Clinical Lab Assistant - Casual

Independence Health System Careers•Greensburg, PA

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Assistant assists technical staff with the preparation, processing, handling, and tracking of laboratory specimens. The role provides general laboratory support, including computer system order entry, patient registration, and specimen and order procurement and handling. The employee may work in the clinical laboratory, cytology, or microbiology. The position receives and performs pre-analytic examination of patient specimens, verifies specimen and order identification, accessions and labels specimens, assesses basic specimen integrity, and forwards specimens to the appropriate laboratory sections. It also supports accurate information exchange through laboratory and hospital information systems, monitors reports, responds to inquiries, and helps maintain timely testing and communication. The assistant maintains an organized, stocked, and clean work area; supports technical staff and general departmental operations; communicates with healthcare professionals and physician offices; and follows applicable technical policies and procedures for quality, records, billing, safety, biohazard waste, and specimen packaging and shipping. The employee will begin breath alcohol and urine drug screen training. Scheduling is based on operational need and may include rotating shifts, standby, or on-call work. Local travel between system locations may be expected.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher education.
Strong leadership ability, organizational skills, independent and critical-thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of the legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Basic math and keyboard proficiency.
Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.
Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a laboratory assistant.
Experience in laboratory specimen procurement and receiving, or enrollment in an appropriate clinical laboratory program.
Experience in a specimen receiving position.
Experience as a phlebotomist.
Experience handling patient specimens.
College or technical school experience with laboratory specimens.
Completion of core coursework in biological science or a related field.
Experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate competency in appropriate computer system functions and ensure accurate patient specimen identification, data entry, and transcription.
Resolve questionable information in a timely manner and use the order-entry system to request supplies and services and assist with troubleshooting.
Maintain continuity of communication from physician orders through resulting, monitor reports to track specimens and results, retrieve information, and resolve inquiries promptly.
Maintain a general understanding of HIS-LIS information exchange and requirements for accurate communication transactions.
Receive and perform pre-analytic examination of patient specimens; verify specimen and laboratory order identification; and accurately accession orders and specimens.
Label specimens according to departmental policy, assess basic specimen integrity using current specimen requirements, and forward specimens to appropriate laboratory sections promptly.
Prepare and process laboratory specimens to preserve integrity through pre-analytic and post-analytic phases.
Manage time and changing priorities to support testing turnaround and workflow, including assisting technical staff, completing office work, housekeeping, and putting away supplies as needed.
Maintain operational readiness by organizing records and reports, distributing supplies and information, and keeping the work area organized, stocked, and clean.
Interact with healthcare professionals to obtain or exchange information and expedite laboratory services; communicate specimen collection requirements and handle telephone communications courteously, accurately, and confidentially.
Seek guidance or assistance for unusual requests or problems and obtain or communicate documentation needed for workflow continuity.
Comply with established technical policies and procedures, including those concerning quality control and assurance, record retention, requisitions and orders, billing, biohazard waste, safety, and specimen packaging and shipping.
Begin breath alcohol and urine drug screen training.
Perform other duties as assigned.