Pathology Lab Technical Assistant - 80hrs/pp - 1st Shift (6:30a-5:00p)

Pathology Lab Technical Assistant - 80hrs/pp - 1st Shift (6:30a-5:00p)

Receives and prepares fluid and tissue specimens of the body to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions. Primary responsibility includes accurate patient specimen and requisition identification, labeling, handling, preservation, processing or preparation, and storage of specimens in the pathology department. Assists in performance of quality control, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting on laboratory instruments. Performs other duties as required, including overall support within the pathology department.

Location: Kalamazoo-400 John St. - Lab Building

Shift: First Shift

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Cost Center: 3304 Lab Histology (BMH)

Requirements:

• Associate's degree from accredited institution required.
• Experience in medical terminology sufficient to understand and discuss technical aspects of laboratory medicine required.
• Experience with patient specimen handling and knowledge of laboratory practices preferred.
• Employees must demonstrate competencies specific to populations served for clinical or non-clinical dependent upon laboratory location.
• Must be able to operate and perform basic computer programs associated with documentation and record keeping in the department
• Must demonstrate a degree of independent judgment and critical thinking, consulting with the department leader(s) when appropriate.
• Must be able to move from task to task, maintaining quality and efficiency
• Requires strong verbal skills to report and discuss findings, as needed with physicians and other hospital personnel and other external customers.
• Requires courtesy, tact, and good customer service orientation
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail and maintain a positive attitude
• Adhere to Bronson's mission, values, fundamentals, strategies, vision and minimum working requirements (i.e. TB testing, flu shots, etc.).
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks within the constraints of stated objectives, and to provide effective timely follow-up as needed.
• Be part of a team oriented environment that includes problem solving and creative thinking.
• Must follow laboratory safety policies and procedures due to potential for occupational exposure to infectious materials, including but not limited to: blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Performs quality control studies to ensure accuracy of clinical data
• Operates assigned instruments and equipment according to established schedule and procedure. (Some examples of instrumentation includes T2, ST5020, CV5030, Peloris, HE600, IPC and IPS)
• Verifies instrument functioning by checking and calibrating specific lab instruments and running known controls. Makes minor adjustments to instruments as necessary.
• Records on instrument logs any repairs, replacement, and maintenance needed of equipment.
• Use laboratory information systems such as CoPath, Epic and Atlas to retrieve orders, identify and accession specimens.
• Responsible for specimen processing.
• Performs only tests that they have trained in and determined proficient.
• Follows the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, and maintaining records of patient test results.

Working Conditions:

• Work in an environment with some exposure to noxious fumes and unpleasant noises.
• Work in an environment with risk of sustaining illness and injury from the use of chemicals and biological materials and organisms.
• In rare extreme circumstances, employee could experience the following:
• Work which produces high levels of mental/visual fatigue, e.g., interactive and repetitive or small detailed work requiring alertness and concentration for sustained periods of time, the operation of and full attention to personal computer up to 90 percent of the time.
• Involves considerable standing or walking, regular lifting of light-weight objects (20lbs or less), and assisting with heavier tasks as necessary (could include lifting and assisting patients).
• Working conditions could include minor straining, fatiguing positions, physical motions, etc.

Bronson Healthcare