What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Assistant 24 Hours, Evenings position at UMass Memorial Health?
Title: Lab Assistant 24 Hours, Evenings
Department: Laboratory
Requisition #: 234666
Hours: 24
Shift: 8 hours shifts. Evening including every other weekend and holiday rotation
Union: Non-Union
Posting Date: 12/27/22
Status: Non-exempt/Hourly
Location: HealthAlliance, Leominster Campus
HealthAlliance Hospital is part of the UMass Memorial Heath Care system. We’re committed to improving the health of people in our community through excellence in care and comprehensive health services. Promoting healthy lifestyle habits, we serve as a role model by having a tobacco and smoke free campus and hiring nicotine free employees. By exploring careers with us, you are committed to giving your best to our patients, our community and everyone working on our HealthAlliance Care Team. Whatever your career choice, know that at HealthAlliance Hospital you can make a difference.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Responsible for performing venipunctures and capillary blood collections as established in the laboratory policy and procedure manual. Processes all specimen types for in-house
analysis, properly packages and stores specimens for reference laboratory testing.
Performs a limited number of laboratory tests under the direct supervision of a Clinical
Laboratory Scientist (MT / MLT) or Laboratory Supervisor. Places patient specimens on automated equipment for analysis. Performs routine maintenance and quality control on non-complex laboratory equipment.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Proper identification of the patient using two identifiers: patient name and date of birth.
- Perform a variety of routine blood drawing procedures to include venipuncture and capillary puncture (finger) using standardized equipment.
- Respond to all STAT blood work requests within 30 minutes. Respond to all timed specimen requests within / - 15 minutes.
- Confer with patients to obtain information for laboratory records, explain procedures, allay fears and elicit cooperation.
- Transport specimens to the laboratory while maintaining specimen integrity.
- Adhere to standard precautions and all infection control policies and procedures.
- Prepare, process, label and store patient specimens according to departmental procedures using approved techniques and equipment, for subsequent analysis by the clinical laboratory.
- Centrifuge, aliquot, and appropriately store all reference laboratory specimens per laboratory policies and procedures. Build transport batches to prepare specimens for courier pickup.
- Maintain phlebotomy trays in a neat, organized, and professional manner.
- Answer the laboratory telephones within 3 rings.
- Maintain entire work area in a neat, clean, and organized manner.
- Limited laboratory testing (i.e. automated Hematology, automated Chemistry, routine UA reagent strips, etc.) in each laboratory section is performed in a timely manner according to departmental policies and procedures.
- Patient results are entered into the Novius lab computer system using the SAVE function.
- Employee participates in proficiency testing on all waived tests performed. Annual competencies for testing are done in a timely manner.
- Slides for CBC microscopic are prepared with an adequate feathered edge, properly labeled and placed on automated stainer.
- Laboratory equipment is maintained to ensure that consistent and accurate testing is accomplished.
- Adequacy of specimens is evaluated according to departmental guidelines. Unacceptable specimens are brought to the attention of a CLS.
- Quality control is performed and the data is used to evaluate acceptability of patient results. Outliers are brought to the attention of a CLS.
- Uses troubleshooting skills to identify basic QC, instrument and / or methodology problems.
- All issues are brought to the attention of a CLS.
- Employee volunteers to assist with data collection for performance improvement initiatives and other ongoing projects within the department.
- All computer functions are performed as defined in the laboratory procedure manual to ensure efficiency is maintained in the receipt and delivery of all lab specimens.
- Registration procedures are performed for outpatients and lab drop off specimens as defined by departmental protocol.
- Medical necessity checking on outpatient lab orders is performed in an efficient and accurate manner. This includes determining medical necessity of testing, professional explanation to the patient, follow-up with the ordering physician’s office, and accountability for all paperwork.
- Complies with laboratory policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements.
- Employee must wear all required personnel protective equipment.
Job duties for all positions:
- Takes responsibility for ensuring that all work outcomes satisfy the HealthAlliance Three Pillars: Finance, Quality, and Service Excellence.
- The individual must support the mission, vision, and goals of HealthAlliance Hospitals and serve as a role model for the CARES- It Happens Here customer service initiative.
- Demonstrates excellent attendance and actively participates in a variety of meetings and training sessions as required.
- Demonstrates a friendly, responsive, service-minded attitude to all internal and external customers.
- Communicates ideas effectively. Shares information and keeps others properly informed. Gives, and is open to useful feedback.
- Adheres to the HealthAlliance Hospital Code of Conduct and Behavior Standards and dress code.
- Complies with established environment of care/safety policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements.
- Maintains, and fosters, an organized, clean, safe work environment.
- Actively contributes to the development and application of process improvements.
- Maintains a collaborative, team relationship with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the group’s achievement of goals and to help foster a positive work environment.
- Demonstrates respect for the diversity of patient and employee populations. Supports and encourages diverse points of view, work and lifestyles.
- Practices cost containment and fiscal responsibility through the efficient use of supplies, equipment, time, etc.
- Performs a variety of related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION:
High School diploma or equivalent and completion of a medical assistant and / or certified phlebotomy program. Completion of college chemistry and / or biology courses preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum One year of phlebotomy experience with patients of all ages.
An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, ETC. :
None required.
Preferred: Phlebotomy certification through American Society of Clinical Pathology PBT(ASCP)
Salary : $38,100 - $48,300