What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Assistant position at 5 - Androscoggin Valley Hospital?
The primary responsibility of the Laboratory Assistant is the performance of phlebotomy, specimen processing, registration, and limited laboratory testing.
Education:
- High school graduate or equivalent, associate degree preferred. One year of phlebotomy experience is preferred.
- A phlebotomy certificate is desirable.
Skills:
- Knowledge of medical terminology is desirable.
- Familiarity with computer applications required.
- Must have technical aptitude and a willingness to learn software applications used at AVH.
- Congenial and pleasant disposition is required as this position requires contact with the public.
- Must have time management skills and be detail oriented.
- Must have critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Work Experience:
- Clerical/secretarial experience is preferred.
- Phlebotomy experience preferred.
Essential Functions:
- Exhibits courteous and cooperative behavior towards patients, families, visitors, volunteers, students, peers, and providers. Anticipates service needs and proactively resolves issues. Consistently holds self and others accountable for meeting patient/customer service standards. Practices service recovery skills.
- Works openly and collaboratively both inside and outside the department; promotes performance improvement. Follows through on statements and actions in a timely manner. Strives for excellence in all endeavors.
- Encourages discussion and consensus building. Recognizes and adapts to different viewpoints and opinions, values diversity. Uses "indoor" voice. Avoids interrupting others. Champions change and exhibits flexibility and adaptability.
- Accepts responsibility for own actions, behaviors, and decisions.
- Maintains compliance with the Absenteeism and Tardiness policy: Consistently optimizes time efficiently and effectively. Reports to work promptly at the beginning of the work shift and prepares to begin work. Returns to work promptly from lunch and breaks. Completes work assignment and departs timely.
- Is viewed as a resource in the department when dealing with issues of systems and resources and accomplishing tasks in the most efficient and effective ways.
- Obtains specimens and independently performs lab tests in the CLIA "waived" and "moderate" complexity category.
- May assist Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Technician with performance of other tests, quality controls, and projects as assigned.
- Performs phlebotomy duties as required, obtaining venous and capillary blood specimens as ordered.
- Completes paperwork necessary to process specimens (registration, order entry and result entry).
- Transports STAT blood work and alerts Laboratory Technician to STAT testing. Transports specimens from the OR.
- Cleans and disinfects equipment.
- Assesses the patient for risk or potential of neglect or abuse. Makes referrals as appropriate.
- For Medicare patients, determines if ordered laboratory tests meet Medicare medical necessity guidelines and obtains Medicare ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice) prior to obtaining specimen, when indicated.
- If needed, consults with ordering practitioner about diagnosis for a specific test.
- Accurately registers patients and enters orders tests in Meditech and completes all necessary paperwork in a timely fashion.
- Is proficient in the utilization of the general laboratory applications of the laboratory information system.
- Maintains competencies in all areas. Refers to Standard Operating Procedures when needed.
- Maintains a safe environment and observes standard safety practices with particular attention to standard precautions.
- Processes reference laboratory and pathology testing.
- Performs breath alcohol testing. Maintains current certification.
- Performs urine drug screen collections. Maintains current DOT certification.
- Demonstrates technical aptitude. Is familiar with computer applications. Is willing to learn software applications.
- Understands and complies with patient privacy and HIPPA regulations.
- Complies with the phone usage policy at NCH.
