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Job Summary:
The Phlebotomist/Laboratory Assistant is responsible for specimen collection, processing, data entry services, assisting in the procurement, testing, and processing of laboratory specimens. The position provides data entry, supply inventory, and customer service support to facilitate specimen processing and result entry. The primary responsibilities for this position will vary by department and may include any or a combination of all of the following:
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Enters and verifies test requests accurately and efficiently.
- Obtains, enters and verifies patient information accurately and efficiently.
- Assists with specimen storage, retrieval and disposal following standard precautions to abide by all regulatory policies and procedures.
- Performs technical duties to include: a) processes specimens according to test requirements; b) prepares slide processing; c) prepares slide staining; d) performs plating.
- Prepares samples for appropriate transport to reference laboratory. Generates and reviews pending logs for outstanding specimen processing.
- Provides telephone support for notification of non-critical laboratory test values. Faxes and prints reports as needed.
- Assists staff with inventory management; rotates and restocks reagents and supplies as needed.
- Takes daily temperatures of laboratory refrigerators, freezers, and incubators as required. Performs required daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance and function checks as required for eyewash station, safety shower, plasma thawer, etc.
- Supports Department Supervisor with various projects and tasks as needed.
- Understands the complexities of specimen integrity and makes first line decisions regarding specimen acceptability.
- Properly washes and disinfects laboratory equipment and materials.
- Tracks and receives batches of specimens arriving from off-site locations assuring that each specimen is accounted for and adequate for testing.
- Operates and maintains operation of high volume centrifuges to include daily and weekly maintenance and disinfection as needed.
- Troubleshoots and documents specimen integrity issues and patient orders.
- Assists with the front phlebotomy desk duties as needed to include: answering the phones, coordination of stat orders with notification to the appropriate phlebotomist, answering of the pneumatic tube station and receiving of specimens into the lab system.
- Assists the Supervisor in the training of new staff regarding lab assistant and specimen processing duties.
- Responsible for training new associates and students from affiliated phlebotomy programs.
- Compares vendor invoices against inventory receipt to check for accuracy/errors in billing.
- Greets all patients, visitors, family members, physicians, and Associates in a courteous and professional manner.
- Monitors and maintains an adequate inventory of phlebotomy supplies and materials, as well as patient preparations, to ensure smooth operations in the phlebotomy work area and non-interruption of patient and customer services.
- Performs blood collection by venipuncture and dermal puncture from patients of all ages accurately and efficiently following proper laboratory standards and procedures.
- Collection of other body fluids may be required.
- Responsible for precise labeling of all samples as dictated by appropriate policies.
- Responsible for precise execution of all specimen collection as dictated by appropriate policies.
- Accepts and accessions specimens delivered to the laboratory by physicians and nursing personnel.
- Responsible to answer telephone and assist caller as needed or direct caller to appropriate department in a timely manner to provide effective communication and quality service.
- Responsible for test order entry, patient information data entry, and specimen information data entry in the laboratory computer system accurately and efficiently.
- Provide oral or written reports upon request from physicians, physician office personnel, and nursing units for inpatients and outpatients.
- Prints daily workflow reports, including HRP and un-received specimen lists, and communicates turn around delays to the supervisor immediately.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum high school diploma or equivalent required.
- One year of phlebotomy experience or successful completion of an accredited, structured phlebotomy training program.
- American Heart Association (AHA) CPR certification required.
- Basic computer skills required and previous experience with Microsoft Office preferred.
- ASCP phlebotomy certification desired.
- Excellent interpersonal and telephone skills required.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work required
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Possess excellent customer service and problem-solving skills.
MWHC will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status (EOE). We are also committed to equitable and transparent compensation practices and comply with all applicable pay transparency and pay equity laws.
Required
Physical Requirements: Constant (67-100% of workday) walking, standing, use of arms and hands; frequent (34-66% of workday) bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting; ability to lift 35 lbs.; ability to push and pull 20 lbs.; auditory and visual skills to include color determination; ability to work in confined spaces; ability to reach above/overhead.
Mental Requirements: Possesses critical thinking and analytical skills. Ability to multi-task. Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team. Capacity to cope with difficult situations. Ability to tolerate irregular hours including evenings, nights, and weekends.
Environmental Requirements and Exposure Hazards: Potential risk of exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals. Potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens; must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
*Clinical positions in Mary Washington Home Health and/or Hospice must also meet driving requirements.
“It is the policy of Mary Washington Healthcare to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability who are applicants for employment or Associates.”
Compensation Pay Range:
$19.92 - $27.88