Lab Assistant

Conifer Health Solutions•Palm Springs, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Phlebotomy Supervisor, the Lab Assistant performs accurate 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 follows policies and procedures for communication and blood specimen collection. The Lab Assistant adheres to Hospital and Laboratory policies, including safety measures to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other hazards, and follows the Laboratory Compliance Plan. The role considers age-, sex-, and ability-related physiological and psychological differences in laboratory testing; communicates professionally; provides customer-focused service; and supports the overall operation of the section. Duties also include routine maintenance of phlebotomy areas, including patient rooms, and other related tasks as assigned. The position performs and documents laboratory and administrative work, including specimen identification and processing, order entry, quality control, proficiency testing, troubleshooting, record maintenance, and resolution of pending work. It supports training, departmental projects, inventory and cleaning, and safe, efficient laboratory operations.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Perform accurate and skilled blood collection procedures and assist physicians and registered nurses with collections as indicated by orders and section standards.
Follow procedure manuals, supervisor instructions, Hospital and Laboratory policies, safety and infection-control practices, and the Laboratory Compliance Plan.
Verify patient, specimen, and test identification; evaluate specimen adequacy and integrity; and correctly process referral specimens.
Enter orders, document work on logs and worksheets, enter results, and initiate charge reconciliation when appropriate.
Perform and record quality control and proficiency testing, and take or document appropriate action when results or procedures require it.
Recognize abnormal results or questionable patient information and follow departmental protocols to resolve concerns.
Investigate pending or incomplete work and clerical, technical, or computer discrepancies; resolve or report problems to appropriate personnel.
Complete assigned daily duties and communicate necessary information to the next shift and appropriate staff or clients.
Maintain organized records and workstations, and perform routine maintenance, cleaning, stocking, stock rotation, and ordering as appropriate.
Complete training within the expected time frame; retain knowledge of department procedures; and train new employees according to departmental guidelines, documenting their progress.
Troubleshoot procedures, quality-control issues, and instruments.
Function responsibly when supervisory personnel are absent, assess situations, choose appropriate actions, and involve a supervisor or manager when needed.
Complete work accurately and within departmental turnaround-time guidelines, organize multiple tasks, and maintain productivity under job pressures.
Use available time productively, minimize waste, and suggest or support improvements to departmental efficiency.
Report to work as scheduled and follow Hospital policies regarding attendance, breaks, and meal periods.
Maintain clean and safe work areas, wear a photo ID badge while on Hospital property, and provide proper identification in personal and phone 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, and share responsibilities and assist coworkers.
Consider age-, sex-, and ability-related physiological and psychological differences in the appropriate components of laboratory testing.
Perform miscellaneous related duties and other duties as assigned.