SR LAB ASSISTANT

Covenant Health - Morristown, TN

- Entry Level

Morristown, TN

Hospitals

About the position

The Senior Laboratory Assistant at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System is responsible for the collection and proper handling of venous and capillary blood specimens for both in and out patients. This role emphasizes customer service and the safety and comfort of patients. The assistant will also perform clerical and computer duties, as well as courier responsibilities as required. The position operates in a dynamic environment with variable hours and shifts, contributing to the hospital's mission of providing excellent patient care.

Responsibilities

• Customer service and specimen collection is recognized as the first priority.
• Transcribes medical orders in a timely manner, orders the appropriate laboratory tests as indicated for patients, lab contracts, and specimens.
• Follows-up on all verbal orders with requests for written orders.
• Responsible for answering the departmental telephones and transferring calls to proper laboratory/pathology section.
• Follows through with problem resolution; assists physicians/staff in obtaining, faxing or telephone receipt of laboratory test results.
• Responsible for strict adherence to proper handling of confidential test results.
• Responsible for use of HIS, LIS and reference lab computer systems as appropriate for specific hospital facility.
• Knowledgeable of manual systems for ordering, collection, verification, and charting in instances of computer failure.
• Properly processes all specimens including accessioning; recognition of test priorities; centrifugation; separation/processing, logging, and special collection requirements.
• Properly collects blood samples from venous and/or capillary sites as required by facility.
• Accurately labels all specimens and uses proper blood bank armband and labeling system.
• Strict adherence to proper identification of patient's name and DOB by hospital armband and by asking the patient his/her name.
• Strict adherence to proper disposal of needles/sharps, and used gloves during phlebotomy.
• Maintains clerical and phlebotomy work areas in a neat and sanitary manner.
• Responsible for participation in Laboratory performance improvement activities.
• Complies with Laboratory policies and procedures, including Exposure Control, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Disaster Plan, the Joint Commission standards, CLIA and State regulations.
• May be a resource for difficult sticks.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Completes required education assignments annually.
• Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job.
• Preference may be given to individuals possessing a HS diploma or GED.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification by NCA, ASCP, ASPT, or comparable institution is desirable.