The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for up-front specimen handling and facilitating the workflow in and out of the laboratory, performing a variety of clerical and preprocessing duties and interacting with others using a variety of communication tools. Collects specimens from newborns, infants, children, adolescent and adults of all ages. Performs pre-analytical phase of specimen preparation and must handle bio-hazardous and infectious material while following proper safety precautions. A Laboratory Assistant III is responsible for managing the day to day work flow and reporting back to the Laboratory Supervisor. They assist in the interview process, and training new staff or students.

This position is located only in NAH Laboratory Departments and is not in NAH Medical Group Primary Care/Family Practice Clinics.

Specimen Collection
* Collects venous specimens from adults.

* Collects venous specimens from pediatric patients.

* Collects capillary specimens.

* Properly labels specimens at the bedside or if in OP infront of the patient.

* Collects throat specimens.

* Collects NP specimens for RSV, Flu, and MRSA.

* Properly collects blood cultures.

* Properly identify/and collect blood bank specimens.

* Properly identifies a patient (Name, DOB) prior to blood collection.

* Properly uses the hand held specimen collection (dolphin).

* Performs a Therapeutic Phlebotomy on a patient.

* Performs good infection control techniques.

* Properly handle specimens that need to be protected from light, and temperature control.

* Look up sendout requirements prior to specimen collection.

 
Processing
* Logs specimens into appropriate location.

* Properly receives into the lab specimens coming from another NAH Laboratory.

* Properly distribute specimens within the lab.

* Plates micro specimens accordingly.

* Properly re-label specimens with Cerner generated labels.

* Keeps a well organized processing area.

* Manages the pending for upcoming draws.

* Organizes the specimens appropriately with the different priorities (RT, ST, TM, ASAP, AM)

* Aliquots specimens for specimen stability.

* Stabilizes specimens appropriately for transport to outside lab.

 
Lead Responsibilities
* Remains professional and impartial while assisting in disciplinary action.

* Understands and accepts that as a lead all employees information is to be kept confidential.

* Writes and reviews policies and procedures.

* Demonstrates the ability to oversee and assist in the daily workflow.

* Handles immediate conflicts with staff as well as patient complaint issues and refers difficult problems to management as necessary.

* Demonstrates workflow and procedure knowledge with management, co-workers, new employees, inspectors, and visitors.

* Positively receives direction from the management team.

* Completes and maintains all projects given to them by management in a timely manner.

* Completes employees new hire and yearly competencies on time.

* Process sendout specimens.

 
Computer
* Enters new tests into all required ordering systems.

* Looks up and prints out patient orders in powerchart.

* Performs a quick reg, and a client bill.

* Looks up and provides patient results.

* Looks up container details (collector, collection date/time log-in location, instrument routing.

* Can modify specimen collection information.

* Looks up and can print future orders.

* Pulls up a fax list daily.

* Monitors a pending list and discusses at shift change.

 
Compliance/Safety
* Responsible for reporting any safety-related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety-related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.

* Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employee's area of responsibility.

* If required for the position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.

* Completes all company mandatory modules and required job-specific training in the specified time frame.

* Monitors patients for unexpected reactions and responds to emergency situations as required.

Education
High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)- Required.

Certification & Licensures

Phlebotomy Certification- Required

Employee will obtain and maintain appropriate clinical competencies for the roles assigned by their departmental leader.

Experience
Minimum of 2 years experience in an NAH Laboratory- Required

Must have one year experience as a Lab Assistant ll- Required

Must be experienced and trained in all aspects of send outs- Required

Must be experienced and trained in billing and crediting- Required

Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Computers and other electronic devices are utilized across the organization and throughout each department. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.