Laboratory Assistant-A - LAB

• Performs various tasks in the Laboratory to support the department in providing patient care including specimen collection, receiving and processing, specimen accessioning, specimen distribution, test and equipment/analyzer setup, and performance and resulting of specified test procedures. Other information: FACTORS RELATING TO THE JOB A. Experience, Knowledge and Skill 1. Previous Experience Required: minimum of six (6) months clinical laboratory or medical experience is preferred. 2. Specialized or Technical Education Required:
• High School Graduate or equivalent
• Successful completion of an accredited Phlebotomy training program, Patient Care Tech program, or Medical Assisting program preferred.
• National certification (Phlebotomy or Medical Assisting) OR
• Current Louisiana State Certified Lab Assistant license eligible. 3. Manual or Physical Skill Required: Distinguishes and identifies color. Requires manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and corrected vision and hearing to normal range. 4. Physical Effort Required/Physical Demands: Strength: Light Push: Frequently Pull: Occasionally Carry: Occasionally Lift: Occasionally Sit: Occasionally Stand: Frequently Walk: Frequently B. Work Complexities 1. Complexity and Difficulty of Work: Requires strong critical thinking skills and sound judgement especially when stressed. Requires ability to multitask, performing several tasks in parallel and following each through to completion. Requires technical knowledge of specialty assigned to work. Requires organizational and time management skills to accomplish work assigned. 2. Seriousness of Errors. any error may adversely impact patient care. C. Working Conditions 1. Hazards: Potential for exposure to infectious materials, odorous chemicals and specimens. May be exposed to low levels of radiation, electrical hazards and low levels of carcinogens. All working reagents containing hazardous materials are listed in detail in the "Material Safety Data Sheets" (MSDS) manual. The incumbent is responsible for a working knowledge of this information. 2. Adverse Working Conditions: High stress position. May involve prolonged periods of standing and walking. D. Contacts Develops relationships within the Laboratory and between the Laboratory and external groups within the hospital and in the community, as appropriate. 1. Contacts with Customers, the General Public or Other Companies: Possesses excellent verbal, written, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Must have patience and the ability to maintain composure in high stress situations. Must be detail oriented and handle confidential information appropriately. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once are essential as well as excellent customer service skills. 2. Contacts with Other Departments: see above E.

1. Responsibility for the safety of others: performs all duties in a safe manner and adheres to North Oaks Health System’s safety policies and procedures. 2. Responsibility for Company Funds or Property: utilizes hospital property in performance of job duties. 3.

Responsibility for Confidential Information: follows hospital policy and adheres to HIPAA regulations. 4. Responsibility for Performance of Work without immediate supervisor: must be able to function independently and utilize critical thinking skills to resolve problems. 5. Responsibility for the Supervision of Others: none

Performs duties in at least two (2) Laboratory sections including: Chemistry, Heme/Coag/UA, SPM, Inpatient Phlebotomy, Inpatient Specimen Processing, ODC lab, LPMC lab, and/or Anatomical Pathology. Blood bank is specifically excluded. Depending on the sections where training occurs and competency is demonstrated, the duties may include, but are not limited to: 1.

Performs inpatient phlebotomy as needed for patients of all ages according to established Laboratory policies and procedures. 2. Receives patient specimens, accurately accessions them into the Laboratory LIS, and distributes them to the appropriate Laboratory section. May load specimens onto analyzers for analysis.

May prepare specimens for non-automated analysis. Stores and discards samples according to Laboratory policies and procedures. 3. Ensures all specimens are in the correct container, collected properly, labeled correctly such that they contain all required information for processing and meet regulatory requirements. 4.

Processes reference test send outs and verifies correctness of orders and results. 5. Prepares testing systems for patient testing by running necessary quality control, recording and reviewing results, and reporting issues in accordance with Laboratory policy. 6. Performs routine instrument and equipment maintenance documenting it consistent with department policy.

Recognizes malfunctions and initiates trouble-shooting procedures in a timely manner as allowed by training. Reports issues in accordance with Laboratory policy. Participates in implementing backup procedures as needed. 7.

Reports waived patient test results following the Laboratory policies and procedures in each section in which they are trained and deemed competent. 8. Maintains adequate section supplies. Inventory needs are communicated in a timely manner.

Participates in receiving and stocking supply/reagent deliveries. 9. Generates and reviews pending logs resolving issues as needed. Performs adequate handoff of information to incoming shift. 10.

Maintains appropriate logs and required records. 11. Answers phones and takes messages. Responds to non-technical questions from hospital staff/customers.

Provides patient results via fax or telephone to health care providers. 12. Provide customer-oriented service via phone, email, or indirect communication through Laboratory departments with efficiency and accuracy. Enter necessary data into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and/or the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to admit, scan orders, order tests per the requisition/ order, add comments, and identify providers to provide an audit trail of patients’ transactions.

Verify paper physician orders to ensure all tests ordered are electronically ordered accurately within the LIS. Maintain customer and patient data, files, logs, orders, Laboratory records, and pathology results for prescribed periods of time. Ensure continuity of the section’s operations by training for and fulfilling the duties of a Laboratory Courier when needed and assigned. 17.

Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs and department meetings. 18. Assists on special projects as needed. 19. Maintains confidentiality in accordance with hospital policies/procedures and HIPAA regulations. 20.

Performs other duties as assigned. This may include rotation to other shifts including weekends and holidays. 21. Assists in all aspects of emergency response. 22.

Follows North Oaks Health System's compliance programs and all federal and state regulatory guidelines. 23. Performs all duties in a safe manner and adheres to North Oaks Health System’s safety policies and procedures.