Washington Hospital Careers

•                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Job Title: .senior .Laboratory Assis�ntJob Code: 910

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Office/Phlebotomy Supervisor performs as a "Lead" Senior Laboratory Assistant in directing, teaching, trouble shooting and participating in the day-to-day operations of the work unit. Requires knowledge of the policies, procedures, and equipment in the Phlebotomy, Office, and Processing areas.

Follows all duties as outlined in the Clerk/Phlebotomist Job Description..

In addition to performing the essential functions listed below, may also be assigned other duties as required.

Statement of Accountability

Reports to: Lab Office/Phlebotomy Supervisor

Qualifications

•    Education

•    Licensure

•    Work Experience

•    Skills/computer/ specific technical

■     Other qualifications, miscellaneous

Education - Required: H.S. Diploma Desired: 2 years of college classes

Licenses/Certifications - Required: Valid phlebotomy certificate; current California Phlebotomy license or qualifies under state regulations for April 2006 extension.

Specify if qualifications are Required or Preferred

Desired:

Work Experience - Required: Three years experience as a lab clerk phlebotomist with two years at Washington Hospital

Language Skills - Required

Computer Skills - Required. Proficient in Word and Excel.

Other Skills and Abilities - Required: Verbal ability to communicate with staff, patients, and physicians.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Achieving Results Key Components: assess, plan, evaluate, demonstrate initiative, quality of work, productivity

1. Orders tests and processes specimens arriving in the laboratory according to established procedure and test requirements.
2. Verifies specimens in the computer with the correct date and time.
3. Ensures .that morning draws are distributed appropriately and that PICC line, Unit, baby draws are indicated on the AM round report card.
4. Responsible in making sure that morning rounds are completed by 6:45

a.m. Monday through Saturday and 7:45 a.m. on Sundays. Responsible to remind Phlebotomist assigned to morning rounds to send specimens every third draw to facilitate the receiving and processing of the specimens. After completing the a.m. rounds, turns in AM draw report card to the Chemistry Department.

1. Checks that phlebotomy carts are arranged and stocked in a uniform manner.
2. Checks that PKU forms are done and ready to be mailed (Lab Assistant).
3. Ensures that outpatient draw sites are cleaned and stocked on a daily basis.
4. Assists in training phlebotomy students and new employees.
5. Ensure that registration and outpatient draw is kept to a minimum wait time.
6. Keeps staff up-to-date with regard to procedural changes. Evaluates new procedures according to established guidelines. Maintains department readiness for inspection to receive no major deficiencies in any one inspection.
7. Completes all procedures in the assigned section during the shift without sacrificing quality. Demonstrates an awareness of and assumes responsibility for performance of all job functions.
8. Maintains accurate log of temperatures.
9. Reviews inventory and orders supplies periodically to prevent interruption of laboratory testing.
10. Demonstrates good communication, both written and verbal to coworkers, physicians, and hospital staff.
11. Responsible for competency testing for all staff working in the section. Provides key information for employee performance development and documents individual performance of departmental staff on a daily basis.
12. Responsible for ensuring work left from previous shifts is completed and assists others. Reports incomplete assignments to assure continuity of procedure or process. Documents nonconforming events and insures appropriate background information provided with an appropriate response to the problems.
13.  

Demonstrates Skill Key Components: competency, job knowledge, organizational skills, analytical skill, management of information, employee & patient safety

1. Performs venipunctures and skin punctures as needed in a timely manner. Observes strict principles of asepsis and antisepsis to prevent . infection of patient and contamination of specimens.
2. Operates centrifuges, bar code printer, MGP- njo-b!IS devices, fax, and

other equipment as needed.

1. Instructs patients on specimen collection geared to their age and physical abilities.
2. Performs information collection and reporting as required by job.
3. Safety in Environment of Care - Follows safety policies at all times, helps to maintain a safe workplace.
4. Completes follow-up protocol for any ambiguous orders or issues so that concerns come to resolution and audit trail is maintained.
5. Ensures that order monitor and uncollected list are cleared for any draws

that are pending and overdue from the previous days.

1. Ensures that all reports are faxed and cleared in Review List (Day and PM Senior Laboratory Assistant).
2. Follows through with report overdue and pending lists in Processing.
3. Ensures that Bacti cultures are set up in a timely manner (PM and night Senior Lab Clerk/Phlebotomist).

Planning &

Coordinating

Key Components: delegates, decision making, problem solving, management of resources

1. Consistently demonstrates ability to problem solve'and exercise an appropriate course of action.
2. Demonstrates the ability to prioritize and adjust workload to respond to STAT/priority and ASAP orders.
3. Completes all assigned procedures during the shift and uses time between procedures to departmental advantage.
4. Directs and checks the work of other lab Clerk/Phlebotomists to ensure the continuous workflow of the department.
5. Responsible to schedule breaks, lunches and work assignments of Clerk/Phlebotomists and find staff replacements under the direction of, or absence of, the Office/Phlebotomy Supervisor.
6. Assists in staff scheduling and coordinating,.
7. Able to work on solving problems with the department by reporting and coordinating with the Phlebotomy Supervisor or the Weekend Supervisor. This may include staying longer than scheduled to ensure that the problem is resolved.
8. Assigns phones, mobile devices and printers to Clerk/Phlebotomists.
9. Monitors phlebotomy and office supplies; informs the Office/Phlebotomy Supervisor if supplies are low.
10. Ensures that printers, mobile devices and phones are fully charged.
11. Evaluates incoming specimens for rejection criteria and follows specimen rejection procedure to preserve specimen integrity.

Professionalism

Key Components: dependability, interpersonal skills, teamwork, patient first ethic, customer service, communication skills, punctuality/attendance, receptiveness to criticism, judgment, confidentiality

1.      Acts as a resource person for Phlebotomy, Office and Processing.

2.      Answers telephone questions regarding phlebotomy, office, and specimen requirements.

3.      Performs job both in person, on telephone, and through other means of communication, according to requirements.

4.      Remains in compliance with hospital policies on attendance and punctuality.

5.      Develops and maintains effective communication mechanisms and working relationships with physicians, other hospital departments and laboratory personnel.

Improving the Organization Key Components:

performance improvement,

quality initiatives

1.      Participates in Performance improvement activities as requested.

2.      Reviews employee policies and procedures regularly to maintain a complete understanding of hospital regulations and new relevant and pertinent information.

Self-Development Key Components: maintain license/certification,

education and training

1.      Education - Maintains licensure, certification, education and training levels to improve knowledge and skill level.

Regulatory Compliance

Key Components: JCAHO, Title 22, OIG, HIPAA,

State/Federal laws, hospital

policies

1.      Follows OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standard.

2.      Confiqentiality - Maintains confidentiality of all hospital information. Safeguards protected health information from any intentional or unintentional disclosure.

Prepared by:

(-�Approved by:

Title:

Title:

Date:

Date:

Personnel Office Review:

Date:

Revised Date:

Hazards Which May Be Encountered

Injury

Methods To Prevent Injuries

Lifting Objects/Patients

Back Injuries

Hernias

Understand A&P of back, causes of back pain, preventive approaches, use of aids when lifting.

Preventive measures when lifting and use aids when lifting.

Slip/Trip/Falls

Contusions, Sprains, Strains

Avoid undue speed. Use handrails. Clean up spills immediately.

Fires & Natural Disasters

Burns & All Types of Injuries

Recognize possible causes of fires. Smoking materials, faulty equipment. Employees should educate patients. Compressed gasses are flammable & under pressure so must be handled with care. Workers need to be familiar with disaster plans and know exit routes.

Electrical Hazards

Shocks & Burns•

Be aware of unsafe equipment and appliances. Attend electrical safety classes and seek assistance if any unsafe areas are noted.

Assaults

Minor Injury to Death

Employees need to be cognizant to potential dangers to ensure safety. Awareness of existing security measures and defensive behavior can protect employee from assaults.

Needles & Sharps

Cuts, Punctures, Lacerations

Sharps should be discarded in designated containers. Employees should exam & handle soiled linens & similar items as if they contained hazardous items.

Obstacles & Broken Objects

Abrasions, Contusions, and Lacerations

Arrange furniture to allow free movement about the room. Keep doors & drawers closed when not in use. Clean/discard broken objects properly (i.e. broken glass should be swept up - not picked up with fingers).

Possible Exposures to Infections

Hepatitis/Tuberculosis/CytomegalovirusNaricella/AlD S/Herpes/Staph Infections, Lice/Scabies/Rubeola

Infection

Use Infection Control procedures as defined in Infection Control manual. These include handwashing, protective clothing, knowing the risks. Label linens and wastes properly.

Possible exposure to acids & other chemicals used within the hospital

Refer to MSDS's

Employees should follow procedures as explained in their department Hazardous Material training and refer to MSDS's before using/handling any chemical. Follow procedures and do not use any chemical without proper labeling.

Hazards Which May Be Encountered

Injury

Methods To Prevent Injuries

Latex

Dermatitis to death

Alert supervisor if you feel that you are allergic to latex materials. Use non-latex gloves for sterile procedures.

Soaps, Detergents, Cleaning Solutions

Dermatitis

Follow Departmental procedures. Protective clothing is available if Dept. is unable to substitute agents that do not cause dermatitis.

Ergonomic Problems

Wide Variety of Musculoskeletal nervous disorders

Body mechanics, positioning of equipment/furniture, and repetitive actions can cause employees to experience a variety of physical problems. Employees should follow safe body mechanics as described in hospital education. Employees are encouraged to seek assistance from their supervisor if they feel a task is causing them to experience physical problems. Work site evaluation may be indicated and this should be discussed with manager.

Possible Chemical Exposure

Refer to MSDS's

Employees work with a variety of chemicals within the lab setting. Employees receive training upon hire and also are expected to review the Chemical Safety Plan yearly. Employees are expected to follow safe working procedures as instructed.

Exposure to Video Display Terminals

Eye strain & stress in addition to ergonomic complaints

It is unknown if significant visual dysfunction results from long-term use of VDT's. Problems may be controlled with control of lighting and glare, the color contrast, and workers should have adequately corrected vision. Employees should seek assistance from their supervisor if they feel VDT is causing problems for them.