Laboratory Assistant II - 1st (PT)

Orlando Health•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant performs specimen receiving and processing duties, registers patients, enters orders in the computer system, centrifuges specimens, labels and aliquots samples, delivers them to the test site, and stores samples, slides, blocks, and related materials. The role supports patient registration and reimbursement requirements, maintains supplies, follows specimen collection and handling requirements, and performs departmental functions involving hospital and laboratory information systems, specimen processing, transportation, billing, reference testing, and scheduling. The position also supports customer service, pathology specimen processing, staff training, laboratory equipment upkeep, quality improvement, documentation, infection control, filing, charting, report distribution, scheduling, and bone marrow collection and processing. Phlebotomy may be performed when necessary, provided an approved competency is on file. The employee follows department and organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and confidentiality standards, and maintains punctual attendance.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalency.
Two years of laboratory experience or patient care experience. Current students seeking a higher educational degree or certification in a science field, such as nursing, medical technology, pre-med, or a related clinical field, may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
Excellent interpersonal skills to work cooperatively with team members and respond to customer phone calls.
Approved competency on file before performing phlebotomy.

Responsibilities

Support patient registration and third-party reimbursement requirements and regulations.
Maintain department supplies and customer supply orders.
Apply knowledge of specimen collection and handling requirements.
Perform departmental functions involving hospital and laboratory information systems, including downtime functions, specimen processing, transportation, billing, reference testing, and scheduling.
Maintain positive customer service relationships and proactively respond to customer service issues.
Process pathology specimens as appropriate.
Train staff as required.
Work flexible hours to meet department needs.
Cooperate with team members and respond to customer phone calls.
Assist in maintaining and cleaning laboratory equipment, including refrigerators and centrifuges.
Follow established policies and procedures to meet regulatory and accrediting agency requirements.
Maintain reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with applicable policies and standards.
Comply with Orlando Health policies and procedures.
Maintain an active role in the laboratory Quality Improvement Program.
Maximize productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
Document specimen quality issues.
Follow infection control and safety practices and keep the work area clean and organized.
Maintain confidentiality of patient records and hospital and departmental matters.
File reports and requisitions.
Assist with charting and report distribution by telephone, fax, or other appropriate means.
Read and understand physician laboratory test orders.
Schedule Pathologists, Histotechnicians, or Transportation Representatives as needed.
Assist with bone marrow collection and processing.
Perform phlebotomy as necessary, after approved competency is on file.