Laboratory Assistant

Position Summary:

Under general supervision of the Laboratory Manager, accomplishes the Laboratory Office’s strategic objectives by planning, organizing, and supervising the assigned functions required to operate and maintain departmental activities and services. Performs Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived and moderately complex laboratory procedures under supervision. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Follow the directive to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances including the Joint Commission Accreditation and Commission of Laboratory Accreditation (COLA).
• Participate in maintaining and monitoring the department’s monthly quality assurance, safety, environmental, infection control and compliance issues with state, COLA, the Joint Commission and CLIA requirements.
• Perform venipunctures and microbiology blood collections.
• Label and prepare specimen for examination.
• Perform clerical duties, such as typing, filing, assigning code numbers and price to laboratory tests.
• Assist patients as needed with walking, transfer, specimen collection, etc.
• Ensure the well-being of patients and provide a positive, supportive environment for patients and other staff.
• Maintain and monitor inventory on materials and supplies, and daily temperature logs.
• Discard biohazard waste in accordance to OSHA and CLIA regulations.
• Ensure confidentiality of all employee drug/alcohol screening records and other information.
• Attend regular staff meetings to ensure communication among personnel regarding laboratory activities.
• Attend mandatory training as required.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge.
• Participate in BLS, Infection Control, Patient Safety, Fire Safety Trainings and other required training.
• Comply with Sage Memorial Hospital Personnel Policies and Procedures, department rules & regulations and established protocols.
• Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of applicable tribal, federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, including the Joint Commission Accreditation and Commission of Laboratory Accreditation.
• Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of technical limitation, work under stressful situations
• Prioritize and multi-task to optimize patient flow and the patient experience.
• Proper, concise and complete EMR documentation and paper-based documentation.
• Knowledge of BLS, Infection Control, Patient Safety, Emergency Codes and Fire Safety.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language both verbally and in writing with staff and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and demonstrate team-building skills with empathy and enthusiasm.
• Ability to speak the Navajo language and/or familiarity with the Navajo Way.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything, and continually seek improvement in results.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to reach and grasp objects; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office with moderate noise level. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.