Laboratory Services Technician I

HealthPartners Regions is hiring for a Laboratory Services Technician I.

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT

The Lab Services Technician will provide a wide range of laboratory services including specimen collection, client service and reception desk duties, ordering/ scheduling/ billing functions, laboratory testing, phlebotomy, dispatching, specimen processing, centrifuging, delivery of specimens to appropriate lab/ department and assuring proper efficiency and workflow management and ECG tracings. Position will also serve as a resource for questions from hospital and clinic staff regarding specimen handling and processing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:
• None
• Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:
• None
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Ability to communicate professionally with personnel throughout the medical center.
• Knowledge of customer service skills to interact with other medical personnel and patients.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to exhibit professional behavior and standards.
• Ability to display attention to detail.
• Ability to provide consistency with detailed documentation.
• Ability to collect blood samples through capillary or venipuncture techniques
• Ability to properly use centrifuges and process specimens for lab testing.
• Ability to perform 12-lead ECG and identify life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures
• Ability to use a computer terminal and navigate hospital computer systems and related hardware/software.
• Ability to represent the Pathology Department, troubleshoot problems and do basic triaging of situational management.
• Ability to perform additional tasks or duties as assigned by Laboratory Leadership

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Health care experience to include phlebotomy
• Completion of a health care program (e.g. CMA, EMT, Paramedic, phlebotomy)
• Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:
• Phlebotomy Certificate strongly recommended
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• (100%) – Performs laboratory service technician functions
• Clarification of patient orders
• Supports patient by identifying themselves by name, department and purpose of visit at entry and exits with statement of support or identification of further patient needs (AIDET-acknowledge, introduction, duration, explanation, thank you)
• Accurate patient identification, documentation and verification per policy
• Must be able to perform phlebotomy, specimen processing, and ECGs according to established policies and procedures
• Floats to help in unassigned duties if workload and competency allow
• Participates in training of new staff on LST functions
• Uses, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and supplies following established policies and procedures as competency allows
• Triages order requests for LST services
• Coordinates lab orders as able to avoid multi-sticks for patient
• Ability to perform computer applications necessary for operations in assigned duties (i.e. , EPIC Beaker, Muse, Rover)
• Processes specimens per policy and procedures (centrifugation, aliquot’s, STAT versus routine prioritization and distribution to testing sites)
• Troubleshoots problems with specimen requirements and ordering procedures, documents resolutions and notifies leadership or designee if applicable
• Works with other pathology departments ensuring that the patient specimen has been properly triaged to allow all provider testing ordered is completed
• Analyzes the acceptability of laboratory specimens (including labeling requirements for patient identification) and accompanying requisition forms using the established quality control and quality assurance guidelines, implements follow-up actions as needed
• Triage specimens to maximize workflow and minimize the turnaround times to perform testing for Stat, OR, ED or other critical care areas
• Detects, troubleshoots and occasionally resolves procedural difficulties or inoperable equipment to ensure accurate patient results/services

*Job description rankings/percentages are intended to reflect normal averages over an extended period of time, and are subject to daily variances. Quality and efficiency standards should at no time be compromised to meet the average expectations expressed above. Job descriptions are subject to change to accommodate organization or department needs.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Values

All colleagues are expected to live our values

• Excellence: We strive for the best results and always look for ways to improve.
• Compassion: We care and show empathy and respect for each person.
• Partnership: We are strongest when we work together and with those we serve.
• Integrity: We are open and honest, and we keep our commitments.

Additional Expectations

• Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provides input on safety issues, and promotes a safe work environment.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance.
• Protects confidentiality.
• Demonstrates participation in and support of the organization's Corporate Integrity Program by participating in compliance-related education and training and complying with the organization's policies and procedures.
• Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (i.e., licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training, etc.)

POPULATION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Yes No

Does this employee have direct patient contact? X

• Anticipates the needs of the population in providing culturally responsive care and develops an individualized plan for patients and families (uses interpreter services as appropriate).
• Follow age specific phlebotomy and patient interaction techniques as covered in training
• Interactions with patients, family members, and colleagues follow HealthPartners values and department specific guidelines (AIDET, patient experience principles…)

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

Please describe the degree to which the position directs the work of others or coordinates workflow of a clinic, department, or functional area. If applicable, indicate the number of people and the titles for which this position directly and/or indirectly directs the work of others or coordinates workflow.

None

Critical Job Demands

Section 1: Place an “X’ next to ONE of the terms that best describes the frequency for each of the Critical Demands .

Critical Demands N/A

0%

Rare

1-5% (Up to a 1/2 hour)

Occa

6-33% (1/2 hour to 3 hours)

Freq

34-66% (3 to 5½ hours)

Cont

67-100% (5½ to 8 hours)

Standing - Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a workstation without moving about. x

Walking - Moving about on foot. x

Sitting - Remaining in a seated position. x

Squatting - Assuming or maintaining a crouching position with the knees bent. x

Reaching - Stretching out or extending to touch or grasp. x

Lifting - Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling). x

Carrying - Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder. x

Pushing/Pulling – Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away/towards from the force. x

Handling/Fingering – (includes typing, computer work, gripping, grasping, and pinching) x

Section 2: Place an “X” next to ONE of the terms that best describes the Strength Rating for this job classification which is expressed by one of five terms: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy, and Very Heavy.

Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

x Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.

Note: During any patient handling task, if any caregiver is required to lift more than 35 lbs. of a patient’s weight, assistive transfer devices should be used for the transfer.

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Please contact the employer Employee Health & Safety (EHS) with any questions or assistance related to the completion of the Hazard Assessment for Personal Protective Equipment (HAPPE) Form.

RELATED TO: Hazardous Substances and Harmful Physical Agents

• Yes No Task Description Potential Hazard Hazard control PPE Required
• x
• Working with box cutters, knives or other sharp cutting devices. Penetration

• Cut away from body.
• Use proper tool for the job.

• Safety knife or safety box cutter
• Cut resistant gloves
• Other ___________________
• x
• Working with liquid chemicals, acids, or caustics (Examples: reprocessing, cleaners, disinfectants, laboratory chemicals).
• See MSDS online database for chemical list

Chemicals

Flammables

Toxic Gases

Corrosives

• Use only employer approved products.
• Use appropriate soaking containers with labels.
• Understand hazards of chemicals you use (read MSDS).

Goggles

• Chemical face shield
• Chemical resistant gloves
• Chemical resistant aprons

Lab Coat

Closed toe shoes

Powered Air Purifying Respirator

• Other ___________________
• x
• Exposed to extreme heat (Examples: Autoclaves, Blanket warmers, Ovens, Propane torches) or cold (Liquid Nitrogen, Winter temperatures). Heat

Cold Stress, Burns, Frostbite

• Approach hot surfaces carefully.
• Use only approved liquid nitrogen dewars. Dispense only if trained.

• Heat resistant gloves
• Cryogenic (cold resistant) gloves

Goggles

• Face shield
• Other ___________________
• x
• Driving or riding in motorized vehicle equipment as part of the job. Vehicle crash, Impact

• Absolutely no text messaging while driving.
• Refrain from cell phone use while driving.

• Seat belt
• Other ___________________
• x
• Working in extremely wet or slippery conditions or working in 24/7 operations where floors are wet from mopping. Slip, Trip, or Fall

• For wet areas, mop excess water regularly.
• Place warning signs.
• Select footwear carefully

• Slip resistant shoes
• Rubber boots
• Other ___________________
• x
• Preparing or handling hazardous drugs (Examples: cytotoxic drugs, chemotherapy agents). Chemical
• Genetic damage

Tumors

• Receive training
• PPE
• Use of biological cabinet
• Spill procedures
• Waste disposal SOP

• Gloves appropriate for chemical
• Disposable barrier gown

Goggles

N95/PAPR (spill cleanup)

Ventilation Hood

• Other ___________________
• x
• Medical/surgical procedures involving heat generating tools or equipment (Examples: cautery/ lasers). Light radiation, burns to self or patient, smoke inhalation

• Receive laser training.
• Awareness and knowledge to minimize surgical or procedural fires.
• Code Red training
• PPE
• Restricted access

• Specialized laser safety glasses
• Other ___________________
• x
• Working with or near ionizing Radiation Hazards (Examples: Radioactive sources, X-Rays). Over exposure, Genetic damage

• Warning signage
• PPE
• Waste and spill procedures
• Personal monitoring
• Shielding, distance

Lead Aprons

• Other ___________________
• x
• Working near MRI. Trauma resulting from missile effect

• Restrict access
• Screening
• Signage

• x
• Moving equipment/supplies. Strain, Sprain

• Proper body mechanics
• Get additional help
• Get Ergonomic help from EOHS.

• x
• Dealing with agitated persons or disturbances. Workplace violence, bodily injury, body fluid exposure

• Training in verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Code Green procedure

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown or fluid resistant Lab Coat

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

RELATED TO: Infectious Agents

Yes No Description Potential Hazard Hazard control PPE Required

PERFORMING OR ASSISTING WITH THESE TASKS

x Potential for splash of blood/body fluid to face and clothing: examples but not all inclusive: suctioning, wound irrigation, eye & ear irrigation, close contact (within 3 ft.) of patient with frequent, productive cough, sigmoidoscopy, cystoscopy, colonoscopy.

Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
• PPE

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield)

Gloves (Clean)

• Barrier Gown if anticipate splash
• x Activity that requires touching patient’s non-intact skin or mucous membranes.

Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
• PPE

Gloves (Clean)

x Activity that includes touching patient’s blood/body fluid or contaminated items or environment, examples, but not all inclusive: disposal of urine, blood canisters. Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
• PPE
• Use of Spill kits (as needed)

Gloves (Clean)

• Barrier Gown if anticipate splash
• Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash
• x Performing duties with sharp devices that could result in exposure to blood or body fluids. Exposure to Infectious Agent/sharp injury

• Use of sharps safety devices
• Avoid re-capping needles
• Proper disposal of sharps at point of care
• For reusable sharp, use safe transporting practices
• Use neutral zone for passing sharps
• PPE

• Gloves (Clean vs. Sterile depends on the procedure)
• Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash
• x Entering rooms where patients with airborne diseases are treated. Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation

• Mask patient
• Place patient in airborne infection isolation room if available
• Limit entry into room
• Keep door closed
• PPE

• Follow Communicable Disease Guidelines and Tuberculosis Control Plan to determine if N95 respirator, PAPR, or surgical mask is needed
• x Work with specimens from patients with airborne diseases. Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation

• PPE
• Biological Safety hoods/cabinet instrumentation with automated/closed sampling mechanisms

N95 respirator or PAPR

x 1. P rocedures that enter deep tissue or body fluid, including but not limited to

Central IV insertion, placing a catheter or injecting material into the spinal canal or subdural space (myelogram, lumbar puncture, spinal/epidural anesthesia), breast biopsy, temporal artery biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, OB vaginal delivery, incision & drainage.

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene before and after procedures
• PPE

Gloves (Sterile)

Barrier Gown

• Facial protection (mask plus eye protection or face shield plus mask required during these procedures)
• x 2. a. Procedures that enter
• subcutaneous tissue or are located
• in the skin structure, including but

not limited to

• Excision of mole, lump, or bump
• Excision of lipoma or sebaceous cyst, vasectomy

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene before and after procedure
• PPE

Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash)

Gloves (Sterile)

• Barrier Gown if anticipate splash
• x 2. b. Additional Procedures

• Shave biopsy, punch biopsy
• Joint injection, nerve injection, joint aspiration
• Peripheral IV insertion, ENT procedures
• Anal-rectal Biopsy

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene before and after procedure
• PPE

Gloves (Clean)

• Barrier Gown if anticipate splash
• Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash)
• x 3. Handling Lab specimens in a laboratory
• Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene after removing gloves
• PPE
• Biological Safety hoods/cabinet
• Splash guard
• Instrumentation with automated/closed sampling mechanisms

Lab Coat (fluid resistant)

Gloves (Clean)

• Facial protection (mask plus eye protection or face shield plus mask required during these procedures)
• Other tasks with identified safety, health or infectious hazards requiring PPE?
• Yes No Task Description Hazard Hazard control List PPE required
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