The Laboratory Assistant performs phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients via venipuncture and/or finger punctures using techniques suitable for neonates through geriatrics, with appropriate knowledge and skills necessary to effectively meet the growth, development, and clinical needs of age specified populations; assists Medical Technologist in specimen preparation including centrifuging, making slides for CBCs, setting up blood cultures, and primary plating of microbiological specimens; orders, receives and maintains appropriate PAR levels of blood and examines blood supply for hemolysis; ensures daily temperatures are obtained, documented and filed properly; assists in maintaining inventory and supplies by writing needed items on "Want Book" so that the Laboratory Manager can order; place into stock supplies delivered to the Lab, being sure to correctly rotate with current supply; properly receives specimens entering the Lab by accessioning, writing requisitions on the log and communicating to the technologists all incoming work; checks all Laboratory requisitions and reports for completeness; delivers results promptly to appropriate area; develops work-flow by coordinating with Medical Technologist; organizes and prioritizes work in order to complete work competently and effectively and in a timely manner; files and copies if indicated, reports in laboratory and physician files and maintains duplicate report file and records on all referred specimens and reports including pathology specimens and/or referred tests; answers phones and directs calls as appropriate; ensures all laboratory and delivery charges are current, with any corrections made, and delivers to the business office daily; ensures timecards are completed on a daily basis; types schedules, reports and correspondence for technologist as required; observes principals of date security/patient confidentiality; assists in training of new assistants; maintains positive attitude, functions as a team player, and maintains inter-intra department communications; interacts with other health-care workers to solve problems; attends and participates in department meetings; performs other duties as assigned.
Degree / Licensure / Certification / Registration: Certification in Phlebotomy preferred, current BLS certificate required.
Experience Required: Basic phlebotomy training.
Special Skills & Qualifications:
Effective human relations skills are required for interfacing with team members, all levels of staff, physicians, patients, families and other contacts. Must possess the ability to effectively function in a stressful environment. Must possess the ability to remain on feet for extended periods of time and to perform the essential duties of the position. Must possess the ability to use the following equipment: Telephone / Overhead Paging System / Fax Machine / Calculator / Computer / Centrifuge / Refrigerator / Freezer. Must be able to work any scheduled shifts. Must be willing to work periodic overtime. Must be able to maintain confidentiality on large amounts of information