CLIN LAB ASSISTANT

Covenant Health•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant provides phlebotomy services and performs EKGs, verifying patient identity before procedures. The role processes and aliquots specimens, ensures aliquot tubes are matched to their source specimens, receives and identifies specimens before labeling, and orders tests in the hospital information system. The assistant may train new employees in Laboratory Assistant skills after completing the required training and checklist sign-off. The position also performs accessioning, specimen processing, order entry, basic patient registration, and testing functions under the direction of licensed laboratory personnel as permitted by state law. It helps maintain supply levels and works with coworkers to provide timely, quality collections. Departmental maintenance and other assigned duties may also be required. Employees must follow laboratory safety practices, use appropriate protective equipment, demonstrate safe body mechanics, and provide safe and competent care, including responding appropriately in emergencies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, with coursework including English, typing, filing, and general office etiquette.
Ability to read with comprehension and write legibly, with proficiency in proper grammar.
Familiarity with hospital services and operations; knowledge of general office practices.
Ability to operate a copy machine, hospital phone system, laboratory information system, and hospital information system.
Knowledge of proper blood specimen collection techniques, including appropriate tubes, anticoagulants, and preservatives, acquired through formal education, previous experience, or on-the-job training.
Effective communication skills and the computer skills needed to perform assigned duties.
Ability to use critical thinking when assessing patients and determine when assistance is needed to ensure quality patient care.
For staff caring for age-specific groups, knowledge of the biopsychosocial needs of adult, geriatric, and pediatric patients, including applicable growth and development needs.
Demonstrated competency in unit-specific functions and adherence to laboratory health and safety practices.
Previous phlebotomy experience is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with medical terminology and computer software.
Previous phlebotomy experience.

Responsibilities

Perform accessioning and specimen-processing functions.
Enter orders and perform basic patient registration.
Perform basic phlebotomy for adults, children, and infants.
Perform EKGs.
Perform testing functions under the direction of licensed laboratory personnel, as permitted by state law.
Verify the accuracy of patient, specimen, and order information.
Monitor supply levels and replenish stock as necessary.
Work with coworkers as a team to provide quality and timely collections.
Train new employees in Laboratory Assistant skills after completing the required training and checklist sign-off.
Perform departmental maintenance and other duties as assigned.