Laboratory Assistant/ Specimen Processor

Caring For the Community You Love

Choose a career to make a difference in people's lives every day, choose Fisher-Titus

Perks of working at Fisher-Titus:

• Hours of Work-2nd Shift (1:30pm - 10:00pm) 2 evenings per week and a rotating Saturday morning shift every 5th weekend.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package- Medical & Dental coverage, 401K match, paid time off, tuition assistance and more!
• Shift, Weekend & PRN differential

About Fisher-Titus:

Fisher-Titus proudly serves the greater Huron County area’s 70,000-plus residents by providing a full continuum of health and wellness care from heart and cancer care to outpatient services such as lab, imaging, and physical rehabilitation.

Vision: Be the first choice for healthcare and employment within our community

Mission: Deliver compassionate and convenient care to the highest level of excellence that promotes lifelong health and wellness for our community

General Summary:

Performs processing of specimens, maintains the accessioning/send-out department, performs phlebotomy functions and non-technical duties in areas including the hospital laboratory, outpatient and off-site services. Performs limited waived testing as assigned.

Education, Licensure, Registration and Experience:

Equivalent of four years of high school education

One year of full time experience preferred

Certified or certified eligible with National Phlebotomy Association preferred

Successful completion of Phlebotomy training program and internship, or equivalent.

Experience with specimen processing and handling preferred.

Essential Functions:

Is responsible for maintaining all aspects of the Accessioning Department.
a. Answers pneumatic tube station and promptly handles receiving in of specimens, centrifugation of specimens, and distribution of specimens to the various departments.
b. Receives specimens dropped off to the lab throughout the shift and processes those specimens (logs them into system, distributes to appropriate department.)
c. Loads DxA appropriately and manages system alerts.
d. Completes drop-off process, insuring registration is complete and accurate testing is ordered in system correctly, and all send outs are stored properly.
e. Processes all send-out tests, ensuring correct specimen type, adequate volume, proper storage, ordering and packaging and accurate/timely completion of the batch list for LabCorp (interfaced tests.)
f. Maintains the specimen and reference lab problem log, following through on issues thoroughly and in a timely manner. Keeps supervisor informed of any trends noted, and feedback from offices.
g. Maintains adequate supplies for accessioning and send-out testing, and fills/completes requests for supplies from various offices in a timely manner.
h. Enters lab miscellaneous orders in and verifies that information is complete for billing.
i. Answers phones promptly and attends to callers’ needs in a professional manner.
j. Assists with storage tracking, add-ons, and cancelling of tests, utilizes computers and internet access appropriately.

Performs phlebotomy (venipuncture, fingerstick, and heelstick) according to established procedures and utilizes computers as appropriate in completing assigned functions.
a. Performs venipuncture using correct technique and with minimal discomfort to the patient.
b. Performs fingerstick procedures with correct technique and when unable to obtain specimen by venipuncture.
c. Performs heelstick on babies with correct technique.
d. Performs bleeding times according to procedure.
e. Performs proper hand hygiene (i.e. soap and water, or hand sanitizer) before AND after patient contact.
f. Verifies all information for accuracy and performs order entry with no errors.
g. Generates collection lists and can add on or cancel tests properly.

Identifies patients and properly labels specimen tubes.
a. Identifies inpatient by checking name and hospital medical record number or date of birth on patient armband and comparing this information to the LIS labels.
b. Identifies outpatient by asking the patient to state their first and last name, and their date of birth and comparing this information to the registration face sheet, wristband, and LIS labels.
c. Uses handheld device to scan wristband, print labels, and scan labeled specimens in to the system at the patient's chairside/bedside.
d. Orders are checked to the printed specimen labels to ensure all tests are ordered and correct (i.e. a checkmark is placed next to each test on the order requisition).
e. Labels all specimen tubes following established procedure: LIS barcode label, date and time of draw, and phlebotomist initials.

Under supervision will help in the training of new employees and student interns at the hospital in performance of processing duties.
a. Works with new employees to assist in training of departmental procedures, and properly completes training checklists to ensure new employee competence.
b. Acts as a resource to new employees.

Attends all required safety training programs and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job related hazards.
a. Completes Education Day, required in-services, required readings, and other competency requirements in a timely manner.
b. Maintains work area and equipment in the condition required by department standards.
c. operates assigned equipment and performs all procedures in a safe manner as instructed.
s. Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions.

Responsibly follows the hospital exposure control plans/bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
a. Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment.
b. Ensures a safe environment by instituting appropriate control measures.
c. Attends annual education programs.
d. Wears clean gloves when drawing all patients.
e. Performs proper hand hygiene before and after contact with patients, following glove removal and prior to leaving the department.
f. Disposes of needles in biohazard sharps containers.
g. Cell phones and electronic devices are stored in employee's locker and not out in working/testing areas.

Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
a. Interacts with all of the above in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner, as observed by the supervisor and peers.
b. Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner, as measured by management observation and peer input.
c. Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations.
d. Maintains open communication using appropriate chain of command regarding issues.
e. Conducts all work activities with respect for the rights and wishes of patients, visitors, families, and fellow employees.
f. Maintains confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times, as observed by peers and management.
g. Presents neat appearance in proper attire and identification, as required by the position, department, and policy.
h. Continuously displays a "can do" attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service program in place.
i. Using department-specific scripting/AIDET, will answer any ringing telephone within three rings, and greets all patients/customers/employees appropriately.

Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intradepartmentally to facilitate the department's/unit's ability to meet its goals and objectives.
a. Participates in staff meetings as determined by the Technical Director/Asst. Director, reads and signs minutes within 5 days for all staff meetings not attended.
b. Leads and/or contributes to lean process improvement in the laboratory.
c. Supports the hospital's mission, policies, and procedures through attendance and participation at committee meetings, if applicable.
d. Promotes The Fisher-Titus Way philosophy: Quality, Perfection of Care, Exceeding Expectations, Delivering Value.
e. Actively participates in the daily Team Huddle.
f. Will lead shift change huddle, give report, review and sign pending logs with oncoming shift.
g. Utilizes automated system to communicate inter- and intra- departmentally, as appropriate.
h. Utilizes communication boards within department to communicate issues, updates, breaks, phone extensions, etc.
i. Carries portable phone at all times.
j. Will access and respond to e-mail messages in a timely manner.
k. Completes work assignments on time/readily accepts assignments, as observed by the supervisor.
m. Assists in accessioning with pneumatic tube system, answering phones, processing send-outs, storage tracking, and entering miscellaneous lab orders.

Will act as a receptionist, greet patients, and answer phones in the outpatient lab when required.
a. Is courteous and friendly to patients.
b. Answers phones in a prompt and courteous manner and by stating name.
c. Assists with ordering testing.
d. Calls/faxes/delivers results/reports to appropriate offices.
e. Critical values are called to the appropriate personnel and documented.
f. Will respond to and document appropriately in the Emanate electronic temperature monitoring system.

Is responsible for the daily cleaning of equipment and maintaining neatness throughout the department.
a. Keeps phlebotomy tray/cart neat and checks periodically for any outdated tubes/supplies.
b. Will replenish phlebotomy tray/cart/side tables upon completion of shift.
c. Will ensure that all safety and waste containers are disposed of properly.
d. Maintain stock in phlebotomy room and keep phlebotomy room and storage room neat at all times, and will communicate the need for additional supplies.

Performs accurate and appropriate testing of specimens received in the laboratory, according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.
a. Evaluates specimens for acceptability for proper testing.
b. Investigates and documents problems with unacceptable specimens.
c. Organizes workload for maximum efficiency in order to complete tests being performed.

Performs daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed, maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate. Performs calibration of equipment as required.
a. Performs maintenance according to the schedule for the instrument/equipment.
b. Performs calibration of equipment according to scheduled intervals or receipt of reagents.
c. Documents calibration of equipment.
d. Maintains appropriate supplies for work being performed, and will communicate the need for additional supplies/reagents/stock as appropriate.
e. Records daily temperatures (refrigerators, freezers, room temp, etc.) and utilizes Emanate monitoring system properly documenting according to procedure.

Troubleshoots instruments, equipment, reagents, and patient specimen's when problems occur. Follows chain of command if unable to solve the problem.
a. Follows established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures.
b. Follows established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems.
c. Documents steps taken during the troubleshooting process.

Working Conditions:

• Stand/Walk – 6-8 hrs

• Sit – 1-2 hrs

• Bend – up to 1/3 of time

• Squat – up to 1/3 of time

• Climb – up to 1/3 of time

Reach up to 1/3 of time

• Lift - up to 1/3 of time

• Carry – up to 1/3 of time

• Push – up to 1/3 of time

• Pull – up to 1/3 of time

• Right Hand - Precise Motor Function (Or Fine Manipulation)

• Left Hand - Precise Motor Function (Or Fine Manipulation)

• Right Foot - Gross Motor Function

• Left Foot - Gross Motor Function

• Up to 25 pounds – 1/3 or more of the time

Body Fluid Exposure - Yes

Standards of Employment:

Attends all mandatory education programs and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety and regulatory compliance.

Appearance is professional, neat, clean, and appropriate for the work environment. Wears proper photo identification badge while on duty.

Maintains confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times, as observed by peers and management.

Attends monthly staff meetings and participates in monthly rounding process with manager to assure effective and timely two-way communications.

Participates in and completes required department specific education and training programs and can describe his or her responsibilities related to department safety and specific job-related hazards.

Follows safety and security policies including exposure control plans/blood borne and airborne pathogens.

Core Requirements:

Supports the mission, vision and CARES values of Fisher Titus.

Is knowledgeable of patient rights and ensures an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity and well-being of all patients in a safe, secure environment.

Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for:

Key Service Behavior:

Communicates with Compassion - Every patient, Every time

• • Engages in active listening skills
  • Utilizes the AIDET communication tool
  • Uses key words at key times
  • Utilizes HEART service recovery techniques

Demonstrates Service Etiquette - Every patient, Every time

• • Smiles and greets patients using the 10/5 rule
  • Demonstrates a calm, positive attitude through tone and body language
  • Ensures patient privacy and promotes a healing environment
  • Adjusts approach to respect the diversity of patients
  • Assesses and manages patient's expectations of care

Commitment to Safety - Every patient, Every time

• • Follows established safety guidelines to reduce risk of adverse event through early recognition
  • Commits to the Culture of Safety; If you see something, say something

Delivering High Quality Care - Every patient, Every time

• • Commits to efficient, effective and purposeful work and delivery of care
  • Engages in practices that will continually improve processes