Medical Laboratory Assistant I - Specimen Receiving

Houston Methodist•Houston, TX

About The Position

FLSA STATUS Non-exempt QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) EXPERIENCE Previous experience in a laboratory preferred SKILLS AND ABILITIES Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing, processing, and proper waste disposing Possesses basic computer knowledge to operate multiple computer systems to include Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas. Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately. Organizes workload and sets priorities. Keeps work area neat, clean and well stocked. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks. QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed. Recognizes problems (such as mislabels, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems. Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance. Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness. FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system. Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently. GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS WORK ATTIRE Uniform: Scrubs: Business professional: Other (department approved): ON-CALL Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below. On Call TRAVEL Travel specifications may vary by department May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews
Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy
Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing, processing, and proper waste disposing
Possesses basic computer knowledge to operate multiple computer systems to include Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a laboratory preferred

Responsibilities

Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary.
Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas.
Performs various Laboratory Information System functions.
Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately.
Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately.
Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing.
Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories.
Handles STAT samples expeditiously.
Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed.
Recognizes problems (such as mislabels, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems.
Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures.
Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance.
Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.
Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.