Medical Laboratory Assistant

Stephens County Hospital; Toccoa (GA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Stephens County Hospital in Toccoa, GA is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant for a full-time night shift (5:30pm–2:00am) to support the laboratory staff with specimen collection, processing, and waived testing under supervision.

The ideal candidate has strong phlebotomy skills, a high school diploma, 1 year phlebotomy or MLA experience, and may hold a phlebotomy certification. Prior lab or medical office experience is preferred; training provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• 1 year phlebotomy/MLA experience preferred.
• Phlebotomy certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs specimen collection according to the Phlebotomy SOP.
• Uses available resources independently.
• Performs collection on all age groups with varying difficulty.
• Maintains courteous approach to patient needs.
• Ensures proper patient identification with two identifiers prior to collection.
• Performs waived testing under supervision per manufacturer procedures.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Lab assistant

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Phlebotomy/MLA experience

MLT/MLS student (phlebotomy pref)

Tools

Phlebotomy tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Specimen processing equipment

Job description

For more than 85 years, Stephens County Hospital has been a trusted cornerstone of our community, committed to excellence in healthcare and compassionate patient service. Our dedicated team of approximately 475 employees is driven by a shared passion for improving lives and recognizes the true value of good health.

Stephens County Hospital is a 96-bed acute care facility located in Toccoa, Georgia, nestled in the scenic foothills of Northeast Georgia. Our welcoming, family-oriented community offers a rich blend of cultural, civic, and outdoor opportunities, making it an exceptional place to live and work.

We are proud members of the Georgia Hospital Association, the American Hospital Association, and the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. Stephens County Hospital is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting organization, reflecting our ongoing commitment to quality and safety.

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Full Time - 5:30pm - 2:00am

The Medical Laboratory Assistant performs tasks to support the laboratory technical staff in specimen collection, specimen processing, performs CLIA-waived and basic non-interpretive analytic procedures under the direct supervision of the technical staff.

Strong phlebotomy skills, Lab Assistant or Medical Assistant experience preferred. Good Multi-Tasking skills
Adjustable to work load changes and priorities. Attention to detail acumen and dependable Team Member.

Education:

High school graduate or equivalent required.

Previous 1 year of experience in Phlebotomy or Medical Laboratory Assistant preferred

Students in MLT/MLS accredited program – phlebotomy experience preferred

Licensure / Certification:

Completion of Phlebotomy or Medical Office Assistant Course preferred.

Phlebotomy National Certification preferred(ASCP, AMT, NPA, NHA, others may be considered)

Certification as MLA preferred

Provides care for patients of the following age groups:

Neonate (Newborn) Adult (19 to 59 Years)

Pediatric (>Newborn to 11 Years) Senior Adult (60 to 74 Years)

Adolescent (12 to 18 Years) Geriatric (75 and Above)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs specimen collection according to the Phlebotomy S.O.P.
• Uses available resources independently.
• Performs collection on all age groups and with varying degrees of difficulty.
• Always remains courteous and considerate of patient needs.
• Assures accuracy in specimen identification; utilizes at least two patient identifiers prior to specimen collection.
• Adheres to criteria to ensure patient safety.
• Performs and finalizes waived testing in laboratory according to manufacturer procedures including quality control as needed
• Under direction of a Medical laboratory Scientist/Medical Laboratory Technician, performs moderate classified testing that has an internal control to verify proper test performance including quality control as needed. MLS/MLT will finalize test after review
• Trained to place patient samples on instrumentation in urinalysis, hematology, coagulation, and chemistry adhering to specimen acceptability for each instrument and test method
• Able to access samples for testing integrity – hemolysis, icterus, lipemia, clots, correct specimen volume
• Able to perform basic instrument maintenance
• Assists with ordering and packaging of reference lab specimens
• Assists with ordering of Outpatient and Non-patient samples delivered by courier or outside agency
• Solves and documents problems independently.
• Distributes specimens to correct locale.
• Ensures clear verbal communication of all critical and stat test results (repeated and verified).
• Documents and follows up on discrepancies or unexpected results.
• Provides collection instruction and information to patient.
• Identifies materials needed for collection.
• Checks for accuracy on orders.
• Dates and initials lab documents.
• Identifies and corrects duplicate and/or erroneous orders.
• Gives and receives information; gives verbal and written instructions and asks for clarification.
• Prioritizes and dispatches samples, orders and containers.
• Monitors supply inventory.
• Performs computer entry of test requests – including ordering of test to be performed, date/time and initials of collector
• Documents and verifies according to procedure and priority.
• Runs collection lists.
• Performs clerical data entry and monthly statistics from reports as needed
• Cleans, organizes and stocks work area.
• Maintains documentation of housekeeping per Blood Borne Pathogen standards.

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Utilizes heel warmers to stimulate blood flow.
• Uses appropriate technique and supplies for venipuncture.
• Comprehends the volume of blood requirements based on weight of neonate.

Pediatric (>Newborn to 11 Years)

• Uses appropriate technique for venipuncture and finger sticks.
• Appropriately uses restraining techniques.
• Communicates instructions per age level of patients.
• Comprehends the volume of blood requirements based on weight of infant.

Adolescent (12 to 18 Years)

• Communicates instructions and information to the patient.
• Comprehends normal vs. abnormal lab values for the particular age group.

Adult (19 to 59 Years)

• Ability to communicate instructions and information to the patient (regarding testing, collections, etc.)

Senior Adult (60 to 74 Years)

• Ability to communicate instructions and information to the patient (regarding testing, collections, etc.)
• Ensures bed rails are up to prevent falls.
• Speaks clearly and louder for patient comprehension

Geriatric (75 Years and Older)

• Ability to communicate instructions and information to the patient (regarding testing, collections, etc.).
• Utilizes restraints (if needed).
• Ensures bed rails are up to prevent falls.
• Speaks clearly and louder for patient comprehension.
• Utilizes appropriate venipuncture and capillary collection techniques.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to compile, code and categorize, or verify information/data
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situation
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and maintain a positive attitude
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner
• Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication skills

Professional Requirements

• Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Complete annual education requirements.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wear identification while on duty.
• Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
• Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Attend regular staff meetings and in-services as needed.

Other-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions:

• May need to stand for up to 8 hours at a time
• Physically demanding, high-stress environment
• Must have the cognitive ability to perform in this role. Critical and executive level thinking is required.
• Must have strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Have near normal hearing – able to hear alarms/telephone/normal speaking voice/webinars.
• Have near normal vision – clarity of vision (both near and far) either corrected on non-corrected, ability to distinguish colors.
• Have good manual dexterity and eye-hand-foot coordination.
• Standing – continuously within the shift (67-100%)
• Walking – continuously within the shift (67-100%)
• Climbing – occasionally within the shift (1-33%)
• Bending/stooping/kneeling – frequently within the shift (34-66%)
• Twist at the waist – occasionally with the shift (34-66%)
• Pushing/pulling 50+lbs without assistance – frequently within the shift (1-33%)
• Pushing/pulling 100+lbs with assistance – frequently within the shift (1-33%)
• Lift/carry – 20+lbs without assistance – occasionally within the shift (1-33%)
• Reaching above the shoulders – frequently within the shift (34-66%)
• Lift/carry – 50+lbs with assistance – occasionally within the shift (1-33%)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Stephens County Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy status, marital status, national origin, citizenship, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status