Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant - 9740

US:WA:Arlington | Clinical Support | Per Diem

24.32 - 36.19 USD per hour

Job Description

Department: Laboratory CVH Exempt: No Schedule: VARIABLE Position Type: Per Diem FTE: 0.000001 Base Wage $24.32 to $36.19 Location: Cascade Valley Hospital

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Job Summary: The Laboratory Assistant is dedicated to providing quality service in a timely, courteous, and cost effective manner and will work in tandem with the Medical technologists, the nursing staff and the physicians to help provide quality diagnostic service to our customers.

Essential Functions:

Section 1 – Knowledge and Standards of Performance:

Job Summary: Lab Aide performs non technical procedures under the direction of the technologist on duty or reports to the Lab Director or Assistant Administrator - Diagnostics. Performs phlebotomy, clerical, computer and non-technical procedures including dispensing blood units for transfusion.

Education: High school diploma. Experience: Six months previous hospital training or experience.

Leadership Skills Required: Must be self-motivated and able to take direction from Medical technologist. Ability to train peers, ability to offer solutions when identifying problems.

Working Environment: Laboratory Aide performs most procedures in the laboratory or in the patient care areas to obtain laboratory specimens. The laboratory is well lighted and well ventilated. Know TTY for hearing impaired. Maintains a positive, customer-oriented attitude. Meets organizational and work unit standards as outlined in policies and procedures. Performs all job duties in accordance with recognized safety procedures. Demonstrates the ability to make calm and sensible decisions under various work situations, dealing with immediate problems reasonably.

Section 2 – Processes and Procedures:

1. Essential Job Functions: General Requirements/Responsibility:

• Vascular Anatomy: Selects veins appropriate for purposes of venipuncture. Differentiates between veins and arteries.

• Aseptic Technique: Demonstrates knowledge of clinical skills in using aseptic technique.

• Hazardous Materials: Demonstrates knowledge of hazardous materials and toxic chemicals and follows safety precautions.

• Infectious Materials: Has knowledge of infectious materials and waste and handles them appropriately.

• Universal(Standard) Precautions: Demonstrates knowledge of the hospital's Universal Precaution Policy as outlined in the hospital's policy manual.

• Phlebotomy: Checks laboratory requisition for tests ordered. Properly identifies the patient by checking their name band or by asking the patient to identify themselves (to include their full name and date of birth). Performs venipuncture or capillary puncture with minimal trauma to patient, using aseptic technique, and correct equipment according to phlebotomy manual procedures. Assures proper management and administration of proper procedures for newborns through adults to include geriatric patients. Properly labels all blood tubes as outlined by the policy. If unsuccessful after 2 venipuncture attempts, consults with another lab staff member. If tech is working alone, he/she will assess whether to attempt another venipuncture or notify the nurse/physician of the situation. Process the tubes properly as required by the tests ordered.

• Continuing Education: Continuing education credit will be received for, but not limited to, the following: monthly Department meetings, Lab inservices, continued education on Phlebotomy skills for: adult venipuncture/capillary puncture, pediatric venipuncture/capillary puncture.

• Specimen Accessioning: Properly labels tube and the appropriate requisition with the specimen number. Enters the patient demographics into the laboratory computer system accurately. Enters the specimen information and test requested properly to insure appropriate billing and assure that all test ordered are run.

• Reporting Results: Accurately enter and review results in the laboratory computer. Deliver reports in a timely manner to the nurses station and physicians boxes.

• Specimen Collection: Collect nasal smears, throat cultures and eye cultures as ordered by the physician.

• Communication: Projects a positive, helpful attitude to all persons. Remains calm under pressure from stressful situations. Knows when to seek assistance in matters requiring administrative/professional judgments.

• Physical Requirements: Able to work in stressful situations. Ability to perform light manual labor.

2. Other Job Duties: General Requirements/Responsibility:

• Reliability and Dependability:

• Attendance: At work station and ready to begin work at beginning of shift. Notifies supervisor according to department policy when unable to report to work. Meets hospital standard of attendance. Uses sick time appropriately. Requests vacation/personal time off according to hospital and/or department policy. Makes effort to secure own replacement when appropriate. Attends department meetings according to department policy.

• Interpersonal Skills: Cooperation - Accepts assignments willingly. Accepts instructions and constructive criticism from supervisor in a positive manner. Seeks guidance and direction. Promotes professionalism/goodwill when interacting with patients, the public and co-workers. Maintains calm and positive attitude in stressful situations.

• Conformance to Policy: Abides by telephone regulations in Employee Handbook. Abides by smoking policy as outlined in Employee Handbook. Abides by parking guidelines as outlined in policy. Maintains patient confidentiality. Reads and understands all hospital and departmental policies and procedures in designated time frame. Familiar with hospital Disaster Plan, Fire Plan, Safety Plan.

• Professional Appearance: Appropriately dressed at all times. Practices good personal hygiene and grooming as described in Employee Handbook. Keeps work area neat and clean. Other job duties as assigned.

Specific skills, aptitude, abilities.

Section 3 – Knowledge/Use of Equipment Leads and/or participates in developing and designing systems and processes for the new organization. Continually improves and redesigns processes to increase productivity and quality.

Section 4 – Continuous Quality Improvement Leads and/or participates in developing and designing systems and processes for the new organization. Continually improves and redesigns processes to increase productivity and quality.

Section 5 – Required Education and Training *Continuing Education: Identifies new topics for continuing education, and pursues educational offerings. Shares educational information with coworkers, keeps record of continuing education. Uses educational information to develop/update practice standards. Attends staff meetings and all annual mandatory sessions. Actively participates in staff orientation.

Section 6 – Resource Utilization Demonstrates responsible use of resources, including time, facilities, supplies, equipment, staff, information, finances, education and developmental assets. Fiscally responsible, including corporate billing compliance. Efficiently uses resources, tools and supplies, recycling when possible. Uses and disposes of confidential information appropriately. Shares expertise and knowledge with others. Cares for equipment properly. Spends education funds responsibly to enhance job performance. Practices accountable and productive time management. Shares responsibility in facility upkeep (i.e.: see it, own it, do it, solve it). Seeks information and plans work to maximize team effectiveness.

Education: High School graduate or GED required.

Experience/Training: At least six months previous hospital lab experience preferred.

License/Certifications: Current Washington State Medical Assistant Phlebotomy (MA-P, PC) OR Medical Assistant – Certified (MA-C) license required.

Other Skills: Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Repetitive tasks such as typing, sitting, answering phones, and interacting with computers and computer systems most of the day is a function of the position. This position is very active and requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects up to 20 pounds and position patients to perform phlebotomy. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.