Lab Assistant No X-Ray

Central Florida Health Care•Winter Haven, FL

About The Position

The Lab Assistant performs daily clinical laboratory operations and testing, including phlebotomy, other ordered specimen collection, EKGs, requisition completion, computer entry and data retrieval, and processing in-house and send-out results in collaboration with nursing and provider staff. The position calibrates and performs quality control on laboratory equipment; operates Cell-Dyn or other CBC systems; performs waived and moderately complex testing; and prepares specimens for transport. Basic x-rays may be performed only if the employee is licensed and trained in x-ray technique. Other duties may be assigned by the Ancillary Services Manager. The position follows CFHC policies and applicable state and federal guidelines, uses Universal Precautions, maintains accurate documentation and equipment records, communicates results and critical values to appropriate clinical staff, and supports safe, efficient laboratory services. It also requires compassionate, HIPAA-compliant patient communication and cooperation with the medical team.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Medical Assistant with phlebotomy training or a minimum of two years of phlebotomy experience.
Active BLS.
Phlebotomy skills.
Computer skills.
Excellent eye-hand coordination and organizational skills.
Ability to manage stress while performing multiple activities simultaneously.
Ability to operate equipment such as computers and calculators.
Ability to read and understand forms, instructions, and technical information.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of safety regulations and appropriate safety measures, including OSHA, CLIA, and COLA standards.
Ability to identify deviations from expectations and respond affirmatively to constructive criticism.
Ability to stand, walk, and sit for long periods; be independently mobile; and lift weights equivalent to those required to assist and position patients, reposition equipment, and lift supplies.
Ability to adapt and function in varying workloads, patient acuity, worksites, and work shifts.

Nice To Haves

Laboratory experience.
Bilingual.

Responsibilities

Perform phlebotomy and other specimen collection as ordered, and label specimens and complete requisitions appropriately.
Perform in-house testing, including EKGs, and process in-house and send-out laboratory results in collaboration with nursing and provider staff.
Perform basic x-rays only if licensed and trained in x-ray technique.
Complete computer entry and data retrieval, make required encounter-ticket notations, and maintain back-up copies of laboratory results.
Date-stamp and direct laboratory results to nursing staff for provider review in a timely manner; follow up on critical values and report them to the ordering provider or nurse if the provider is absent.
Review results for inconsistencies, errors, problems, and reportable diseases; follow up with reference laboratories as needed and refer reportable results to the Nurse Supervisor or lead nurse for appropriate follow-up.
Prepare specimens for transport, maintain daily logs of specimens obtained, and ensure reports are received from the reference laboratory.
Obtain required patient consent before collecting HIV, AFP, and drug-screening specimens.
Perform scheduled calibration and quality assurance testing; maintain equipment in working order and document inspections, maintenance, repairs, calibrations, and quality assurance activities.
Maintain laboratory supplies, restock as needed, and submit supply requisitions through the laboratory Supervisor according to procedure.
Assist laboratory relief personnel with proper procedure performance.
Comply with CFHC policies and procedures, state and federal guidelines, the exposure control plan, Universal Precautions, and applicable safety standards.
Attend laboratory staff meetings and continuing education activities as recommended by the supervisor; provide off-hours coverage as needed.
Participate in quality improvement by suggesting ways to improve laboratory services, efficiency, and paperwork processes.
Work cooperatively with the medical team and support coworkers; communicate compassionately with patients while maintaining HIPAA compliance and using two patient identifiers.
Maintain a neat, professional appearance and a clean work area; decontaminate the work area daily and as needed.