Job Summary:

Varied Evening Shift: 3pm to 11pm

Under the supervision of the Chemistry Technical Supervisor and other Medical Laboratory Scientists, the incumbent performs handling and processing for all clinical specimens entering the Laboratory.  Performs a wide variety of routine, quality control, and specialized laboratory tasks to include specimen accessioning, labeling, evaluating specimens received, performing pre-analytical quality validation, entering test orders into computer systems, preparing specimens for testing, expediting samples to the various testing sections, preparing specimens for transport to reference labs, inoculation of cultures to growth media, set-up, and preparation of test devices, testing of selected specimens (CLIA-waived methods) for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, troubleshooting and problem solving to help ensure accuracy of test results and effectively communicating with internal and external clients. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• Operates pneumatic tube system proficiently to receive and send specimens and other items and maintains tracking information per policy.
• Proficient with all appropriate LIS functions necessary for receipt and processing of samples. 
• Unpacks and receives specimens from outreach sites following proper protocol for tracking forms. Follows LEAN process to ensure accurate and efficient receipt of outreach specimens.
• Evaluates specimen pre-analytical variables for appropriateness, such as proper labeling, quantity, specimen type, etc.  Checks and maintains accuracy of patient ID through all phases of test cycle. Investigates discrepancies, obtains any incomplete information, and rejects unacceptable specimens per policy. Follows up on missing, unlabeled, mislabeled, and rejected specimens or specimens without orders.  Outliers are followed up as appropriate with hospital Occurrence Reporting System.
• Accessions specimens using the laboratory information system and enters patient registration information accurately and completely.
• Properly matches Sunquest computer labels to correct handwritten or HIS generated labels, keeping the original label with name or medical record number showing per labeling policy.
• Processes specimens as they are received to ensure continuous flow to testing sections.    Demonstrates organizational skill with receiving, labeling, centrifuging, and distributing specimens.  Delivers all specimens to their appropriate laboratory areas, with emphasis on timely delivery of STAT specimens and tests requiring special attention. 
• Sorts, aliquots, labels and preserves specimens for in-house batch testing as needed. Appropriately follows aliquot policy.
• Orders laboratory tests in HIS and LIS with utmost accuracy.  Able to make corrections when errors occur.  Checks written orders that have not been correctly requested in LIS.  Runs a pending list daily and follows up on delinquent tests. Uses occurrence tracking software as appropriate for outliers and follows up and communicates issues to supervisor. 
• Processes specimens for referral to appropriate reference laboratory. Understands unique specimen requirements for handling esoteric test requests.  Research specimen requirements using electronic and printed reference materials.
• Proficient with ordering referral tests using reference lab software, web sites and telephone inquiries. 
• Accurately packages specimens for transport to reference labs following DOT regulations.  Arranges courier pickup as needed.
• Registers patients accurately in the hospital information system by obtaining and verifying all required demographic and insurance information.  Performs additional functions needed to produce a complete registration and order, such as adding on orders, crediting charges, adding “copy to” providers, obtaining and processing verbal orders, canceling orders, and using downtime procedures.
• Understands specimen requirements and collection techniques applicable to all age groups, including venipuncture and capillary puncture.  Familiar with and competent in using all types of specimen collection equipment.
• Performs quality review of all orders for accuracy before drawing the patient’s blood to ensure tests are crossing the interface and not missed.
• Collects appropriate specimen type and amount, according to established policy, to ensure specimens are suitable for accurate testing.   Research specimen requirements as needed.
• Uses Clinical Collect device appropriately in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Following appropriate training, employees may, when necessary, collect human clinical specimens using techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
• Processes specimens received into Microbiology. Assures 100% patient identification in reviewing and matching all specimens, labels and orders as received into Microbiology.
• Sets up antibiotic sensitivity panels per standard operating procedure.
• Prepares specimens and sets up tests on the GeneXpert analyzer.
• Maintains proper storage of specimens. Properly recognizes and packages microbiology send outs. 
• Sets up CLIA waived tests in a timely manner, interprets end point and reports results in the LIS.
• Inoculates specimens to appropriate growth media per standing operating procedure.  Makes decisions regarding special media required for optimum recovery.  Plants CAP survey materials. 
• Answers telephone and follows up on inquiries, including those received in the Call Center.  Effectively handles inquiries related to test results, specimen and test status, add-on requests, and client concerns. Responsible for problem form resolution and communication of issues to supervisor.
• Orders and maintains collection and shipping supplies for the Central Processing area.  Assists technical staff with inventory control measures. 
• Receives blood products and logs into LIS.
• Assists with routine preventive maintenance such as recording temperatures, cleaning equipment, and performing function checks.
• Receives and distributes reports from reference labs. Calls STAT results to clinician offices.  Mails or faxes report copies to non-affiliated clinicians. 
• Performs administrative and clerical tasks such as ordering tests, maintaining and filing important records in a filing system, retrieving data, and sending reports to physicians via phone, mail, fax, or computer.
• The employee may be required to help train new personnel.
• Uses excellent inter-personal communication skills (oral and written).  Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior toward patients, visitors, peers and hospital staff with no documented complaints.
• Communicates effectively with co-workers to foster a team attitude, avoiding complaining and gossiping.   
• Fosters an environment that nurtures collaboration, teamwork, and mutual respect through effective communication, and demonstrates positive communication skills evidenced by effective working relationships.
• Other duties as consistent with this role.

Job Requirements: (education and experience/preferred and required)

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Position requires knowledge of medical terminology and familiarity with clinical laboratory policies and procedures related to specimen collection, handling and processing.  
• Ability to include enter and retrieve data from hospital and laboratory information systems.
• Excellent communication skills, interaction with the public and medical/nursing personnel to promote positive outcomes.
• Handle multiple priorities and manage stress effectively.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED strongly preferred.  Associate degree or higher education preferred.
• Medical terminology and training or experience in a related medical discipline is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of one year experience in a medical laboratory environment or a related medical discipline which includes experience handling and processing human clinical specimens is preferred. 
• Previous experience in an anatomic pathology and/or microbiology laboratory is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Lifting/carrying frequently up to 35 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.  Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

Americans with Disabilities Statement

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

Standard of Business Conduct

Every St Joseph Hospital employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

•Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

•Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.

•Collaboration

We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.

•Excellence

We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).

Comp Range:

$30.32 – $45.49

Rate of pay displayed reflects the beginning of the pay scale.  At the time of an offer, determination of your offer will reflect your skills and experience as it relates to the position.