PerDiem-Laboratory Assistant-6120

Kingman Healthcare•Kingman, AZ

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant supports laboratory operations by processing specimens, assisting performing Medical Technologists, and completing routine laboratory support tasks such as filling printers, answering phones, faxing, removing trash, and restocking supplies. The role requires time management, organization, prioritization, initiative, and the ability to manage daily workloads while supporting teammates. Employees are expected to understand AIDET, customer satisfaction, HIPAA, safety, regulatory requirements, specimen types, test codes, test ordering and cancellation, specimen acceptability, waived testing procedures, and general laboratory assistant duties. Core laboratory duties include collecting outpatient orders using proper identification and customer-service techniques, prioritizing specimens, preparing and delivering specimens, centrifuging when needed, pouring off send-out specimens, and assisting the PCT team. Microbiology duties include using sterile technique to plate specimens, setting up Gram stains, observing agar plate environment and temperature requirements, and assisting with test setup. The position may also involve training new hires, students, or other hospital personnel. The position is safety-sensitive and involves routine potential exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, as well as possible biological, chemical, and radioactive hazards. Physical requirements include distinguishing colors; manual dexterity for handling specimens, using information systems, processing specimens, and operating equipment; frequent walking, standing and/or sitting; occasional lifting of 40–50 pounds or less; and occasional bending, stooping, or reaching.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Must be able to distinguish appropriate colors.
Must have sufficient manual dexterity to handle specimen containers, use information systems, process specimens, and operate equipment such as centrifuges.
Frequent walking of approximately 3–4 miles per day.
Occasional lifting of 40–50 pounds or less.
Occasional bending, stooping, or reaching.
Frequent standing and/or sitting.
Routine potential exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues; possible exposure to biological, chemical, and radioactive hazards.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a phlebotomist by an accepted national accrediting agency is preferred.
One year of laboratory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Process laboratory specimens of all types within accepted time limits.
Receive and collect patient orders in a structured and timely manner.
Process reference laboratory specimens according to container and storage requirements.
Load specimens and reagents onto the appropriate instrumentation.
Perform required maintenance for the assigned area.
Inspect specimens for hemolysis, quantity, and correct labeling.
Understand and follow quality-control requirements.
Use the hospital LIS to collect and receive samples, cancel specimens when necessary, reprint labels, and complete related duties.
Keep the work area clean, disinfected, organized, and stocked.
Stock laboratory supplies and document receipt dates, acceptability, and expiration dates.
Perform reagent sweeps and rotate stock to help manage expiration dates on consumable laboratory items.
Answer laboratory phone calls as appropriate or forward callers to the relevant area.
Be present and ready to work for scheduled shifts and help cover other shifts during increased workloads, absences, vacations, or short staffing.
Complete initial and annual training, yearly competencies, CAP assignments, and paper-form proficiencies assigned by management.
Assist with training new hires, students, or other hospital personnel when needed.
Follow behavioral expectations and HIPAA requirements and maintain patient confidentiality.
Perform other duties assigned by management.
For Core Lab: collect outpatient orders using proper technique, positive patient identification, AIDET, sterile technique, anxiety reducers, and excellent customer service.
For Core Lab: monitor the tube station and prioritize specimen processing; deliver unspun specimens, centrifuge specimens as needed, pour off send-outs, and ensure correct labels accompany specimens.
For Core Lab: assist secretaries when time and workload permit and serve as a knowledgeable resource for the PCT team, including assisting with difficult blood draws.
For Microbiology: use sterile technique when plating specimens, set up Gram stains using proper identifiers, observe agar plate environmental and temperature requirements, and assist with test setup when appropriate.
For Microbiology: follow written instructions without deviation.