Laboratory Assistant

I. Job Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Lab Manager and the Laboratory Manager, collects and prepares various body fluids for testing, performs, records and interprets testing results. A Med. Tech. may be assigned to oversee a specific department of the laboratory where he/she would be responsible for the day to day operations of that department. This position serves patients in and out of the hospital of all ages. This position has limited authority over phlebotomy and clerical staff.

II. Technical and Job Specific Skills:

1. Telephone Skills - Must demonstrate hospital telephone etiquette by answering the phones promptly, courteously and by identifying department and self.

2. Policy/procedures - Is aware of and follows all hospital and department policies and procedures.

3. Team Work - Promotes positive co-worker relationships through teamwork and cooperation. Understands and supports the needs of individuals in other departments and promotes conflict resolution. Shares information, work knowledge and experience with coworkers, physicians, and students in a non-threatening manner. Offers assistance and promptly responds to requests.

4. Productivity - Maintains high productivity and performs efficiently regardless of whether the work volume is high or low. Appropriately prioritizes work activities. Responds to difficult situations with self-control and a positive attitude. Makes decisions independently and know when to ask for assistance. Exercises good judgement and arrives at sound decisions.

5. Testing - Follows established procedures to perform routine and special laboratory testing in all areas of the clinical laboratory. Operates various testing instrumentation as recommended by the manufacturer or as established by the laboratory. Performs various "manual" testing procedures as may be required or as directed by laboratory policy.

6. Quality Control - Performs calibration and quality control as needed to comply with various regulatory agencies or as established by laboratory policy. Has an adequate

command of the basic principles of quality control and applies them well in the practical setting.

7. Preventive Maintenance - Insures the appropriate and adequate performance and documentation of all preventative maintenance as required by both the manufacturer and or governing authorities.

8. Troubleshooting - Is competent in basic or cursory troubleshooting of various testing instrumentation. With the aid of respective operators manuals, is effective in basic diagnostics of instrument problems and can work with technical telephone assistance.

9. Other Duties - Performs any other duties or responsibilities which may be assigned.

B. Key Success Factors

1. Attendance - Employee reports to work each regularly scheduled work day. Accurately records all work time including meal periods.

2. Punctuality - Is ready for work at precise starting time and continues working until scheduled departure time. Returns on time from all meal periods.

3. General Work Habits - Readily accepts work assignments in a positive manner. Performs work that is accurate, neat and consistent. Documentation is legible.

4. Safety - Keeps work area neat and maintains equipment in accordance with health and safety codes. Reports safety issues and equipment failures appropriately.

5. Annual Requirements - Completes annual requirements (PPD, requirements, Annual Update, Ethics Training, Licensure and/or Professional Certification) on time.

C. Performance/Process Improvement

* Is knowledgeable of Performance/Process Improvement (P.I.) Methodology.
* Can verbalize knowledge of hospital-wide Performance/Process Improvement activity.
* Offers suggestions for departmental and/or hospital-wide Performance/Process Improvement.
* Knowledge of and participation in the Performance/Process Improvement is a condition of employment

IV. Training and Experience:

Mandatory:

1. Current California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license and maintain current.

2. Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or Medical Technology or related specialty.

3. Demonstrate knowledge and competence in the applications of basic and advanced laboratory testing in all departments and demonstrate command of statistical principles governing documentation of the accuracy of laboratory test procedures.

Preferred:

1. One year of practical experience as a licensed Medical Technologist active in all testing areas of the laboratory or equivalent on job training for equal period of time.

2. Completion of one year of laboratory internship or cumulative experience of two years under direction of an accredited program.

3. Must be able to demonstrate leadership skills and technical expertise by coordinating work assignments of laboratory personnel.

4. Must be able to communicate well both verbally and in written form.

5. Must be able to interface effectively with physicians and practitioners.

V. Physical Requirements:

1. Must have manual dexterity level sufficient to perform various laboratory tests quickly and efficiently.

2. Must be able to type or otherwise demonstrate proficiency with computer keyboard.

3. Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

4. Must be able to work effectively in a clinical laboratory with various electronic and mechanical testing instruments as well as a variety of "manual" testing kits which may often employ chemicals and compounds which can be harmful or hazardous if handled inappropriately.