Lab Assistant Full Time

Company: MercyOne - Sioux City
Location: Sioux City
Posted on: March 27, 2020

Job Description:

Under limited supervision and/or according to established policy and procedure, is responsible for executing assigned phlebotomy (procurement of blood specimens), specimen processing, rapid testing, and Point-of-Care (POC) testing laboratory functions. As a member of the laboratory team, the Laboratory Assistant serves as the laboratory and hospital liaison to patients, clients, physicians and staff members and adheres to hospital and laboratory policy and procedure related to blood borne pathogens and safety. Adheres to the principles of Service Excellence Guiding Behaviors and the philosophy and mission of Mercy in all aspects of job performance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service/care appropriate to the age of the patients served, in accordance with Mercy standards.
• Is proficient in the appropriate designated use of Laboratory Information System, to include but not be limited to, department order entry, specimen log-in, modify collections, reprint labels, printing collection lists, printing pending collections, and other basic computer functions.
• Always follows established positive patient identification procedures PRIOR to the collection of patient samples. Labels samples in compliance with hospital and established laboratory policy and procedure.
• Is technically proficient in procurement of blood samples via venipuncture technique.
• Is technically proficient in procurement of blood samples via capillary collection (finger/heel stick) technique.
• Is technically proficient in procurement of blood samples via arterial stick technique.
• Is technically proficient in procurement of blood cultures using appropriate drawing decontamination procedures and techniques.
• Performs point of care (POC) glucose testing in accordance with written clinical laboratory policy and procedure.
• Performs point of care (POC) ACT testing in accordance with written clinical laboratory policy and procedure.
• Performs point of care (POC) GEM ABG's in accordance with written clinical laboratory policy and procedure in appropriate designated clinical situations and adheres to all laboratory policies and protocols.
• Is responsible for receiving, appropriately logging and verifying receipt of all specimen types in the laboratory according to laboratory policy and procedure. Also distributes those specimens appropriately to the designated testing areas of the laboratory.
• Validates that all samples collected by nursing personnel from patients with indwelling vascular access are collected in accordance with laboratory policy and procedure, and labeled appropriately.
• Assembles and transports samples to the laboratory in accordance with test specifications (i.e. ammonia on ice, cold agglutinins kept warm) and alerts technologists that the samples are available for processing.
• Is a team-player who readily assists co-workers as indicated with workload, hard-sticks and collections from children or combative patients.
• Maintains an organized, clean, safe collection tray and work environment.
• Performs laboratory rapid testing procedures as assigned following appropriate training and certification by laboratory supervisory staff.
• Assists in receiving and stocking supplies, rotating inventory, and inventory control.
• Is capable of answering phone inquiries, to relate specimen status, and results in accordance with HIPAA standards.
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, conferences, professional development opportunities and in-services.
• Recognizes and communicates issues/occurrences utilizing established lines of authority, and assists in identifying ways to resolve variances or unacceptable outcomes.
• Adheres to hospital policy and procedure related to patient precautions and special considerations/guidelines that are posted inside/outside the patient room, i.e. infection control precautions, isolation precautions, mastectomy precautions.
• Has current working knowledge of laboratory operation, test requirements and the ability to utilize resource sources as appropriate.
• Is knowledgeable of and actively participates in improving patient safety and reducing risk to patients. Complies with Safety and Infection Control & Procedure.
• Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Mercy and Trinity Health Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Mercy and Trinity Health's Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
• Maintains confidentiality of information pertaining to clients, physicians, employees, and Mercy business.
• Demonstrates general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  
  • Requires an Associates Degree in Laboratory Science or ASCP Certification as a Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomist. If not certified, will attain ASCP Clinical Laboratory Certification as a condition of employment as a Lab Assistant within eighteen months of employment.
  • Is capable of performing a variety of duties characterized by frequent change.
  • Is hired to the flex staff Laboratory Assistant team and may be assigned to rotate shifts, work weekends and holidays as equitably scheduled.
  • Must have good interpersonal, problem resolution and communication skills.
  • Must complete educational requirements as required to maintain ASCP certification.
  • Must have a general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)
  • Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
  • Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Mercy and Trinity Health.

Keywords: MercyOne - Sioux City, Sioux City , Lab Assistant Full Time, Healthcare , Sioux City, Iowa