Lab Assistant
Nantucket Cottage Hospital (NCH)

Full-time, 40 hours per week, Day shift

Job Summary:

Skillfully performs the job of drawing all types of blood specimens (with the exception of blood gases), from adults, children, and infants. The Laboratory Assistant is also responsible for a variety of clerical and record keeping duties, as well as specimen handling, shipping, ordering, EKG's and Holter's.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Specimen Handling

• Collects and processes specimens in accordance with laboratory procedures by:
  • collecting specimens and processing correctly;
  • determining acceptability of specimens submitted to the lab, and
  • notifying Laboratory Manager or Technologist of unacceptable specimens and documenting the incident.
• Judges appropriateness of test order by checking questionable order with Laboratory Manager or Technologist.
• Handles and disposes of laboratory specimens in accordance with laboratory safety procedure by:
  • wearing personal protective equipment as required;
  • disposing of bio-hazardous waste and sharps correctly;
  • maintaining a clean work area and disinfecting as specified; and
  • consulting with Laboratory Manager when cleaning a spill or disposing of chemical waste.
• Must be familiar with LIS (Laboratory Information System)

Clerical

• Answers the telephone as courteously and quickly as possible, taking messages, providing routine information, and/or referring call to appropriate party.
• Files laboratory reports as required.
• Distributes incoming and outgoing mail.
• Types miscellaneous correspondence, committee reports, procedures, etc., as required by Laboratory Manager.
• Photocopies materials as required.
• Assists in tabulating the monthly statistical reports.
• Submits supply requests as needed.
• Relays patient results either by phone, fax, or hand delivery as needed.
• Cooperates with business office to assure proper patient billing.
• Clearly and accurately completes patient information on laboratory requisition slips.
• Receives and checks supplies as they arrive contacting the Laboratory Manager when errors are observed.
• Receives verbal or written requests for laboratory studies from physicians and nursing staff.

Communication

• Uses appropriate oral and written communication skills to clearly and effectively present relevant ideas or information by:
  • reporting to Laboratory Manager any problems or suggestions;
  • exchanging job related information with co-workers;
  • awareness of lab changes by attending by attending lab meetings;
  • communicating with physicians, clients, and co-workers in a courteous manner;
  • providing support in implementation of new procedures and routines;
  • contributing to harmonious and effective working environment within the department;
  • seeking out opportunities to enhance personal professional development;
  • instructing patients in proper collection of laboratory specimens; and
  • reading communication log daily.

Other Department Responsibilities

• Assists in the training of new employees.
• Reviews clerical procedures as required and recommends appropriate changes.
• Attends continuing education programs, when available, and reads laboratory journals to keep current on new techniques and procedures.
• Identifies alarm values and brings them to the attention of a Technologist.

Qualifications
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for the Position

Skills:

• Must be able to demonstrate adequate technical skills and judgment to function unsupervised during on-call, second shift, and weekend hours.

Ability to:

• Ability to tactfully communicate with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to handle stress and work in emergency situations. Ability to use of fingers and hands to operate all laboratory-related equipment as described on the Laboratory Department checklist. Additionally, must use beeper, telephone, calculator, fax, and other related office equipment.
• Ability to stand and walk constantly.
• Ability to lift up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.
• Ability to bend, twist, crouch, squat, pull, push, reach, and remain stationary for short period of times and perform repetitive motions.
• Frequent bending, twisting, crouching, squatting, pulling, pushing, and reaching required, as well as the ability to remain stationary for short periods and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to use hands, fingers, arms and wrists, hearing, smell, and verbal skills are required in order to perform job duties.

Credentials and Experience Required

• High School Degree or GED required.
• Prior experience of up to 6 months working as a Phlebotomist in a laboratory preferred and performance of EKG's and Holter Monitors.

Special Requirements

• Although the position generally works the day shift, evening shift assignments, as well as the need to be on-call on a rotating basis for evening/nights, weekends, and holidays are required.
• Must be available to work overtime as needed to complete all job duties.
• Must be available to work in the case of a Hospital declared emergency.

EEO Statement
Nantucket Cottage Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

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