Pathology Aide

RIH Rhode Island Hospital; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhode Island Hospital seeks a Laboratory Support role to perform routine preparatory work and maintain orderly lab areas. You will receive and accession specimens, verify patient data, and support testing across various sample types, while ensuring safety and confidentiality.

Demonstrated ability to use a computer, maintain logs, and coordinate with clinicians and lab staff is essential. This position operates evenings, with rotating holidays, and is affiliated with Brown University Health

Qualifications

• High School diploma with biology and chemistry coursework.
• General knowledge of laboratory tests and specimen handling.
• Organizational and clerical skills to maintain logs and records.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with physicians, nurses and external labs.

Responsibilities

• Receives and accession specimens with correct demographic info.
• Checks specimens for integrity before testing.
• Prepares and processes diverse laboratory samples.
• Logs specimens into the computer system and tracks supplies.
• Performs clerical duties including coding and billing tasks.
• Maintains clean, safe lab areas and follows safety regulations.
• Notifies supervisor of equipment issues or QC concerns.
• Assists in tracking and resolving lab-related problems.

Skills

Laboratory knowledge

Computer literacy

Interpersonal communication

Education

High School diploma with biology/chemistry coursework

Job description

SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of and reports to the Pathology Manager and within Hospital and department policies and detailed instructions and procedures, performs routine preparatory work for Technicians and Technologists and routine service duties in maintaining the laboratory areas in a clean and orderly fashion. Incumbents may perform any combination of the following duties, depending on the area assigned. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives and accessions specimens for processing, paying attention to the demographic information on the requisition slip and specimen label.
• Also checks specimens prior to testing using established procedures for specimen integrity and suitability for testing.
• Processes a variety of laboratory samples such as blood, urine, stool, body fluids, etc.
• Interpret orders and requisitions to determine aliquots needed for distribution to the laboratory.
• Processing can include splitting, pouring, relabeling, disposal or delivery to designated laboratory sections.
• Responds to pneumatic tube, load automation line as well as receive and sort courier deliveries.
• Triage STAT specimens.
• Logs specimens into computer system, takes temperatures, records receipt of supplies, rotates stock, loads and unloads samples from instruments and performs limited function (waived) testing.
• Enters necessary information on log sheets and/or into the laboratory computer system.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties including duties associated with coding and billing.
• Prepares and maintains detailed records of laboratory procedure requests and results; coding outpatient billing forms and generates appropriate billing data.
• Answers telephone and responds to general and specific information requests.
• Responds to and assists in tracking and resolving lab related problems and concerns.
• Ensures all actions are in compliance with confidentiality policies and in accordance with the Standard Operating procedures.
• Employs precautionary measures in handing and disposal of blood specimens and materials following all general safety regulations and procedures.
• Carries out and documents quality control and maintenance procedures.
• Notifies supervisor of any equipment malfunctions or unacceptable quality control results as established for each quality control procedure.
• Keeps all areas clean while working and performs regularly scheduled cleaning duties as defined in the lab area.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• The level of knowledge gained from the completion of High School with some course work in the fields of biology and chemistry.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
• General knowledge of variety of laboratory tests and procedures for obtaining and handling laboratory specimens for processing within various sections of laboratory, in order to respond to requests for information; to receive, prepare and distribute specimens to appropriate laboratories; to identify specimens requiring special handling; to be knowledgeable in the use of universal precautions.
• Organizational and clerical skills to maintain a variety of logs and records.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to exchange factual information with physicians, nurses, external laboratories, etc. regarding laboratory services, test results, and test procedures.

EXPERIENCE

• At least one year progressively more responsible related experience to become familiar with various laboratories’ procedures for handling specimens and entering test orders into the computer system.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Works in the laboratory, where there is some exposure to unpleasant odors, infectious materials, toxins and other hazardous material. Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety precautions and procedures. Sits, stands and walks intermittently throughout the day. Physical ability needed to lift and carry laboratory equipment and materials.

INDEPENDENT ACTION

Performs independently within the department’s policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to the supervisor when clarification of the departmental policies and procedures are required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Pay Range

$20.62-$21.50

Location

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type

M-F 3:00-11:30pm, e/o weekend, rotating holidays

Work Shift

Evening

Driving Required

No

Union

International Brotherhood Teamsters

Company Description

As Rhode Island's largest health system and private employer, Brown University Health is the state's premier provider of health services and includes the only Level I Trauma Center for southeastern New England. Today, more than 20,000 people work at Brown University Health and bring their unique skills, experiences, and compassion to their jobs every day. Formed in 1994, Brown University Health is a not-for-profit health system based in Providence, RI comprising three teaching hospitals of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's; The Miriam Hospital; and Bradley Hospital, the nation’s first psychiatric hospital for children; Newport Hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital, community hospitals offering a broad range of health services; Gateway Healthcare, the state’s largest provider of community behavioral health care; and Brown Health Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty practice in Rhode Island.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Equal Opportunity Employer & Diversity Statement

Brown University Health is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of cultural background, race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and perspectives - we are actively committed to a diverse workforce that represents the patients and community that we serve.

Inclusive Workplace Statement

We are invested in creating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment that supports the holistic well‑being of our employees and their families.

Join Us

Join us and help build a healthier future for our patients - and for yourself.

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