Lab Assistant III-P - Full Time - 1.0 FTE, 08-HR, Day Shift

Stanford Health Care•Stanford, CA

5d•$40 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Pre-Analytical Supervisor or Section Supervisor, the Lab Assistant III-P performs accessioning, specimen receiving and processing, phone support, result faxing and distribution, and phlebotomy. The role completes assignments accurately and promptly while preserving patient-sample quality, uses sound judgment to identify and address irregularities or unusual requests, follows written procedures, and performs other duties or projects as assigned. The position also assists with training new employees and students as needed. The assistant rotates through areas of the department, including specimen receiving, microbiology, billing, phones, accessioning, spin/aliquot, and inpatient and outpatient phlebotomy. The role supports laboratory workflow by preparing and distributing specimens, responding to inquiries, maintaining supplies and records, and communicating courteously with patients, clinicians, and other staff. The position is onsite at Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto and is full-time, 1.0 FTE, on an eight-hour day shift.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Two years of directly related work experience.
Current CPT certification.
Ability to establish good working relationships with professional, technical, and nontechnical staff.
Ability to keep blood-drawing trays and equipment clean and organized.
Ability to organize, prioritize, multitask, and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to perform blood collection using skin (micro) puncture and venipuncture.
Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English effectively at a level appropriate for the job.
Knowledge of basic laboratory testing procedures, laboratory precautions, and the use and care of laboratory equipment in the assigned area.
Knowledge of instruments, methods, and materials used in a hospital laboratory.
Knowledge of phlebotomy methods and techniques.
Knowledge of nontechnical laboratory needs, usually acquired through work experience and/or schooling.
Data-entry skills.

Responsibilities

Accurately enter patient information into the laboratory computer system and check requests for complete and accurate information.
Consult a supervisor, lead, or technologist about unclear or unusual requests, and notify relevant clinical personnel when specimens are inappropriate or compromised.
Route processed specimens to the appropriate laboratory areas and distribute STAT requests promptly.
Answer calls and inquiries about testing status, provide results, transfer calls, and accurately record results from reference laboratories.
Assist with media, reagent, and glassware preparation when requested.
Centrifuge, aliquot, plate, and otherwise process specimens so testing can be performed appropriately and promptly.
Communicate cooperatively and courteously with physicians, nurses, visitors, and laboratory or hospital staff, responding to needs with minimal waiting time.
Follow departmental attendance, punctuality, health, and safety policies and patient-identification procedures.
Use appropriate venipuncture and capillary-stick techniques, collect the proper sample, and handle samples correctly during transport.
Independently resolve routine work problems and escalate issues or requests when supervisor or technologist assistance is appropriate.
Keep current with procedures, techniques, and changes in laboratory areas through which the employee rotates.
Keep work areas clean and stocked, notify appropriate personnel when inventory is low, dispose of waste properly, and maintain supplies for nursing units.
Maintain logs, records, and other data legibly and precisely.
Rotate through departmental areas as required, including specimen receiving, microbiology, billing, phones, accessioning, spin/aliquot, and inpatient and outpatient phlebotomy.
Obtain inpatient and outpatient blood specimens according to laboratory guidelines and policies, completing routine, urgent, and STAT draws efficiently.
Prepare and package samples for reference laboratories and ensure accompanying paperwork is complete, accurate, and legible.
Print and distribute reports by fax, US mail, or interdepartmental mail as requested.
Orient and train Lab Assistants and new employees in general laboratory procedures and nontechnical duties.
Receive specimens delivered by pneumatic system, couriers, patients, or hospital personnel and distribute or route them according to procedure.
Promptly report equipment, machinery, or other problems to a supervisor or lead.
Understand patient-care and laboratory priorities and assist others to maintain efficient workflow.
Use age-specific competencies and developmentally appropriate techniques when working with children, while conveying concern for the patient.