Laboratory Assistant

Overview

Performs phlebotomy functions and non-technical duties in areas including the hospital laboratory, and outpatient services.

Responsibilities

1. Performs phlebotomy (venipuncture, finger stick, and heel stick) according to established procedure.

a. Performs venipuncture using correct technique and with minimal discomfort to the patient.

b. Performs finger stick procedures with correct technique and when unable to obtain specimen by venipuncture.

c. Performs heel stick on babies with correct technique.

2. Identifies patients and properly labels specimen tubes.

a. Identifies patient by checking name and date of birth (and hospital medical record number for blood bank specimens) on patient armband.

b. Labels all specimen tubes following established procedure: Date and time of draw and phlebotomist initials.

 

3. Determines priority of STAT draws. Ensures timely transport of all patient specimens to lab for testing :

a. Prioritizes STAT requests. Draws STATs within 10-15 minutes of request.

b. Draws severe trauma and/or disaster patients immediately.

c. Ensures that STATs are transported to lab on a priority bases immediately for serious cases: Trauma, disaster; within 15 minutes of draw for other STATs. Hourly for routines.

4. Utilizes computers as appropriate in completing assigned functions.

a. Registers patients in system, completing all required fields with correct information.

b. Verifies all information for accuracy.

c. Performs order entry with no errors.

d. Generates collection lists, NCC list and can add on or cancel tests.

5. Organizes assigned work and accurately completes workload

6. Helps co-workers when needed and communicates with laboratory departments when needed to ensure an orderly work flow.

  

a. Assists co-workers with blood-drawing procedures on morning rounds before returning to phlebotomy station.

b. Informs floors of missed patients or patients not drawn for any reason at time of attempt.

c. Informs Supervisor of problems in obtaining specimens for any reason.

7. Under supervision will help in the training of new employees and student interns at the hospital in the performance of phlebotomy duties.

a. Works with new employees to assist in training of departmental procedures.

b. Acts as a resource to new employees.

8. Follows all organizational and department or unit policies and procedures.

9. Attends all required safety training programs and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards.

a. Attends all required safety education programs.

b. Provides complete and accurate responses to safety questions.

c. Maintains work area and equipment in the condition required by department standards.

d. Operates assigned equipment and performs all procedures in a safe manner as instructed.

e. Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions.

10. Responsibly follows the hospital exposure control plans/blood borne and airborne pathogens.

a. Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment.

b. Ensures a safe environment by instituting appropriate control measures.

c. Attends annual education programs.

d.Wears clean gloves when drawing all patients.

e. Disposes of needles in special container in phlebotomy basket or in needle box in patient room.

f. Throws used gloves in biohazard container only.

g. Follows procedures for safety dress.

11. Readily accepts changes in assignment. Performs work level of equal skill and responsibility as needed. May also perform work of a higher level in preparation for increased responsibility, and may be required to do work of lesser responsibility when the workload of the department so requires.

12. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

a. Interacts with all of the above in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner, as observed by the supervisor and peers.

b. Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner, as measured by management observation and peer input.

c. Maintains open communication using appropriate chain of command regarding issues.

d. Conducts all work activities with respect for the rights and wishes of patients, visitors, families, and fellow employees.

e. Maintains confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times, as observed by peers

and management.

f. Presents neat appearance in proper attire and identification, as required by the position, department, and policy.

g. Continuously displays a “can do” attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service program in place.

13. Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intra-departmentally to facilitate the department’s/unit’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.

a. Participates in staff meetings as determined by the supervisor.

b. Supports the hospital's mission, policies, and procedures through attendance and participation at committee meetings, if applicable.

 

c. Utilizes automated system to communicate inter- and intra -departmentally, as appropriate.

d. Completes work assignments on time/readily accepts assignments, as observed by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

Equivalent of four years of high school education required.

Minimum Work Experience

One to six months phlebotomy experience required.

At least one year acute care hospital experience preferred.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Current California CPT I or CPT II License.

Current Basic Life Support Certification.

Current MAB 

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Hospital Description

Our mission is to provide quality healthcare in a safe environment that is sensitive and supportive to the physical, emotional, spiritual and diverse multi-cultural needs of our patients and their loved ones. We advocate the preservation of human dignity in the delivery of our services and programs. Hospital serving patients 24/7, with an excellent staff and laboratory services.

Compensation: 23.15 to 27.45 (USD)