Lab Assistant 1

Beacon Health System; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System in Kalamazoo, MI seeks a Phlebotomy/ Lab Support staff to collect specimens, accession samples, and support lab operations. You will perform venipuncture, process specimens, and route items to appropriate lab sections while maintaining accurate records and complying with QA/QC standards.

The role requires a high school diploma and phlebotomy training or equivalent experience, with strong communication and customer-service skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; phlebotomy training preferred.
• At least 1 year of patient care, customer service or clerical experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform venipuncture and non-blood specimen collections.
• Accession and process specimens; route to respective lab sections.
• Operate laboratory information system to prepare draw lists and labels.
• Verify patient information for records and billing purposes.
• Maintain QA/QC procedures and adhere to safety guidelines.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Organization

Computer skills

Attention to detail

Telephone etiquette

Education

Phlebotomy training

High school diploma

Customer service experience

Tools

Laboratory information system

Computer literacy

Job description

May Perform a variety of specimen collection techniques from patients. Performs all paperwork, technical, and non-technical procedures required to process and submit specimens. Assigns specific computer-generated identification numbers, checks for accuracy, and records all items processed. Forwards accessioned specimens to designated laboratory location(s); and locating and correcting any discrepancies. Learn and keeps familiar with lab procedures and location of stored specimens. Locates specimens and pulls from various departments as requested. Performs general office/clerical responsibilities.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• : We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• : Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• : Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Duties

Performs specimen collection, processing, accessioning and related duties necessary to ensure the efficiency of the laboratory operations and accuracy of test results by:

• Accessioning laboratory test requests, verifying work for accuracy and detail and resolving problem orders.
• Processing and handling specimens and routing them to various laboratory sections according to established procedures.
• Operating the laboratory information system to prepare the draw list and specimen labels or to print out reports and worksheets.
• Determining priority of testing and processing specimens to meet priority requirements.
• Obtaining and verifying pertinent patient information for laboratory records and/or billing purposes.
• Verifying information on requisitions and acquiring appropriate authorization.
• Performing venipuncture, arterial and capillary collections.
• Obtaining non-blood specimens (body fluids or materials and verifying specimen integrity.
• Accurately identifying patients and specimens according to prescribed procedures.
• Preparing specimens and supplies for transport or following applicable shipping regulations.
• Identifying variations from procedure and documents issues as part of the laboratory quality plan.
• Communicating with care providers regarding delays in draws and complications when obtaining specimens. Documents all specifics out of the ordinary.
• Adhering to established quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) policies and procedures.

Provides General Office Support In The Laboratory By

• Using resources to provide direction and answer questions from clinical staff regarding lab procedure and specimen requirements.
• Assisting internal and external customers with questions, concerns and problems.
• Answering the telephone and responding to requests for specimen pick-up, courier dispatch, laboratory reports, test orders, etc.
• Transporting or delivering items such as specimens, reports and supplies. May act as a courier, as directed.
• Maintaining cleanliness of laboratory, cleaning spills with special attention to body fluid precautions and contaminated waste disposal per OSHA guidelines.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by

• Maintaining records, reports and files as required by departmental policies and procedures.
• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as assigned.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and particpates in department meetings adn is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and departmetn specific education within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protec patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Comply with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Skill Requirements

• Requires the ability to be effective in a fast paced, quality focused, multi-priority environment that frequently deals with stressful situations and deadlines.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, other employees, and the public.
• Requires good organization skills and the ability to work effectively with general supervision.
• Requires proficient computer skills to complete work assignments accurately and in a reasonable amount of time.
• Demonstrates the ability to pay close attention to details.
• Requires the effective telephone usage skills necessary to process information accurately.

Physical Demands:

Speech clarity, utilization of fingers and hands, standing-remaining on one’s feet in an upright position, sitting-remaining in the normal seated position, handling-seizing, holding, grasping. Moderate physical effort (up to 30 pounds); must comply with applicable safety procedures. Additional job duty (as assigned): (Hazardous Chemical Waste Management) Proper identification of known hazardous material in the work place.

The knowledge of personal protection measures. The avoidance of accidents. The knowledge of hazardous waste characteristics, hazardous waste volume generation limits, accumulation limits, spill control measures, record keeping, proper handling and container management, labeling, container and storage inspection.

Working Conditions

Possible exposure to infection from disease-bearing specimens; regularly exposed to the risk of blood-borne diseases; must comply with applicable safety procedures.

Vision Requirements:

Far acuity-ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more; near acuity-ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less; depth perception-ability to judge distance and space relationships; color vision-ability to distinguish and identify different colors.

License/Certification/Education

The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of high school diploma. Minimum of one year of patient care, customer service, general office/clerical or related experience is preferred. Completion of a phlebotomy training program or experience preferred.