Laboratory Assistant II (CPT)

Organization:

PAMF-Palo Alto Medical Foundation SCD

Position Overview:

Collects blood specimens, as well as receives, handles and processes specimens for Laboratory testing. Interacts with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behavior. Receives, sorts and accessions specimens, assigning to appropriate pre-analytic and analytic workflow. Completes computerized tasks related to patient registration and/or test order entry, specimen collection, receiving and processing. Performs basic post-analytic tasks, including distributing reports, storing and/or retrieving specimens. Completes quality-related tasks such as documentation of work, maintaining a clean, stocked and safe work area, and monitoring pending work, as well as escalating priority work. Operates and/or uses basic pre-analytic lab equipment. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure privacy and safety while delivering optimal patient care.

Job Description:

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Laboratory Workflow: Pre-Analytic:
• Performs Certified Phlebotomy Tech (CPT) duties; collects blood specimens for a variety of Laboratory tests using age-appropriate techniques; handles/transports Lab specimens and provides post-phlebotomy care to patients.
• Completes computerized tasks as appropriate for affiliate to ensure complete patient registration and/or test order entry into the lab information system, as well as generation of collection lists and/or labels.
• Receives specimens for testing; assesses specimens upon receipt according to established criteria to determine acceptability; takes action according to protocol including escalating to licensed or certified personnel for direction
• Handles and processes a variety of specimen types to prepare them for analysis; adheres to protocols to maintain specimen integrity at all times. Processing specimens includes such tasks as sorting, centrifuging, aliquoting, decanting, racking, storing, and loading an auto-processor or automated line.
• Prepares and/or packages specimens for transport to another Sutter or outside reference laboratory and may complete computer steps necessary for processing referred specimens, such as compiling tracking lists.
• May load specimens onto automated ""walk-away"" analyzers


Laboratory Workflow: Post-Analytic.
• Verbally communicates released/reported results
• Routes, distributes and retransmits released/reported results
• Stores and retrieves specimens


Quality Assurance:
• Maintains an adequate inventory of supplies in work area and/or on phlebotomy cart
• Maintains required records by completing basic documentation of pre-analytic and post-analytic work, as well as quality-related tasks
• Maintains an organized and safe workspace; completes required cleaning/decontamination procedures and properly disposes of waste
• Operates and/or uses basic pre-analytic lab equipment (e.g., phone, computer, centrifuge, refrigerator, pipette, incubator, pneumatic tube system, auto-processor); escalates according to protocol when equipment is malfunctioning
• Remains knowledgeable of, and adheres to, Sutter and departmental policies, processes and procedures
• Participates in managing the laboratory workflow by performing duties such as monitoring pending work,
escalating priority work, locating specimens, and coordinating specimen recollections.


Customer Support:
• Receives incoming calls for the laboratory and assists the caller as appropriate or transfers these calls to the appropriate laboratory section or person
• Communicates with customer (e.g., ordering provider, physician office staff or nursing personnel) to clarify ambiguous, unclear or duplicate test orders
• Interacts with patients consistent with role of a CPT and according to affiliate-specific practices and aligned with the Sutter Values


EDUCATION:

HS Diploma: High School or General Education Diploma (GED)


CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:

CPTI-Certified Phlebotomy Technician I

OR CPT II-Certified Phlebotomy Technician II


DEPARTMENT REQUIRED CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:

Affiliate: Sutter Coast Hospital, Department: Lab, CPTII-Certified Phlebotomy Technician II


TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

1-year recent relevant experience.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge and practice of standard principles, processes, procedures, and equipment related to:
1) ordering Laboratory testing,
2) collecting blood specimens,
3) compassionately and effectively interacting with patients,
4) handling and processing biological specimens routinely submitted to the Laboratory for analysis.

Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks.
1) Ability to organize and prioritize job duties and assigned tasks for completion within expected timeframes.
2) Ability to compassionately and effectively interact with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behaviors.

Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to:
1) fluctuations in volume,
2) unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or IS failure,
3) shift-to-shift hand-offs,
4) STAT test orders,
5) specimen integrity issues,
6) regular review of pending logs, priority assignments, etc.

Adherence to Practices & Procedures:
1) Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.
2) Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.

Applied Job Knowledge, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
1) Solid critical thinking in applying knowledge and decision-making.
2) Knowledge of and ability to recognize and appropriately escalate complex and unusual deviations, problems, unusual occurrences and unexpected outcomes.
3) Effective verbal and written communication skills.
4) Ability to work in a collaborative setting where the communication of current, factual, and relevant work information is required.

Job Shift:

Varied

Schedule:

Full Time

Shift Hours:

8

Days of the Week:

Monday - Friday

Weekend Requirements:

Rotating Weekends

Benefits:

Yes

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

40

Employee Status:

Regular

Number of Openings:

1

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $31.60 to $39.50 / hour

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment. Applicants for specific positions are still required to disclose certain convictions during the application process, and those convictions may also be considered in determining eligibility for employment in accordance with applicable law.

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