The Medical Laboratory Assistant I has responsibility for the processing organizing labeling and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. As an experienced and fully competent laboratory assistant performs advanced functions such as phlebotomy and/or sectionspecific specialty tasks and serves as a role model and preceptor for other staff. Duties include the input and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System as well as clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Serves as a preceptor to less experienced and/or new staff and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educate others. SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas. Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately. Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies management of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff. Organizes workload sets priorities and troubleshoots workflow issues. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks. QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Receives triages orders labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. Processes specimens aliquots and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed. Recognizes problems (such as mislabels incorrect tube type etc.) identifies causes and takes corrective action to solve basic problems. Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance. Performs one or more of the following advanced functions:
PreAnalytic: In an outpatient and inpatient setting performs phlebotomy and other specialized specimen collection procedures for patients; maintains competency of techniques and principles required to perform quality phlebotomy services
Specialty Areas (i.e. Anatomical Pathology Microbiology Molecular etc.): Performs advanced functions such as assisting with frozen sections special stain procedures cytology processing fine needle aspirations (FNAs) and other section specific specialty tasks as per section scope. Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory following all policies and procedures for safety hazardous materials security and emergency preparedness. FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system. Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently. GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Guides and mentors section employees and students to help build confidence in skills knowledge and abilities. Participates in departmental projects activities and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
This job description is not intended to be allinclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED verification of homeschool equivalency partial or full completion of postsecondary education etc.) WORK EXPERIENCE Minimum of 3 years of related experience required LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED N/A LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS PREFERRED Relevant certification (e.g. phlebotomy medical laboratory assistant) KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job determined through ongoing evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills competency assessments and/or performance reviews Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients visitors physicians and coworkers Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing processing and proper waste disposing Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents Independently adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems identify causes and take corrective action Strong training leadership and mentoring skills Sufficient proficiency in speaking reading and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security Ability to effectively communicate with patients physicians family members and coworkers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS WORK ATTIRE Uniform Scrubs Business professional Other (department approved) ONCALL* *Note that employees may be required to be oncall during emergencies (ie. DIsaster Severe Weather Events etc) regardless of selection below. On Call* TRAVEL** **Travel specifications may vary by department** May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Company Profile: Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital is committed to leading medicine in Clear Lake and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of exceptional safety quality service and innovation. Houston Methodist Clear Lake provides a broad spectrum of adult pediatric medical and surgical care. It is an accredited chest pain center and acute strokeready designated through DNV. Houston Methodist Clear Lake offers advanced inpatient and outpatient services including stateoftheart imaging; childbirth center with a level II neonatal intensive care unit; minimally invasive surgery; cancer center; neurology and spine care; heart and vascular care; bariatric and digestive care; emergency care; primary care; rehabilitation services; and comprehensive orthopedics and sports medicine.
Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women minorities disabled persons and veterans.
Equal Employment Opportunity Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor priority referral Protected Veterans requested.
