Laboratory Nurse

Basic Function and Scope of Responsibilities:

Performs Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) when performing lab draws and/or therapeutic phlebotomies through Venous Access Devices (VADs). Performs venipunctures and finger sticks to obtain blood specimens to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The Laboratory Nurse will also participate in specimen processing and stabilizing specimens per established protocols. Responsible for conducting moderate complexity and point-of-care testing with accuracy and efficiency, ensuring proper documentation and precise recording of results in accordance with established procedures. All testing is done in accordance with established policies and procedures, following CLIA requirements and regulations. The Laboratory Nurse will address emergency situations and adverse reactions that occur in the lab. They will work closely with other departments and teams to ensure the delivery of quality care.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Follow stringent procedures and safety protocols to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
• Explain phlebotomy related procedures to patients and family members in a professional and courteous manner.
• Perform Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) when accessing Venous Access Devices (VADs) for therapeutic phlebotomy or routine phlebotomy procedures.
• Follow standard procedures to verify accurate patient identification.
• Verify, complete, and resolve orders in the EMR (electronic medical record).
• Process lab requisition orders and generate accurate specimen labels in the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Obtain blood specimens from patients as ordered using established blood-draw techniques.
• Process and centrifuge specimens to obtain serum/plasma for testing.
• Assist with collection, labeling, and transportation of laboratory specimens as necessary.
• Perform moderate complexity or point of care testing following standard operating policies and procedures.
• Record results in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Perform various quality control and quality assurance procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations.
• Maintain inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Clean and maintain equipment and instruments according to established procedures and manufacturer guidelines.
• Keep accurate records and documentation to support proficiency testing and ensure compliance with CLIA requirements and regulations.
• Participate in proficiency testing in accordance with established procedures, CLIA requirements and regulations.
• Promptly and effectively respond to emergency situations and adverse reactions, ensuring patient safety and delivering immediate care to mitigate risks and complications.
• Administer IV hydration and emergency medications as ordered.
• Accurately document nursing assessments, patient education, and the administration of fluids and medications within nursing scope of practice. Communicate and coordinate with outside agencies, staff, and patients to ensure continuum of care.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Education Requirements:

• Current Iowa Registered Nurse License
• Current credentials as required by Medical Facilities
• Current BCLS
• Phlebotomy experience preferred.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of medical laboratory safety, cleanliness, OSHA standards, and infection prevention standard precaution policies and regulations preferred.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to maintain a safe work environment.
• Knowledge of Company policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of ability to operate computer software programs used by Mission Cancer Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care
• Knowledge of all HIPAA and confidentiality policies and procedures.

Skills and Abilities:

• Accuracy – ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Communication – ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in English.
• Computer skills – proficient ability to use a computer, computer programs, EMR and LIS.
• Confidentiality – maintain patient, team member, and employer confidentiality. Comply with all HIPAA regulations.
• Patient service oriented – friendly, professional, and respectful of patients and others
• Detail oriented – ability to pay attention to the minute details of a task.
• Flexibility – ability to adapt easily to changing conditions and work responsibilities.
• Positivity – display a positive attitude and is a positive agent for change.
• Teamwork – work as part of a team and collaborate with co-workers.
• Working under pressure – ability to complete assigned tasks in stressful situations.
• Multi-tasking – ability to maintain focus and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.

Working Conditions:

• Environmentally controlled laboratory and medical office environment.
• Fast paced environment with occasional high pressure or emergent situations.
• Frequent exposure to bodily fluids.
• Possible exposure to infectious specimens, communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a laboratory and medical office environment.
• May wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face shield, gown, and mask.
• Disposable and/or sterile gloves are required for personnel performing phlebotomy, processing specimens, and/or performing specimen testing.
• Frequent interaction with a diverse population including team members, providers, patients and their family members and other members of the public.

Physical surroundings: Medical office

Adverse working environment: Work may be stressful due to continual interaction with others, long hours required and nature of the medical specialty.

Physical Effort: Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this role including walking, bending, standing, reaching, and sitting. Lifting up to 15 pounds of office or technology equipment.

Local Travel: Within the state of Iowa

Domestic/International Travel: None

Extensive Hours: Varies due to need

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions. Mission Cancer Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the business.

Mission Cancer Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

In the interest of ensuring the safety of our employees, patients and community, Mission Cancer Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care has adopted a mandatory vaccination policy for COVID-19. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless granted a reasonable accommodation for disability, religious or other extenuating circumstances. New employees will be granted a reasonable time to come into compliance with the policy, if necessary.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person