Lab Assistant

Tenet Healthcare Corporation • Palm Springs, CA

5d • 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 performs related duties as a professional member of the healthcare team and follows communication and blood-sample collection policies and procedures.

The Lab Assistant adheres to hospital and laboratory policies, including those designed to prevent accidental or unnecessary exposure to blood-borne pathogens and safety hazards, and follows the Laboratory Compliance Plan. The position applies understanding of age-, sex-, and ability-related physiological and psychological differences to pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic laboratory testing. The Lab Assistant communicates professionally with coworkers and other hospital employees, uses the hospital customer-service strategy, and works productively and cooperatively.

The role ensures or performs routine maintenance of phlebotomy areas, including patient rooms; supports the overall function of the section; and performs miscellaneous related duties and other duties as assigned. This is a full-time night-shift position with 10-hour shifts from 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; workdays rotate.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must have and maintain current California Phlebotomist certification (CPT1).
• Must possess excellent organizational and public relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform accurate blood collection procedures and assist physicians and registered nurses with collections as indicated by orders and section standards.
• Work according to procedure manuals and supervisor instructions; verify correct specimen, test, and patient identification.
• Enter orders, document on logs and worksheets, enter results within departmental limits, and correctly record and process referral specimens.
• Notify appropriate staff or clients when necessary and document actions taken; communicate necessary information to the next shift.
• Complete assigned daily duties; investigate and resolve pending or incomplete work and clerical or technical discrepancies.
• Perform and record quality control and take and document appropriate action.
• Maintain neat, organized records and workstations, and perform routine maintenance of phlebotomy areas, including patient rooms.
• Complete training within an acceptable timeframe; understand and retain department procedures; teach or train new employees according to department guidelines and document progress.
• Troubleshoot procedure, quality-control, instrument, and computer problems; resolve computer problems or report them to appropriate personnel.
• Participate successfully in proficiency testing and assist with departmental projects and management support as needed.
• Apply understanding of age-, sex-, and ability-related physiological and psychological differences to appropriate components of laboratory testing.
• Recognize abnormal results or questionable patient information and follow department protocols for resolution.
• Evaluate specimen adequacy and integrity according to departmental guidelines and optimal patient welfare.
• Initiate charge reconciliation when appropriate, such as when a test was not performed.
• Function responsibly when supervisory personnel are absent; assess situations, consider alternatives, choose an appropriate course of action, and know when to involve a supervisor or manager.
• Complete testing within departmental turnaround-time guidelines; finish assignments with minimal supervision; produce an acceptable quantity of work and manage simultaneous tasks accurately.
• Use available time productively, maintain productivity under job pressures, and suggest or support improvements to department efficiency.
• Minimize waste of supplies and equipment; order, stock, rotate stock, and clean as appropriate.
• Report to work as scheduled, follow hospital policies for breaks and lunch periods, and take responsibility for preventing absences and tardiness.
• Practice appropriate safety and infection-control procedures; maintain clean and safe work areas; comply with laboratory and hospital policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Wear a photo identification badge while on hospital property and provide proper identification in personal and telephone communications.
• Respect patient privacy by discussing only clinically relevant information in appropriate surroundings.
• Respond to difficult situations with self-control and a positive attitude; communicate clearly and respectfully with coworkers, share responsibilities, offer assistance, and recognize other departments’ contributions.
• Perform miscellaneous related duties and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Paid time off.
• Career development and continuing education opportunities.
• Health savings accounts and healthcare and dependent flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee discount program.
• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long-term care, elder and childcare, and auto and home insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED