Laboratory Assistant II, Laboratories-Clinical, Per Diem, Evenings

JOB SUMMARY

Under close supervision at the trainee level (Lab Assistant I) and general supervision at the working levels (Laboratory Assistant II and III), procures blood specimens, (inpatient and outpatient), processes specimens, performs and processes EKG's, and assists licensed laboratory staff or physician / nursing staff by performing a variety of technical and support duties including outpatient registration of patients or drop-off specimens.

Laboratory Assistant I’s are expected to progress to the Laboratory Assistant II level after no less than six months and no more than one year of satisfactory on-the-job experience.

Laboratory Assistant II is distinguished from the Lab Assistant III level in that incumbents of the latter are CPT II certified by the State of California to perform arterial blood gas drawing.

Laboratory Assistant III’s are also always competent to perform duties in either the dispatch or specimen processing sections of the Lab, or both, as well as all the duties as a Lab Assistant II.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS : EDUCATION

EDUCATION

High School diploma or equivalent preferred

EXPERIENCE

Laboratory Assistant I : No experience is required

Laboratory Assistant II : Six months to one year of experience in the classification of Lab Assistant I in MGH Service, or a minimum of one year of experience as a Lab Assistant or in a similar capacity, preferably in an acute care environment, including experience in venous and capillary blood sampling is required.

Arterial puncture and EKG experience preferred.

Laboratory Assistant III : A minimum of two years experience as a Lab Assistant II in an acute care environment, including experience performing arterial punctures.

PREREQUISITE SKILLS :

Ability to work in teams in which all members are mutually accountable

Ability to work collaboratively with team members, hospital staff, patients, and physicians

Capable of organizing multiple tasks, using time management skills and attention to detail

Proficient in blood specimen procurement, venous and capillary

Knowledge of microbiological techniques and terminology preferred

Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac drugs preferred

Knowledge of blood / body fluid precautions

Basic computer knowledge with ability to do data entry and retrieval

Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills

Ability to read, speak, write, understand, and follow English and written instructions

Responsible for learning and maintaining current knowledge of hospital polices and department policies and procedures. Responsible for performing job within the parameters of these policies and procedures : the following examples are not inclusive of all policies :

• Follow all appropriate Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
• Follow turnaround time policies
• Use Lean Six Sigma work flow methods
• Use First Touch in interactions with patients

LICENSE / REGISTRATION / CERTIFICATION :

Possession of a valid active phlebotomy certification by CDHS or CA CLS license or CA RT license required

Possession of the CPT II (arterial blood gases) phlebotomy certification required (Lab Assistant III level only)

Possession of BLS (Heartsaver) certification within 90 days of hire, and required to maintain certification as required by hospital policy

Positions located in the ED require completion of MAB training within 180 days of hire

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

ESSENTIAL (not modifiable)

Procures venous, arterial and capillary blood samples

Processes specimens appropriately for needs of each section; operates laboratory equipment as appropriate in the processing of specimens

Answers telephones, provides information as appropriate to callers; takes messages and routes calls as appropriate. Uses Vocera or beepers to dispatch and communicate with co-workers

Maintains accurate records and completes forms and documents

Performs electrocardiograms

Assists Clinical Lab Scientists with various tasks as assigned within the scope of practice, including loading equipment with specimens, initiating a run, and maintenance

May perform assigned supply tasks including receiving, logging, unpacking, and storage of supplies and reagents

Maintains a clean, orderly, and safe work area; seals sharps containers per department policy, removes boxes or obstructions and hazards from floors and corridors, cleans counters, equipment, glassware, refrigerators, freezers, etc.

Performs computer-related duties, including receiving single and batch specimens and researching and retrieving data in the system for status of pending work

Lab Assistant III level only) Performs arterial blood gases

Monitors for lab reports working in collaboration with the nursing staff and physicians to ensure reports are reviewed

May perform patient registration for outpatients or drop-off patient specimens