Lab Assistant 7501 #13350

Oroville Hospital•Oroville, CA

34d•$26 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant will coordinate and perform tasks and activities in several areas of the clinical laboratory. Each day a certain Laboratory Assistant will be assigned specific areas of responsibility within the scope of the job as outlined herein. Depending upon the area of responsibility the Laboratory Assistant will monitor the status of the workflow of the tasks involved and shall prioritize each task, coordinate performance of tasks by other phlebotomists and report frequently and directly to the Lab Manager about completion of tasks.

Requirements

High School Graduate or Equivalent
Certification as a trained phlebotomist in the state of California
At least one year of experience as a phlebotomist
Current BLS from the American Heart Association for Healthcare Providers
The Laboratory Assistant must have fine motor coordination, clear speech, normal hearing, and good visual acuity with ability to distinguish major colors.
Must be able to move readily from one location to another in the hospital and within the lab

Responsibilities

Oversees specimen collection activities
Oversees specimen referral activities
Oversees laboratory requisition preparation for outpatients
Oversees training for new Phlebotomists
Processes sample tests in some technical areas
Updating of manuals outlining phlebotomy procedures and specimen requirements
Workload recording
Supply / equipment inventory ordering
Chemical hygiene and / or lab safety procedures
Oversees rotation of stored patient samples (blood)
Oversees washing of lab glassware
Oversees unpacking of supplies
Maintains that orders for blood draws when received are routed in order of priority to the phlebotomy team
Monitors integrity of patient specimen collection processes and reports to Lab Manger
Keeps the Lab manager informed of all phlebotomy activities and personnel problems
Maintains that all aspects of processing and handling of all specimens referred out (routine and esoteric) are carried out in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner
Researches specimen requirements for reference labs and arranges for critical specimen handling and complex transportation arrangements when needed
Oversees processing and handling of all patient specimens as they are received in the Laboratory
Prepares laboratory test requisitions for outpatients from physician orders using addressograph cards prepared outpatient registration
Maintains that all new phlebotomist are adequately oriented and that training is documented for the tasks required
Maintains that all phlebotomy manuals and those manuals outlining test specimen requirements are kept updated
Performs workload recording which includes tallying of CAP units / test and test statistics on a daily basis for all areas of the clinical lab
Monitors supplies and inventory for areas of the lab as directed by the Lab Manager
Maintains that phlebotomy supplies are adequately stocked by the phlebotomy staff and that all patient areas are in proper condition with regard to equipment and cleanliness
Enforces and follows all laboratory safety rules and reports any possible hazards to the Lab Manager
Coordinates phlebotomists to rotate patient specimen that are to be stored and oversees proper disposal of old specimens
Coordinates phlebotomists in the timely, efficient and proper washing of lab glassware
Coordinates phlebotomists in the timely, efficient, and proper unpacking and putting away of supplies and inventory
Keeps the Lab Manager informed of the malfunctioning of any lab equipment
Under the supervision and direction of a medical technologist performs test processing in certain areas of the clinical lab which may or may not include the following:
Running specimens through the automated hematology analyzer reviewed and signed out by an M.T.
Processes blood cultures on the BACTEC Clinitek automated urine analyzer
Performs urine dipstick on the AMES Clinitek automated urine analyzer
Other various duties in microbiology which may include (in addition to routine culture set - up), preparation of samples for Ova and Parasite studies, setting up MIC's, logging patient demographics into computer
Logging and distribution of patient test specimens from the processing areas in the lab to the respective test areas
Entering patient demographics and test orders into the automated chemistry analyzer for processing
Shares appropriate communication with other laboratory personnel involving difficult Venipuncture, timed specimens, tasks at hand, etc.
Processes all laboratory test requisitions and specimens quickly, efficiently, and appropriately
Assists other laboratory personnel as workload permits without being requested to do so
Consistently determines proper priorities when organizing daily tasks and is able to adjust schedule in view of STAT's, out-patients, and time draws
Organizes own work for effective utilization of time
Refers to appropriate policy and procedure manuals as necessary and communicates with reference labs for proper specimen requirements
Readily assists other laboratory personnel when requested
Can perform all tasks assigned
Responds to changes in work schedule as necessary or as requested
Accepts responsibility for and becomes available to work a different work shift when workload and / or conditions warrant
Continuously works at establishing a good rapport and cooperative working relationship with all co-workers
Inspires confidence from patients and visitors by performing and communicating in a professional manner
Recognizes and is able to effectively function within the laboratory and Hospital organizational structure
Seeks assistance when necessary from the Lab Manager in solving technical or personnel problems
Shows ability to handle unexpected situations and is able to exercise independent thought and actions
Demonstrates competence in all aspects of the job; particular emphasis on blood samples, blood cultures, referral tests, specimen requirements
Can be counted on to carry out instructions and fulfill job responsibilities
Reports to work as scheduled
Is neat in appearance, always observing the dress code as established
Always wears lab coat (or approved apron / gown) and name tag
Speech and conversation are of a quality acceptable to hospital code (confidentially )
Demonstrates loyalty and teamwork both in the Laboratory and interdepartmentally
Performs other duties as assigned