What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Assistant position at Patient First?
The responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Providing quality and rapid lab results involving knowledge of laboratory analyses, proper procedures, work equipment, and safety procedures;
- Following the laboratory’s procedures for specimen collection, handling, and processing, as well as for test analyses, reporting, and record maintenance of test results;
- Adhering to the laboratory’s quality control policies and documenting all quality control activities and maintenance under the supervision of the Lab Technician on duty;
- Electronically ordering lab, x-ray, and medical supplies as directed;
- Notifying the Nurse and/or Physician when patient is ready for exam while communicating symptoms and relaying questions about lab or x-ray needs;
- Adhering to the established corrective action policies and procedures of the laboratory whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance and documenting those actions;
- Identifying and troubleshooting problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results either by correcting the problem or notifying the Lab Technician on duty, Lab Supervisor, or Lab Consultant;
- Receiving and distributing lab supplies as needed;
- Adhering to safety policies as defined by Patient First and OSHA;
- Assisting Nurses and Physicians with various forms of patient treatment and care;
- Handling Physician and Nurse requests with respect and in a timely manner;
- Fostering teamwork and ensuring a positive and professional atmosphere;
- Providing positive, warm, and friendly service in all interactions;
- Understanding and performing all duties as assigned.
Minimum education and professional requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Employee must be 18 years of age or older;
- High school graduate or equivalent. Must have knowledge of laboratory principles, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to perform waived testing;
- Ability to produce rapid, reliable, quality laboratory results during periods of high volume (100 or more patients per day);
- Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and take initiative based on varying volume and dynamic situations;
- Knowledge and skill sufficient to use and maintain laboratory instrumentation;
- Proficiency in performing venipuncture, finger stick collections, and drug screens;
- Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time (possibly 4-7 hours at a time);
- Must be able to lift moderately heavy to heavy items (20 to 50 pounds);
- Willingness to work at any center due to a staffing or center emergency or reduction of work.