Laboratory Assistant

Under the supervision of a medical technologist or medical laboratory technician the laboratory assistant may perform tasks as approved by CLIA after acceptable documented proficiency or competency testing. Assists in performing routine laboratory tests, maintaining records, graphs, and quality control data. Performs clerical work including charting, filing, answering telephone, and etc. Obtains, receives, and processes specimens, prepares reagent using established laboratory techniques, performs testing procedures; reports, record, and interprets results. Performs quality control testing, instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting. Serves as a consultant to phlebotomist. Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment required. Additional job duties or functions may be requested per administration to assist in other ares of the hospital within your capabilities.

May be required to train for and perform additional duties as needed that are inside the scope of the Louisiana licensure requirements for a Laboratory Assistant:

Follows all Federal, State and Local regulatory requirements, (CLIA, Joint Commission, OSHA, etc.) in order to provide accurate patient results, safe working environment and carries out these responsibilities without constant oversight.

Performs daily maintenance procedures as required on all equipment used.

Always gives accurate attention to the required record keeping including records of all work on worksheets and in log books, and on charge sheets, and files reports as necessary.

Insures that all infection control precautions are adhered to and keeps work areas clean and in sanitary condition.

Performs quality control tests as required to ensure that all results obtained are accurate and ware within the designated range of each test.

Accurately and timely conducts collections, analysis, and reporting on all samples.

Always refers abnormal results to a pathologist or supervisor according to established criteria; promptly notifies the nursing unit and / or physician of all critical test values.

Acceptable results on proficiency testing.

Completes reports n a clearly written and organized manner.

Continually uses time to departmental advantage.

Always attempts to understand the needs of others in relation to laboratory requests; and demonstrates good judgment when responding to request, especially when interacting with physicians.

Recognizes the roles of the laboratory and ho they relate to the overall function of the hospital regarding quality patient care.

Consistently combines ethical judgment with technical skill within policy and legal guidelines of the institution.

Has a complete knowledge of hospital's fire, safety, infection control, and disaster procedures as contained in the respective manuals.

Maintains patient confidentiality.

Demonstrates a positive, courteous, and professional attitude with hospital employees as well as patients, families, and visitors.

Dresses and conducts oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

Keeps absenteeism and tardiness at a minimum and is available for extra time and duties where needed.

Performs additional duties as requested by the Supervisor.

Compliant with all regulations as listed in the North Caddo Medical Center employee handbook.

Accurately conduct chemical analysis using manual or automated procedures, precision and QC acceptable.

Recognizes and performs duties which need to be performed; regularly helps others.

Understands use and limitations of laboratory equipment.

Familiar with standard laboratory methods and techniques.

Possess critical thinking skills, decisive judgement and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Qualifications:

Education:

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, training/experience according to CLIA Regulation, and possess a current Louisiana State license (LSBME).

Responsible to:

Laboratory Director, Laboratory Manager and Administration

Performance Policy:

The first three months of employment is the trial employment period. During this thime, an employee or the employer may for any reason terminate employment with NCMC without retribution. If the job performance evaluation is found to be of high quality after the three month trial employment period, employment with NCMC will continue and a recommendation for a pay increase may or may not be requested by administration. Thereafter, employees will be evaluated annually. The evaluation of Laboratory employees will encompass the following ares as related to their function and/or their job in the hospital:

Knowledge, Innovation, Courtesy, Reliability, Alertness, Accuracy/Record Keeping, Appearance/Habits, Cooperation, Perseverance/Skill, Maintenance, Judgment, Orderliness, Initiative, Attendance, and Troubleshooting.

All employees must adhere to NCMC Customer Service Standards. Areas of strengths and weaknesses will be evaluated and the employee will be offered the opportunity to comment on the evaluation.

Physical demands may require standing, walking, sitting and driving. Weight Force could be as light as sedentary work, ability to exert up to 0 pounds of force, to Medium-Heavy work which is the ability to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds frequently and 10 pounds constantly.

The work day includes:

Bending/Stooping, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and climbing stairs.May use hands for repeitive simple grasping or fine manipulation.

Mental:

Must be able to promote harmonious relationships among staff, visitors, patients, etc.

Must conduct self in a professional manner at all times

Must accept assignments within job description

Must recognize/respect chain of command

Must not steal from staff, patients or the hospital

Must control self emotionally and maintain a stable psyche

Be able to perform job skills per licensure

Must utilize safety precautions, protect and provide safety for the patient (bed low, rails up, call bell in reach)

Must have command of manual dexterity to work with instruments, needles, etc.

Sensory:

Must be able to see clearly (corrective wear acceptable)

Must be able t hear adequately (hearing aid acceptable)

Must be able to speak clearly for proper communication

Additional Job Specifications:

Exposure to hazards such as bleach, disinfectant, blood-borne pathogens (such as HIV, Hepatits, viruses, bacteria and resistand bacteria), etc.

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