Lead Certified Lab Assistant
Nantucket Cottage Hospital (NCH)

Job Info

Full-time, 40 hours per week, Day shift

Job Summary:

The Lead Laboratory Assistant, in collaboration with the core laboratory, will provide technical and administrative leadership for the outpatient laboratory. This position will ensure appropriate sample collection, EKG testing, Holter monitor placement, and oversee reference lab operations. The Lead Laboratory Assistant will conduct complex analysis of laboratory specimens according to established protocols and procedures conduct quality assurance checks and maintain POCT instruments within the out-patient area.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Specimen Handling:

• Collects and processes specimens in accordance with laboratory procedures.

o Enters orders into LIS

o Collects specimens

o Processes specimens for either core laboratory or reference lab testing

o Ensures correct specimen labeling

o Enters specimen data into LIS

o Determines specimen acceptability

o Notifies Laboratory Manager or Technologist of unacceptable specimens and documenting the incident

• Determines appropriateness of test requests and checks orders with Laboratory Manager or Supervisor.

• Handles and disposes of laboratory specimens in accordance with laboratory safety procedure.

• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment

• Disposes of bio-hazardous waste and sharps correctly

• Maintains a clean work area and disinfecting as specified

• Must be familiar with LIS (Laboratory Information System) for registration, medical necessity determination, order entry, result entry (when applicable), and obtaining and distributing patient results.

• Ability to perform CLIA waived functions (as trained).

• Prepares shipments to reference labs and MGH

• Oversees Urine Drug Screen Collection and Breath Alcohol Testing Program

Clerical:

• Responsible for the point of service registration of outpatients and non-patients, and medical necessity determination, as applicable.

• Answers the telephone courteously and quickly, taking messages, providing routine information, and/or referring call to appropriate member of the laboratory staff.

• Files laboratory reports as required and distributes reference lab reports to clinicians.

• 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.

• Keeps work area clean and orderly, inventories and stocks work area 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 processes written requests for lab studies from physicians and nursing staff.

• Monitors pending log for send out tests in LIS, Quest, Mayo and Imugen

• Performs daily checks on send out test orders and results

• Scans results into LIS

• Upload and print EKG and Holter monitor reports

• Correct ordering provider fax numbers in LIS and HIS

• Assess and maintains coagulation QC, temperature and disinfection logs

Communication:

• Uses appropriate oral and written communication skills to present relevant ideas or information by:

o Reports any problems or suggestions to Laboratory Manager or Supervisor

o Exchanges job related information with peers

o Attends lab meetings

o Communicates with physicians, clients, and colleagues in a courteous manner

o Provides support in implementation of new procedures and routines

o Contributes to a harmonious and effective working environment within the department

o Seeks opportunities to enhance personal professional development

o Instructs patients in proper collection of laboratory specimens

o Reads the communication log daily and resends failed faxes

• Checks and returns phone messages including appropriate follow-up

Administrative:

• Prepares outpatient laboratory staffing schedule for approval by the Lab Manager.

• Orders supplies for outpatient laboratory and core laboratory as needed. Receives and checks supplies as they arrive contacting the Laboratory Manager when errors are observed.

Other Department Responsibilities:

• Periodically reviews outpatient procedures and recommends appropriate changes.

• Provides training of new employees.

• 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.

• Serve as a resource for the outpatient area

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

Knowledge of:

• Medical Terminology

• CLIA waived testing preferred

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Skills:

• The Lead Lab Assistant must be capable of problem solving related to appropriate specimen collection, handling and order entry in the LIS and HIS.

Abilities:

• 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

• Certification as Phlebotomist or Medical Laboratory Assistant from a recognized accredited program is required.

• Five (5) years experience as laboratory assistant including phlebotomy is required.

• Two (2) years prior experience in NCH lab required.

• American Heart Association BLS Certification required.

Special Requirements

• Although the position generally works the day shift, occasional evening shift assignments, as well as weekend assignments, are a possibility.

• 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.

• Must have or able to obtain Urine Drug Screen Collection and Breath Alcohol Testing Certification.

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.