Laboratory Assistant I - Central Processing and Receiving at HUP, FT 1st Shift

Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to help process a variety of clinical specimens for diagnostic testing and to access associated patient records in the lab. You will follow SOPs, perform accurate venipuncture and specimen labeling, and ensure timely distribution of specimens.

You will maintain logs, protect patient privacy under HIPAA, and work with peers across shifts. This is a full-time role with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for growth within our academic medical

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED required.
• Phlebotomy training and experience in a clinical setting preferred.
• Experience with Laboratory Information System (LIS) is advantageous.
• Prior hospital laboratory receiving area experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Identifies growth/development stage for patients and communicates accordingly.
• Performs venipuncture and specimen collection following SOPs.
• Labels specimens correctly and ensures timely processing.
• Inputs patient demographics, test orders, and billing info into EMR/LIS.
• Maintains logs and supports infection control and safety policies.
• Answers inquiries from callers with care and directs to appropriate sources.
• Ensures HIPAA compliance and protects patient confidentiality.
• Maintains equipment and supplies; supports cross-shift staffing and coverage.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Communication

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Phlebotomy training

Laboratory Information System experience

Hospital laboratory experience

Job description

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Summary

• The Laboratory Assistant also processes a variety of clinical specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing, and accesses associated patient records.

Responsibilities

• Correctly identifies the stage of growth of development of patients and significant others
• Utilizes knowledge of growth and development when communicating to various age groups
• Explains appropriate information according to age and developmental level of patients and visitors
• Identifies communication barriers and intervenes appropriately
• Recognizes cultural differences and the need to adjust communication styles and behaviors to meet the needs of the patient (e.g. direct eye contact, touching with transferring)
• Listens to patient's queries, comments and/or concerns and provides appropriate information and responses
• Introduces self when interacting with patients, families, visitors or other employees.
• Entry of (release of) patient demographics, test orders, billing information into a variety of computer systems (EMR/LIS)
• Follows established SOP and age-specific techniques for the collection of biological specimens for analysis, and evaluates and solves problems related to that process
• Correctly identifies outpatients and inpatients according to approved protocols with 100% accuracy
• Performs accurate venipuncture and micro (capillary) techniques in sample collection
• May perform specialized collection to include breath alcohol testing, hair collection, and EKG’s.
• Properly labels specimens with 100% accuracy
• Draws all timed/scheduled samples in a timely manner
• Observes emotional and physical state of patient for any adverse reactions to phlebotomy
• Performs assigned patient-sample processing activities.
• Follows established SOP for the processing of biological specimens for analysis and evaluates and solves problems related to that process
• Operates the pneumatic tube system properly and observes all Infection Control policies while handling specimens
• Provides timely distribution of specimens to appropriate laboratory sections
• Maintains accurate and orderly log records and/or worksheets where required according to SOP’s.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area
• Demonstrates safe work practices
• Keeps work area free from personal documents & items
• Answers phone in a professional, courteous, and timely manner, speaking to caller in a caring manner
• Answers questions or refers callers to the appropriate source
• Avoids putting caller on hold or transferring call unnecessarily.
• Researches phone inquiries regarding specimen collection or test results by referencing available manuals and records and calls caller back promptly
• Understands collection requirements for special or referral testing
• prepares specimens, ensures integrity and correctness of sample and arranges for dispatch and pick-up of specimens
• Keeps current with laboratory minutes and documented changes.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies and appropriately communicates the need to re-order before supplies run out
• Assists with the instruction of procedures and techniques to other employees and students
• Performs daily temperature checks on rooms, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and preventive maintenance on centrifuges as needed.
• Projects an image of professionalism in appearance and conduct at all times
• Works well with peers and those in authority
• Works to promote the Penn Medicine BE standards
• Promotes patient and staff relations and displays pride in work
• Complies with Hospital, Laboratory, Safety, and HIPAA regulations
• Notifies Supervisor or Safety Officer of hazards when found
• Completes annual mandatories on or before the due date
• Responsible for maintaining adequate staffing on all three shifts, weekends and holidays.

Credentials

Education or Equivalent Experience

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• Education Specialization: Equivalent Experience:
• And Phlebotomy training and experience in an outpatient or hospital setting
• And Prior experience in hospital laboratory receiving area
• And Prior experience with the Laboratory Information System

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.