Lab Assistant

Position Summary: The laboratory assistant is accountable for assisting with all duties within the laboratory as delegated and within the scope of regulatory and accrediting bodies and the policies, procedures, and standards of Natural State Laboratories (NSL/NSG). Duties will include data entry for case accessioning into the LIS, laboratory temperature and maintenance recording, specimen processing, and other duties as delegated. The laboratory assistant will demonstrate a commitment to teamwork through effective collaboration efforts.

Reports To: Department General and Technical Supervisors.

Essential Job Performance Requirements:

Communication Services

• Is polite, positive, and tactful when communicating with all clients and co-workers.
• Listens and responds quickly and appropriately to delegated areas.

Teamwork and Cooperation

• Demonstrates the ability to gain willing cooperation from others.
• Collaborates in problem-solving; works with other departments to achieve common goals that best meet customer needs and expectations.
• Acts to create and promote a pleasant and productive work environment.
• Acts as a resource concerning Laboratory processes and results for all customers.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude toward the organization in dealing with others.
• Exhibits support for, involvement in, and promotion of the values of the organization.
• Exhibits honesty and professionalism.
• Ability to fulfill commitments to meet deadlines.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Communicates clearly, concisely, and accurately, in a professional manner.
• Demonstrates good listening skills and can interact effectively without alienating others.
• Exchanges information willingly and in a timely manner to achieve shared objectives, keeps others informed.
• Demonstrates appropriate verbal and written communication skills.

Quality Improvement

• Open to new ideas and willing to try new approaches.
• Seeks opportunities to learn new tasks.
• Willingly participates as a member of groups, teams, and committees working on process improvement projects.

LABORATORY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Keeps work areas clean and well stocked.
• Processes specimens for testing according to procedures and standards as well as patient safety standards within the delegation of duties.
• Utilizes spare time to attend to other duties as assigned and indicated.
• Documents all corrective actions taken when procedures deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the appropriate lab personnel.
• Utilizes spare time to attend to housekeeping duties as assigned and indicated within the laboratory.
• Accessions and processes orders, collection information, and pertinent analytical comments within the computer accurately. Assures documentation of all information on respective requisitions and reports within the Information System.
• Demonstrates ability to prioritize requests for specimen collection, processing, analysis and reporting consistent with Laboratory Policy and procedure. Assures timely and accurate processing of specimens as per Laboratory Policy and Procedures and as dictated by communicated patient status and priorities.
• Continually seeks to improve skills, and processes, when able
• Has the ability to follow through to completion of any task undertaken.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; college diploma preferred.
• Data entry skills and laboratory experience preferred.

Physical Job Requirements:

• Requires full range of body motion including the ability to stand, walk and to lift a weight of 50 pounds.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing within normal range.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable accrediting agency regulations (CAP, CLIA, COLA)
• Knowledge of basic Laboratory policies and procedures to include safe work practices.
• Ability to effectively utilize Microsoft computer software.

Schedule:

• (1 position) – Monday – Friday 8:30a-5:00p
• (1 position) – Monday – Friday 2:00p-10:30p
• (1 position) – Monday – Friday 3:00p-11:30p