Laboratory Assistant

Job Title

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Worker Type: Regular

Job Summary:

All the duties and standards of this position will be performed according to established policies, procedures and guidelines within the department and the health system. These examples of work are not all-encompassing or restrictive and are expected to vary with changing needs and priorities. The duties for a specific position with this title will be defined and assigned by the immediate department director/manager.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Performs duties in Phlebotomy, Processing, Transporting, Posting and/or Billing, Ancillary testing, Anatomical Pathology, Blood Bank, Special Testing and Microbiology, or other departments with the Pathology laboratory following prescribed procedures. The assistant laboratory I processes patients, specimens, orders, reports, requests; assists pathologists and residents in the performance of autopsies, collects and transports specimens in a courteous, timely and accurate manner. Refers unusual problems to appropriate superior. Sets priorities with changing workload to insure the final reporting of test results are within prescribed time limits.

POSTION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (% of Time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria. These functions are measured by: supervisory observation, quality assurance findings, written documentation, results of accreditation inspections and as reported by others.

*#E# Denotes the essential job functions according to ADA guidelines.

1. Accurately and precisely performs duties following clinical procedures and standards. Ensures that patient identification information matches test request information consistently. Performs routine, timed, and STAT venipuncture or capillary sticks from any patient. Correctly labels tubes and requisitions consistently. Processes patients, specimens, orders, reports, requests; collects and transports specimens in a courteous, timely and accurate manner. (1,3,5,6,7)

Criteria

A) Responds to STAT orders immediately and meets turnaround times for routine and STAT specimens consistently.

B) Records appropriate comments in the Hospital Information System when applicable.

C) Collects and enters charges in a timely manner.

D) Records test volumes accurately.

E) Handles equipment as trained.

F) Recognizes and reports computer malfunctions to supervisory personnel.

G) Responsible for specimen collection and adheres to laboratory phlebotomy policies and procedures.

H) Identifies patient correctly consistently.

I) Prepare phlebotomy trays/properly disposes of used equipment.

J) Obtains specimens without assistance consistently.

K) Coordinates drawing so the patients do not have to be stuck unnecessarily.

L) Uses correct labeling procedures consistently.

M) Has less than three patient complaints per year concerning treatment or technique.

N) Responsible for proper specimen processing, follows procedures for reference work and billing of patients.

O) Determines suitability of submitted specimens, checks for proper labeling, receives specimen in the hospital information system with no more than five errors per year and re-labels specimen tubes by laboratory procedures consistently.

P) Centrifuges samples, prepares aliquots and properly stores specimens according to test instructions consistently.

Q) Distributes processed specimens to the appropriate departments in a timely basis, processes routine specimens correctly within one hour, stats within one half hour and has no more than five complaints per year.

R) Prepares specimens and requisitions from reference laboratories accurately and files reports according to procedure consistently.

S) Records results from reference laboratories accurately and files reports according to hospital procedures, with no more than three errors per year.

T) Credits/charges in the hospital information system or prepares batches for Data Processing.

U) Responsible for scheduled hospital rounds and STAT transporting within 15 minutes with no more than three complaints per year.

V) Follows established procedures for the basic operation of the tube system.

W) Performs and documents Preventive Maintenance and Quality Control in a timely manner, when necessary

X) Issue units (RBC, FFP, Platelets, and Cry) per departmental procedure.

Y) Able to use Compliance Checker: knows software, when and how to use it accurately

Z) Accessions specimens accurately. Recognizes and resolves discrepancies.

AA) Labels blocks properly.

BB) Maintains department supplies.

CC) Performs diener duties according to department procedures.

DD) Files blocks/slides tissues accurately and in a timely fashion.

EE) Prepares paperwork for registration and does follow-up.

FF) Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives and choose the appropriate course of action.

GG) Works well under pressure, remaining calm and organized.

HH) Ensures competency according to laboratory competency and education guidelines by completing training checklists and annual competency.

II) Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety.

*2. Provides good customer service with an accurate, prompt, and courteous response for inquiries from patients, physicians and other hospital staff, answering telephones calls by the third ring and identifying oneself ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTED MESSAGE ON THE TELEPHONE.

Criteria

A) Uses a tone of voice, which demonstrates a caring attitude and a willingness to help.

B) Displays courtesy with other staff, physicians, students and volunteers as internal customers

C) Recognizes the needs and expectations of those people SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital serves

D) Answers the telephones by responding to requests in a caring and timely fashion. Courteously answers the telephone utilizing the approved script (Department, Name and How May I Help You?#E# and in closing Is there anything else I can do for you today?#E#) keeps noise to a minimum.

E) Extends apologies as appropriate when service fails and endeavors to take corrective action. Explains delays.

F) Explains rationale and offers alternatives when unable to fulfill a request.

G) Presents employee identification to customers by properly wearing identification badges and extends a personal introduction. Wears badge on person in the appropriate position face out above the waist.

H) Solicits customer feedback to improve service.

I) Displays understanding of how job relates to others.

J) Is able to work independently when necessary without direct supervision

K) Keeps personal phone calls to a minimum so they dont interfere with work.

*3. Utilizes problem-solving skills in a variety of situations, which require corrective actions, consistently. Handles general lab issues as indicated, always exercising sound and professional judgment in determining items that require referral. Informs immediate supervisor in a timely and accurate manner of all decisions made.

Criteria

A) Identifies viability of specimens and communicates problems to appropriate personnel.

B) Correctly locates and fills in patient or other information when missing.

C) Is able to recognize inappropriate specimens and specimens with collection and/or labeling errors and takes appropriate action to obtain a new specimen and record problems in hospital information system.

D) Assumes initiative to resolve problems.

E) Assumes responsibility and ownership in solving problems and helps to resolve complaints.

*4) PEOPLE: Apply high-quality management and leadership principles to foster continued employee development. Treat each other and our patients with respect and dignity. Hold integrity and honesty as our most important principle and perform at the highest ethical standard at all times.

Criteria

A) Able to work with diverse populations (patient, staff, physicians) under difficult and stressful situations. Supports the team approach. Committed to Target 100 values.

B) Utilizes positive and constructive criticism to improve overall practice. Has a positive attitude.

C) Teamwork: Understands and supports the needs of individuals in other departments, works as a team to achieve mutual goals. Aids and promptly responds to requests (patient, physician, manager and others).

D) Works well under pressure, remaining calm and organized.

E) Communicates and follows the organizational chain of command for notification of patient care/service issues when appropriate.

F) Uses complaints as opportunities by being supportive and addressing concerns promptly with courtesy and respect. Avoids blaming others.