Per Diem Laboratory Assistant

At Bristol Health, we begin each day caring today for your tomorrow. We have been an integral part of our community for the past 100 years. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and service to our patients, residents and families. We are committed to provide compassionate, quality care at all times and to uphold our values of Communication, Accountability, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.). We are Magnet and received the 2020 Press Ganey Leading Innovator award for our rapid adoption and implementation of healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use your expertise, compassion, and kindness to transform the patient experience. Make a difference. Make Bristol Hospital and Health Care your choice.

The Laboratory Assistant, under the supervision of a registered Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Technician, is responsible for working independently to prepare specimens and analyzers for specimen testing in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures, and to provide technical support and laboratory support information.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Performs all LIS functions relative to the scope of her/his responsibilities to include report generation, patient registration, worklists, outstanding reports, test ordering and test results.
• Labels and receives specimens using 2 patient identifiers.
• Processes add on testing
• Performs pre-analytical processing of samples to include sample centrifugation, aliquoting of samples, inoculation and plating of specimens to media, and loading analyzers, making differential slides.
• Performs testing in accordance with CLIA and CAP guidelines for waived and moderate complexity testing.
• Maintains competency for testing in accordance with CLIA and CAP guidelines.
• Perform maintenance of equipment including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance procedures. Recognizes instrument or equipment failures and troubleshoots as necessary; escalates issues to MT or MLT as needed.
• Prepares quality control for all testing and ensures that results meet established criteria before test results can be released. Recognizes factors that may affect measurements and results, takes appropriate action; escalates issues to MLT or MT as necessary.
• Maintains stock of general laboratory supplies as needed in each department to include preparation and labeling of stains, reagents, and stock solutions used in the processing of specimens. Monitors supply inventory and notifies personnel when inventory should be ordered.
• Performs other duties to maintain a clean and organized working environment. Ancillary duties may include answering phone calls , filing , report distribution, supply distribution, record maintenance, inventory management, and all other tasks as necessary.
• Must work under the direct supervision of a registered Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory technician.
• Will work directly with blood and body fluids.
• Prepares specimens for dispatch to reference laboratory and monitors send-out pending test list/ specimen manifest. Prepares control material, performs preventative maintenance, completes maintenance log and performs instrument quality control, oversees refrigerator and freezer temperature recordings, etc. Computer-based applications (email, and standard applications such as Google office).

Educational / Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma required.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Knowledge of laboratory science principles and practices preferred.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills is required.
• Must be willing to be floated or reassigned to another department, unit, office, or location as needed. 

State/Federal Mandated Licensure or Certification Requirements:

None

Bristol Hospital Mandated Educational Requirements:

General orientation at time of hire. Fire/Safety/Infection Control annually. Other programs as mandated by the Hospital.

Special Requirements:

None

Physical Requirements:

Walking, standing, sitting, and bending are required. Must work under the stress of time constraints and heavy workload demands requiring accuracy. Position requires ability to constantly lift light objects less than 20 lbs., perform moderately difficult manipulative skills, arm-hand steadiness, and hand-eye coordination skills; walk, stand and sit for prolonged periods; see objects closely and hear normal sounds with some background noises.

Work Environment:

Employees may frequently be exposed to blood, body tissues and/or fluids, chemical fumes and hazardous waste materials. Proper PPE is supplied by the employer.

Cognitive Requirements:

Position requires ability to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption and attend to tasks for more than 60 minutes at a time. The individual must be able to understand and relate to the concept behind specific ideas and remember multiple tasks given to self and others over long periods of time, able to communicate verbally, using advanced level vocabulary.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.