Laboratory Assistant / Phlebotomist, Full-Time, Primarily Day Shift

NMC is currently recruiting a Laboratory Assistant. The position is full-time (80 hours bi-weekly), primarily days 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., up to two weekends a month. Northwestern Medical Center’s mission is to provide exceptional health care to our community. Join our high reliability team! With “people” as one of our core values, valuing our employees is a top priority for Northwestern. We care about our employees, their families, and their overall health & well-being. We are proud to offer a generous benefits package, with recognized national carriers, designed to help our people stay healthy, balance work & life responsibilities, protect your assets & plan for a secure financial future.

Hiring Range
$17.50 to $24.88 USD rate based on experience. Eligible for shift differentials 

Laboratory Assistant I

JOB SUMMARY:

• The Lab Assistant I performs three roles in the function of the Laboratory: 1) Lab customer service and charge entry, 2) phlebotomy and specimen collection, 3) order entry/specimen processing. Adheres to hospital policies and procedures including but not limited to safety, fire, disaster plans, and infection control

PRE-REQUISITES:

• Education:  High school graduate or equivalent required.
  
  Experience:  Clerical experience in medical setting, knowledge of medical terminology, and phlebotomy experience preferred. 
  
  Other:  The Lab Assistant must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Certifications:  BLS required

RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports To:
• • Laboratory Office Coordinator, Assistant Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Director
• Supervises:
• • None specified
• Other Contacts: 
• • Public, physicians and their staff, other employees and computer services.

SCOPE:

• Machinery or Equipment Used:
• • VDT and keyboard, syringes and related blood draw VDT and keyboard, syringes and related blood draw devices, carts, lab transport buckets, centrifuge, clerical office equipment (fax, copier, phone, etc.), buggies (bins/baskets on wheels).
• Physical Demands:
• • Occasional- Physical exertion of 20-30 lbs to assist in re-positioning of inpatients for blood draw. Sitting for computer charge and order entry, tracking of supplies and making labels for specimens. Reaching in all directions to re-stock supplies in blood collection lab, sanitize patient contact areas as indicated, maintain refrigerator supplies and cleanliness and collect specimens. Stooping/bending to retrieve parts needed to collect specimen(s) and perform actual blood draw (bedside or in reclining chair). Frequent - Fine motor coordination to perform duties directly related to blood draws, such as changing tubes, for blood collection, tearing tape, compressing blood vessels, holding and guiding needles. Walking and/or standing. Frequent neck flexion and rotation while taking specimens. Constant - Use of the hands/fingers to perform phlebotomy duties, reception duties of charge and order entry. Must have good gross and fine motor dexterity and tactile sensation of the digits. Requires both red/green and blue/violet color discrimination.
• Working Conditions: 
• • Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and infectious diseases. Educates and interacts with patient and family members as needed. May encounter slippery/wet floors when walking halls to patient rooms to perform inpatient draws.
• Required Protective Equipment:
• • Lab Coat, gloves, mask, gown and booties. Routine Standard Precautions PPE as indicated by protocol.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides exceptional customer service to all stakeholders in a manner that supports the mission, vision and values of the Laboratory and NMC:

• • Promptly answers telephones and greets customers in a professional and courteous manner, demonstrating Studor techniques such as AIDET

• • Works collaboratively with clients to improve quality and to resolve discrepancies such as unclear orders or sample integrity issues

• • Provides guidance to client inquiries including tube selection, collection techniques, test names, and in providing information from reference laboratories.

• Obtains specimens for testing according to policies, procedures and regulatory requirements:

• • Performs specimen collection for inpatients, outpatients, and off-site locations

• • Consistently interacts with patients and families using Studor techniques such as AIDET

• • Recognizes age specific needs of the patient and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety and quality of specimen collection

• • Performs proper patient and sample identification, immediately resolving any discrepancies prior to performing a procedure

• • Follows procedures to obtain quality venous and capillary specimens using appropriate venipuncture techniques including dermal puncture, vacuum tube, syringe, and butterfly venipuncture techniques. Phlebotomy is performed in a manner to minimize patient discomfort, the need for additional attempts, and the potential for bruising

• • Follows specimen collection procedures to obtain specimens from other sources including urine and swab techniques. Instructs outpatients in the proper method of obtaining special clinical specimens

• • Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique and complying with applicable precaution procedures

• • Keeps collection sites organized, restocked, and disinfected throughout the shift and also prior to the next shift

• • Consistently documents relevant and required information on appropriate forms and in the computer system(s)

• • Ensures that requisition binders are maintained in a timely manner and that all orders are clear and compliant.

• Processes specimens prior to testing, ensuring quality and adhering to established policies and procedures:

• • Uses available resources to resolve unusual test orders. Contacts the Provider or Charge Nurse to clarify any unclear orders. Refers unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification. Consults with supervisor for additional guidance

• • Specimen and patient identity are verified and maintained throughout processing and testing

• • Performs pre-analytical specimen processing including aliquotting, transferring, or repackaging of samples for additional testing

• • Processes specimens with accuracy including demographics and tests ordered

• • Assesses and maintains sample integrity throughout processing

• • Adheres to special handling instructions and forwards to testing personnel when appropriate

• • Processes specimens and delivers to testing areas in a timely manner

• • Maintains adequate levels of supplies and keeps work area organized and disinfected

• • Recognizes potential errors or deficiencies that could compromise sample integrity and takes steps to proactively resolve.

• Performs administrative duties to meet the needs of the laboratory department and the customers served by the laboratory:

• • Performs proper charging and filing of lab work/records

• • Assists technologists and supervisors with general administrative functions

• • Performs and documents routine Quality Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, and Quality Assurance. Discrepancies are identified and resolved. Medical Tech II or supervisors are notified.

•  Works collaboratively with coworkers, Technologists, and other staff within department and in other departments throughout the organization:

• • Demonstrated flexibility in working all shifts including days, evenings, and swing-shifts

• • Seeks opportunities to assist others

• • Provides logistical support to technologists

• • Demonstrates willingness to assist non-laboratorians throughout the entire organization

• Uses a variety of communication skills to meet the needs of the laboratory department and the customers served by the laboratory:

• • Communicates at shift change to ensure smooth processing transitions

• • Maintains good relations with patients, medical staff, co-workers and other contacts

• • Works collaboratively with coworkers to resolve potential conflicts

• • Keeps abreast of all procedural changes through effective use of verbal communication

• • Completes all policy/procedure updates within 30 days of posting.

• Participates in continuing education and departmental development functions to support professional growth and departmental initiatives:

• • Participates in continuing education opportunities and acquires sufficient annual CME credits

• • Demonstrates a willingness to learn and perform new procedures

• • Willingly shares technical knowledge and experience with coworkers and customers

• • Participates in committees and workgroups

• • Demonstrates active and supportive efforts with Performance Improvement initiatives

• • Supports and participates in departmental initiatives and goals

• • Actively Participates in the teaching and training of new employees (including technologists, Lab Assistants, support staff, and staff from other departments), students, and house staff