Lab Assistant

Conifer Health Solutions•Palm Springs, CA

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Phlebotomy Supervisor, the Lab Assistant performs accurate and skilled blood collection procedures and assists physicians and registered nurses with collections as indicated by staff physician orders and section standards. The role carries out related duties as a professional member of the health care team and is responsible for following policies and procedures for communication and blood specimen collection. It also requires adherence to Hospital and Laboratory policies, including measures to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other safety hazards, and full adherence to the Laboratory Compliance Plan. The Lab Assistant applies an understanding of how age, sex, and abilities may affect the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic components of laboratory testing. The position requires professional communication and cooperation with coworkers and Hospital employees, use of the Hospital customer service strategy, and productive, efficient work. The employee maintains phlebotomy work areas, including patient rooms, and supports the overall function of the section. The role includes other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Current California Phlebotomist certification (CPT1), which must be maintained.
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent public relations skills.

Responsibilities

Perform accurate blood collection procedures and assist physicians and registered nurses with collections as indicated by orders and section standards.
Follow specimen communication and collection procedures, Hospital and Laboratory policies, safety requirements, and the Laboratory Compliance Plan.
Work accurately according to procedure manuals and supervisor instructions; verify patient, specimen, and test identification.
Enter orders, document on logs and worksheets, enter results, and correctly record and process referral specimens.
Notify appropriate staff or clients when necessary and document actions taken; communicate relevant information to the next shift.
Complete assigned daily duties and investigate and resolve pending or incomplete work and clerical or technical discrepancies.
Perform and record quality control, take and document appropriate action, and participate successfully in proficiency testing.
Maintain organized records and workstations, and ensure or perform routine maintenance of phlebotomy areas, including patient rooms.
Complete training within an acceptable timeframe, retain knowledge of department procedures, and train new employees according to department guidelines when assigned.
Troubleshoot procedural, quality-control, instrument, and computer problems, resolving or reporting them to appropriate personnel.
Recognize abnormal results or questionable patient information and follow department protocols; evaluate specimen adequacy and integrity according to guidelines and patient welfare.
Assist with departmental projects and management support as needed; initiate charge reconciliation when appropriate.
Use sound judgment, assess situations, choose appropriate actions, and involve a supervisor or manager when needed; function responsibly when supervisory personnel are absent.
Complete testing within turnaround-time guidelines, organize and complete multiple tasks accurately, maintain productivity under pressure, and finish assignments with minimal supervision.
Use work time productively, suggest and support improvements, minimize waste, and restrict personal phone calls and activities.
Order, stock, rotate stock, and clean as appropriate; maintain clean and safe work areas and follow safety and infection-control procedures.
Report to work as scheduled, follow Hospital policies for breaks and lunch periods, and wear a photo ID badge while on Hospital property.
Use proper identification in personal and telephone communications; protect patient privacy by discussing only clinically relevant information in appropriate surroundings.
Communicate clearly and respectfully, respond to difficult situations with self-control and a positive attitude, share responsibilities, assist coworkers, and recognize department contributions.