Laboratory Assistant

Summary:

Performs all lab assistant procedures (including, but not limited to, phlebotomy, client processing, and client services representative functions) and oversees such staff under the guidelines and supervision of the assigned Leader to assure appropriate patient care is met. Responsible for monitoring, rotating stock, or requesting general laboratory and phlebotomy supplies as needed. Assists in specimen processing/handling, collection, and designated testing functions in all areas of the lab.

Responsibilities:

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Customer Service / AIDET / Standards of Behavior.
• Trains and performs competency checklist with all Phlebotomist/ laboratory assistant staff.
• Monitors the collection report; resolves problems; completes related paperwork and computer functions.
• Uses centrifuge, prepares and assures serum/blood specimens are acceptable; prepares specimen for referral to outside reference laboratories; dispenses blood products under supervision of medical technologist.
• Monitoring the collection area continuously during the shift to assure that all specimens are collected within a timely manner and assisting the phlebotomists in obtaining specimens, if necessary.
• Handling inquiries, questions and problems as they arise, both within the laboratory and between the lab and other departments in the hospital, maintaining a professional image and exhibiting excellent service. Greets all customers, clients, outpatients, and visitors physically or on the telephone; provides accurate, appropriate, and courteous response to technical questions and results inquiry as requested by physicians and nursing personnel.
• Communicating follow-up information regarding patient care issues or physician related complaints to the appropriate supervisor, manager, charge tech or director.
• Performs clerical office duties, client processing, and client service representative duties, as assigned/required.
• Enters orders and cancellations using Hospital LIS. Receives and processes specimens collected and/or add-on tests and distributes them to the appropriate departments.
• Processes and maintains laboratory records and reports; monitors chart print rounds for completion and processes reports for Health Information, faxes or mails reports as requested by physicians or clients, processes reference reports, resolves all pending transactions, and maintains printers, copier, and fax machine.
• Specimen collections are initiated within the appropriate response time. Monitors the collections pending. Reports and resolves problems, completes related paperwork and computer functions.
• Works as a team member to perform and complete all patient related testing/reporting regardless of individual assignments, to provide timely results on a daily basis. Completes tasks or special projects within the time frame, allowed per any guidelines established as assigned by laboratory supervisory personnel.
• Inventory control – monitors supply receiving area, distributes supplies, restocks, and processes packing slips; notifies appropriate supervisor/manager when instrument parts, reagents, or supplies are at reorder levels; dates reagents when received and opened according to laboratory policy, and notifies supervisor of expired reagents; completes supply orders, as assigned.
• Practices safety, infection control, and security as defined by the hospital department and section policy and procedure manuals; follows all safety and infection control procedures including wearing appropriate PPE for assigned job functions; disposes of biohazardous materials and hazardous chemicals as established by departmental policy; all patient information, including lab results, are maintained in the strictest of confidence, limited to health care professionals needing this information to perform patient care.
• Demonstrates work schedule flexibility by willingly rotating shifts and changing assignments, as required.

Job Requirements:

Education/Skills

• Associate of Science Degree preferred
• Basic knowledge in the areas of microbiology, immunology or molecular biology and biochemistry as related to infectious diseases required

Experience

• 2 years of experience as a Phlebotomist or Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory setting required
• 5+ years of experience preferred

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Medical Laboratory Assistant Certification or Phlebotomist Certification - PBT (ASCP), RPT (AMT), CPT (NPA) or equivalent required
• Louisiana requires State Licensure

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.

Work Schedule:

MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE

Work Type:

Full Time