Laboratory Assistant- Per Diem Brookings

Laboratory Assistant – Per Diem & FT (Brookings)

Curry Health Network

Perform all aspects of patient care in a laboratory environment and optimize patient safety with minimal medical/health care errors. Collect specimens from patients of all ages via venipuncture or dermal puncture. Provide appropriate instructions to patients for specimen collections. Verify provider orders are entered into the LIS correctly. Process and prepare specimens for testing or submission to reference laboratory accurately.

• Use correct phlebotomy technique for specimen collection; collect the appropriate amount of blood and correct tube types; label specimens at patient bedside or chair in presence of patient.
• Understand order of draw and specimen integrity.
• Verify and identify patient to ensure information matches orders/labels prior to collecting specimens. Document collection date/time and initials on specimens and in LIS.
• Verify source indicated on sample containers and process and prepare specimens for testing. Process and prepare specimens to be sent to reference laboratory with minimum errors.
• Respond to STAT, Code, or Trauma in a timely manner. Prioritize STAT patient collection and handling. Communicate with the healthcare team to ensure quality patient care.
• Contribute to a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, physicians, and co‑workers by following established standards and procedures; comply with legal regulations.
• Enhance laboratory services and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for new and different requests; explore opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Meet CLIA requirements and demonstrate competency to perform waived testing. Complete maintenance, perform quality control, and report in LIS for waived testing.
• Ensure phlebotomy inventory is readily available by monitoring levels or inputting orders into a spreadsheet for materials in a timely manner.
• Reconcile pending orders and troubleshoot any problems. Clarify test orders and review orders to ensure correct testing is ordered.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested to support the overall needs of the department, and in accordance with Curry Health Network’s mission, vision, and shared values.

• Service:
  We serve with compassion and understanding.
• Teamwork:
  We are one team – each one of us makes a difference.
• Curiosity:
  We promote learning.
• Integrity:
  We live by honesty, trust, and doing the right thing by our organizational values.

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Upon hire, certification as a Phlebotomy Technician is preferred.

Within 14 months of hire date, certification as a Phlebotomy Technician through the National Health career Association is required. Alternately the employee may be actively engaged in an advanced degree program that is supported by the lab director and Human Resources.

• Skills required for proper specimen collection, including patient preparation, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens.
• Skills required for performing each test method.
• Skills required for proper instrument use.
• Skills required to implement procedures of the laboratory.
• Skills required to use network EMR, LIS, and electronic communication.

• Up to 1/3 of the time:
  Taste or Smell.
• From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time:
  Stand, walk, sit, talk or hear, use hands to finger/handle or feel, push/pull, stoop/kneel, crouch/crawl, reach with hands and arms.
• Weight lifting requirements:
  None of the time—lifting 50+ pounds up to more than 100 pounds;
  Up to 1/3 of the time—lifting up to 50 pounds;
  Up to 2/3 of the time—lifting up to 50 pounds.

The job may involve exposure to extreme heat/cold, risk of electrical shock, radiation, vibration, chemical fumes, and other hazards. Typical noise level ranges from very quiet to moderate. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear instructions, alarms, and patient calls. Repetitive motion actions include light/simple grasping and fine dexterity.