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Statement of Purpose

The Laboratory Aide collects blood and other biological specimens, ensures the accuracy of patient identification and prompt delivery of specimens to the laboratory sections. Performs EKG's and responds to code Blue. Does clerical duties of the department, performs waived laboratory tests, cleans glassware and takes inventory of supplies. Provide support to pathology clerical functions.

Adheres to hospital and laboratory policies and procedures, including but not limited to safety, infection control, personnel and disaster. The position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. The employee's conduct must be in a manner consistent with the philosophy of the hospital.

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

A. Clinical

1. Does basic assessment of patients and gives instructions in the proper collection of specimens. Perform primary ID, labels specimens correctly and clearly.

2. Verifies accuracy of requested tests and determines collection priority.

3. Independently collects blood by capillary and venipuncture with a minimum of physical and psychological comfort to patient (adult, pediatric, newborn, abusive and mentally challenged) in a variety of patient locations (OP, IP, ER, trauma, Chemo, locations among others).

Encourages newborn/toddler to communicate by smiling, talking softly, etc.; insures proper patient identification; helps to educate parent(s) regarding whatever procedure is being done.

Encourages child to ask questions about whatever procedure is being done; use a toy or game to teach the child and to reduce fear; keeps parent(s) involved in whatever follow-up procedure might be necessary.

Shows respect for the adolescent patient's opinions, and avoids an authoritarian approach; explains the procedure in detail and encourages questions from patient.

Gives the geriatric patient every possible assurance regarding the procedure being performed; assist the patient in terms of any necessary self-care; encourages the patient to take advantage of any support system that may be in place. Helps patient in and out of wheelchair, lift patients when necessary. Assist patients with undressing and dressing.

4. Handles and processes all types of body fluid specimens (blood, urine, stool, sputum, seminal, spinal, drainage, cytology and surgical/necropsy specimens) from patients. Process specimens collected and received from outside sources. Assures specimen quality.

5. Operates and maintains the EKG unit and software. Performs EKG's on patients (adult, pediatric, newborn) and reviews tracings for quality. Notify requesting physician of any serious EKG abnormality.

6. Performs waived laboratory test.

7. Cleans laboratory glassware.

8. Records equipment temperatures, monitors deionized water system and maintains phlebotomy/outpatient area in a sanitary condition. Prepares bleach bench cleaning solution.

9. Receives stock, maintains central stores inventory for laboratory and distributes supplies to appropriate areas in the department.

10. Monitors electronic temperature system and reports issues to Supervisor or Tech.

11. Maintains general cleaning, disinfecting, refrigerator/freezer maintenance, centrifuges, incubators, autoclaving.

12. Trains new employees, as assigned.

13. Responds to code "Blue" or Disaster .

14. Go to nursing homes/private homes and off site locations (e.g. Occupational Health programs) to collect blood samples.

15. Process referral requests for path reports/blocks/slides.

B. Clerical

1. Operates LIS and HIS according to established guidelines.

2. Function as laboratory receptionist, receiving test orders, printing and distributing reports and answering the office phones.

3. Maintains required records, reports and statistics as requested.

4. Maintains record of all EKG tracings; maintains electronic EKG log. Monitors

which physician interprets tracings.

5. Does manual billing for sendouts and pathology.

6. Provide clerical support to Clinical and Pathology Laboratory and scan documents into LIS and HIS.

1. Minimizes absences and reports to work in a dependable manner.

2. Complies with appropriate approved hospital dress code; wears name badge.

3. Respects the concept of patient and employee confidentiality in and out of the hospital setting.

4. Conducts self in a professional manner. Demonstrates consideration for patients, coworkers and all other persons involved in the health care delivery system.

5. Establishes orderliness in the work place and writes legibly.

6. Displays initiative and responsibility for professional growth to achieve high standards of self-improvement.

7. Acknowledges co-workers as having rights to cooperative effort and applying that knowledge to promote teamwork.

Working Conditions

Machinery/Equipment Used: Various types of clinical laboratory equipment, EKG machine,computer, printers, typewriter, fax, centrifuge.

Physical Demands: Manual dexterity and mobility. Moderate physical effort (life/carry up to 50 lbs). Prolonged standing, walking and bending.

Exposure: Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne pathogens. May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases. Exposed to odorous chemicals, specimens and toxic chemicals. Handles emergency or crisis situations. Occasional pressure due to increased workload demands.

Required Protective Equipment: Lab coat or apron, nonsterile medical gloves, utility gloves and protective eyewear as necessary.

Job Requirements

Must have a high school education or equivalent. Phlebotomy training from a trade school is preferred. Prior clerical experience, phlebotomy experience, medical terminology or performing EKG would be helpful, but can be learned on the job. Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work all shifts, holidays and weekends.

Addendum:

Two Lab Aide levels have been established. Lab Aide I, at pay grade 8c Lab Aide is a training position and Lab Aide II is pay grade 9c. Individuals without any experience in Lab Aide duties may be hired as Lab Aide I and be trained on the job. This training period would normally be expected to take 6 to 15 months, depending upon the individual's background and previous job experiences.

The training plan usually follows this guideline. Aide first becomes familiar with LIS, basic clerical duties and performing ekg's. Projected time frame to is 1-2 months. Next element of job description is phlebotomy orientation and training. Projected time frame to become familiar with phlebotomy is 2 to 5 months. Finally the remaining Lab Aide duties (eg. billing, pathology support, etc.) are covered in detail this typically takes 1-2 months.

Promotion from Lab Aide I to II requires the individual meet three basic elements.

First, learn and become familiar with duties of Lab Aide job description.

Second, develop a satisfactory level of proficiency with each duty.

Third, perform these duties in an integrated parallel fashion covering all shifts and timeframes.

Become full functional and deal with all aspects of the workflow.