Assistant, Laboratory

Kaiser Permanente • Atlanta, GA

91d

About The Position

A Laboratory Assistant is responsible for the proper collection and processing of laboratory specimens under the task direction of the Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor, Medical Technologist II, Medical Technologist/Technician and/or Lead Lab Assistant. He/she is expected to be competent in the use of the laboratory information system, and KP HealthConnect/EPIC to assist in the handling of test orders, reports (i.e., filing, distributing, faxing) and to maintain supplies associated with assigned duties. A laboratory assistant is also expected to demonstrate excellent customer service skills, teamwork, professionalism, good judgment/critical thinking, and organizational skills.

Requirements

• One (1) year of phlebotomy experience with children and adults.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Basic Life Support certification.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of a phlebotomy training program.
• Must demonstrate good customer service skills.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must have a history of punctuality.
• Must have a history of good attendance.

Responsibilities

• Collect laboratory specimens: Perform venipuncture proficiently on all age groups.
• Escort members for urine specimen collection to the rest room and explain collection procedure.
• Follow department policies/procedures for specimen collection, including Standard Precautions.
• Maintain a professional demeanor/appearance per regional policy while collecting specimens.
• Research and collect appropriate specimen for the test requested.
• Address members properly, collecting specimens efficiently with compassion.
• Clearly explain, ensure understanding of collection/storage instructions for patients with take home tests.
• Promptly respond to requests for venipunctures to be performed in areas outside of the lab.
• Be familiar with emergency codes and be able to execute appropriate emergency procedures.
• Protect PHI per HIPAA, including shred or properly dispose of all unused labels.
• Keep work area/phlebotomy room clean/stocked with in date supplies, stations wiped/sanitized in between patients, and complete checklist.
• Deliver great customer service: Show care and respect for members at all times, resolving issues or finding someone who can.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external customers.
• Prioritize work to meet member/customer needs: e.g., update members of any delays or extended wait times and verify check-in/walk-in for labs.
• Consistently displays good communication skills.
• Greet members promptly using good customer service skills (make eye contact, smile).
• Exhibit competency in Cerner, the laboratory information system.
• Exhibit competency in HealthConnect/EPIC.
• Maintain a professional demeanor/appearance per regional policy at all times.
• Use good telephone etiquette (give name, location).
• No eating, drinking, chewing gum, no cell phone usage in patient care and testing areas, or applying makeup.
• Process all orders accurately.
• Monitor the waiting area for members waiting, using the Caution List.
• Protect PHI per HIPAA.
• Keep lab area neat, clean and stocked with in date supplies & patient instructions.
• Process specimens: Process STATS, coagulation, and other time sensitive specimens immediately.
• Notify the technologist when stats are brought into the technical area.
• Follow through with add-on requests.
• Follow department policies/procedures for processing specimens.
• Monitor pending functions/list daily to ensure all collected specimens have been processed.
• Keep accessioning work area clean/stocked with in date necessary and appropriate supplies, complete checklist.
• Be informed/provide information: Complete all mandatory training, policy/procedure review and competency requirements.
• Assist with preparation of facility lab, participate in internal DHR inspections, being prepared to answer inspectors questions.
• Attend department and facility meetings as well as applicable in-service education programs.
• Responsible for reading and complying with information communicated in weekly laboratory newsletters and Cerner pop-ups.
• Document quality issues and communicate to supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Ambulatory Health Care Services
• Education Level: High school or GED