the results or the validity of a test procedure.
3. Perform any phase of clinical laboratory tests or examinations in the specialty of immunohematology beyond initial collection and centrifugation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

CLT Duties:

• Displays courteous, professional manner towards patients, co-workers, and hospital staff. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Adhere to quality, safety, environmental, and infection control methods. Follows Standard/Universal Precautions at all times.
• Maintain and decontaminate workstations before and after start of shift.
• Responsible for equipment daily, weekly and monthly maintenance. CLT will coordinate to CLS's any equipment issues, with signed off training records.
• Responsible for performing all routine stains on submitted specimens, including gram stains and Wright's stains.
• Responsible for maintaining inventory.
• Maintain stock supplies. Reports supplies concern to the Lab Supervisor.
• Remove and discard specimens considering sample stability.
• Interacts with other Clinical Laboratory staff in a professional manner.
• Submits suggestions to improve the Clinical Laboratory's efficiency.
• Demonstrates the values of team concept on a consistent basis.
• Assist in orientating new staff; provide all aspects of staff training including phlebotomy, specimen processing, pathology processing etc.
• Participate in performance improvement (Pl) projects
• Responsible for maintaining documentation of training to be filed in annual competency logbook.
• Process lab send outs and coordinate preliminary and final reports.

Phlebotomist Duties:

• Perform venipuncture for inpatient and outpatients.
• Accession specimens in EMR (Cerner Community Works)
• Identifies the patient in line with NPSG 01.01.01
• Labels and records all samples in the presence of the patient.
• Is knowledgeable about which color top tube to use and the volume of blood needed.
• Disposes all sharps in a rigid sharps disposal container.
• Never attempts to re-sheath needles.
• Cleans and restocks venipuncture trays/carts.
• Cleans work areas as required.
• Reorders supplies when needed.
• Completes duties in a time efficient manner; knows how to prioritize STAT, timed, routine and outpatient orders.
• Transports specimens to and from other units/depts. as required.

Values/Core Competencies:

• Integrity - We adhere to a code of values and make commitments that contribute to the welfare of our community.
• Respect - We seek to create a community within our organization that enhances self-worth of individuals working with us and for our patients. The dignity and respect shown to employees by management and by their fellow staff will be the model for caring for our patients. Management is committed to treating employees fairly, honestly and with respect. In return, management expects a commitment from employees to the values of the organization and its work on behalf of the community.
• Empowerment - we are committed to action and expect all employees to be proactive in decision making and problem solving. We delegate authority to match responsibility, expecting decision making to occur as close to the customer as possible.
• Team Work - We believe that quality, cost effective, compassionate care can only be provided through team work. The nature of our work and mission require sensitivity to the feelings and points of view of many. We work for the good of the team, are accountable for the results of the team and together share our successes or failures. We maintain an atmosphere of openness, honesty and trust.
• Accountability - We accept personal responsibility for our actions and take ownership of our results. We as individuals recognize achievement and are challenged to improve our performance by providing and accepting coaching and feedback.
• Quality Improvement - We will improve value through the process of continuous quality improvement with focus on the relationship between quality and cost. We have a sense of urgency in our search to find better ways of doing everything. We encourage others to try new ideas and measure and recognize results. We are willing to change the status quo to improve.
• Community collaboration and Benefit - We will collaborate within the limits or our resources with other agencies and providers to address the health care wellness needs of our community, recognizing that access to services must be made available regardless of an individual's ability to pay.
• Prudent use of resources - We will use and maintain our assets and resources prudently in order to meet community expectations. Our organization requires an overall positive return on investment to carry out its mission and to invest in new programs, equipment and facilities. We believe that integration simplifies and improves the process of health care and is a means of achieving economies of scale which will ultimately reduce costs. We seek simplification in the process of patient care and the efficient use of our resources in a changing environment.

Qualifications

Required

• Certification as Phlebotomy Technician (CPT 1 or CPT 2)
• Ability to work nights, evening hours, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as required.
• NOTE: The California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services (LFS) is responsible for vetting the education and training qualifications of all Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT 1 or 2) prior to granting them licensure for practicing in the State of California. In addition, Laboratory Field Services oversees the documentation of CPT continued-education on a semi-annual basis prior to renewing CPT licensure. See California Business and Professions Code 1261.

Preferred

• Fluent in English and Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin)
• 1-year experience as a phlebotomist
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, staff is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and/or listen. He/she uses his/her hands to do computer work, write reports, do equipment set-up/cleaning/storage, clerical support, etc. He/she will be using the phone frequently. Good vision is needed to be able to read schedules, enter accurate data, etc. He/she must have good general health and demonstrate emotional stability so as to carry out the above-enumerated duties.

• Able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Stand, walk, and move 50% of the day.
• Use proper body mechanics when handling equipment.

Compliance Requirements

Complies with Chinese Hospital Compliance Handbook including Code of Ethics and all statutes, regulations, guidelines applicable to federal and state programs. Responsibilities include, following the guidelines and reporting suspected violations of any statute, regulations, agreements or guidelines applicable to all healthcare programs.

Base Pay Scale

Starting at $25.26 - $37.86 per hour. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.

Sound like a match?