LAB ASSISTANT

Covenant Health; Morristown (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System is seeking a Laboratory Assistant in General Laboratory for full-time, varied shifts. Responsibilities include specimen collection, clerical duties, and maintaining patient safety and privacy.

The role requires prioritizing customer service, proper handling of specimens, and proficient use of HIS/LIS systems to ensure accurate results and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• May require basic clerical/computer duties and data entry.
• Certification/licensure in clinical lab disciplines is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Customer service and specimen collection is the first priority.
• Transcribes orders and processes tests according to patient needs.
• Answer department calls and assist in obtaining/relaying results.
• Utilize HIS and LIS systems for patient data and test reporting.
• Properly collect blood specimens using aseptic technique.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas; participate in quality initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Specimen collection

Clerical skills

HIS/LIS systems

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

HIS/LIS systems

Job description

Overview

Laboratory Assistant, General Laboratory

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Varied Shifts

Morristown-Hamblen Overview:

Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System is a 170-bed hospital serving an eight-county region in East Tennessee’s Lakeway Area. The facility includes more than 20 emergency suites, advanced laboratories, radiology, and therapy services, and a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence for mammograms, biopsies, and nurse navigation. The Women’s Center features six modern labor and delivery suites and a secure nursery for newborn care. With state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team, Morristown-Hamblen provides exceptional, patient-focused care close to home. To meet the needs of our growing community, we continue to develop services, attract new physicians, and embrace innovation, all to promote an improved quality of life.

Position Summary:

An employee in this position must be able to perform in the following areas: collection and proper handling of venous and capillary blood specimens for both in and out patients, responsibility for the safety and comfort of customers, clerical/computer duties, and courier responsibilities as required for the position.

Responsibilities

• Customer service and specimen collection is recognized as the first priority.
• Transcribes medical orders in a timely manner, orders the appropriate laboratory tests as indicated for patients, lab contracts, and specimens. Follows-up on all verbal orders with requests for written orders.
• Responsible for answering the departmental telephones and transferring calls to proper laboratory/pathology section; follows through with problem resolution; assists physicians/staff in obtaining, faxing or telephone receipt of laboratory test results; and responsible for strict adherence to proper handling of confidential test results.
• Responsible for use of HIS, LIS and reference lab computer systems (i.e. Mayo, etc.) as appropriate for specific hospital facility.
• Knowledgeable of manual systems for ordering, collection, verification, and charting in instances of computer failure.
• Properly processes, all specimens including accessioning; recognition of test priorities; centrifugation; separation/processing, logging and special collection requirements.
• Properly collects blood samples from venous and/or capillary (heel or finger) sites as required by facility. Proper use of aseptic technique in the collection of blood culture specimens. Accurately labels all specimens. Proper use of blood bank armband and labeling system.
• Strict adherence to proper identification of patient’s name and DOB by hospital armband and asking the patient his/her name, or by asking the RN to visually identify the patient.
• Strict adherence to proper disposal of needles/sharps, and used gloves during phlebotomy.
• Maintain clerical and phlebotomy work areas in a neat and sanitary manner.
• Responsible for participation in Laboratory performance improvement activities.
• Complies with Laboratory policies and procedures, including Exposure Control, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Disaster Plan, the Joint Commission standards, CLIA and State regulations.
• May be a resource for difficult sticks.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED. Preference may be given to individuals possessing a HS diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience:

None

Licensure Requirement:

Certification by NCA, ASCP, ASPT, or comparable institution is desirable.