CLINICAL LAB ASSISTANT

Independence Health System•Mount Pleasant, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Assists technical staff in the preparation, processing, handling and tracking of laboratory specimens. Competent in general laboratory support services such as computer system order entry, registration of patients, procurement and handling of specimens and orders. May work in clinical lab, cytology and microbiology.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a lab assistant.
Experience in laboratory specimen procurement and receiving position or enrolled in an appropriate clinical Laboratory program.
Experience in a specimen receiving position.
Experience as phlebotomist.
Experience handling patient specimens.
College/Technical school experience with laboratory specimens
Core course completion in a Biological Science, or related field
Experience in Healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate competency in appropriate computer system functions, assuring accuracy of patient specimen identification, data entry, and transcription of information.
Utilize effectively order entry system to place requests for supplies and services and aid in trouble shooting.
Ensure continuity of communication from physician orders through to resulting.
Monitor various reports to track specimens and/or results.
Retrieve information in an efficient manner providing timely resolution to inquiries.
Maintain a general understanding of the HIS-LIS exchange of information and the overall information requirements to ensure accurate completion of communication transactions.
Responsible for receipt and pre-analytic examination of patient specimens, verifying the correct identification of patient specimens and laboratory orders.
Accession patient specimens and orders accurately and completely to ensure successful and timely progression of testing.
Label specimens according to departmental policy to ensure correct specimen identification through processing to reporting of results.
Maintain knowledge of current specimen requirements to assess basic specimen integrity.
Forward specimens to appropriate laboratory sections in a timely manner to maintain departmental efficiency.
Prepare and process laboratory specimens appropriately to ensure specimen integrity through the pre-analytic phase and post-analytic phase.
Plan and utilize time effectively and efficiently to maintain optimal testing turnaround time.
Use time to departmental advantage by filling in with office work, assisting technical staff, performing general housekeeping duties, putting away supplies, or performing other duties as necessary.
Demonstrate ability to deal with changes in priorities to provide smooth and consistent workflow.
Maintain operational readiness of work area to ensure continuity of operations.
Organize records/reports to enable timely retrieval of information.
Facilitate distribution of supplies and information between hospital employees and physician offices.
Assure work area is organized, stocked and clean.
Interact with various health care professionals to obtain or exchange information to expedite laboratory services.
Retrieve requested information in a timely manner.
Effectively communicate specimen collection requirements as requested.
Handle telephone communications with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for confidentiality.
Seek guidance or ask for assistance from appropriate personnel regarding unusual requests or problems.
Effectively communicate and/or obtain documentation for continuity of workflow.
Comply with all established guidelines as documented in technical policies and procedures as related, but not limited to: quality control, quality assurance, record retention, requisitions and orders, billing, biohazard waste management, safety, specimen packaging and shipping.
Actively begin breath alcohol training and urine drug screen training.
Other duties as assigned.