ABOUT NCH
NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care.
NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we’re proud to: Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence; Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships; Have endowed chairs; Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials; and partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan.
Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH - for you and every person we serve together. Visit nchjobs.org to learn more.
JOB SUMMARY
The Lab Assistant Microbiology is responsible for the receipt and skillful processing of Microbiology incoming specimens; performing the pre-analytical duties associated with accessioning incoming specimens into the lab computer system, evaluating specimen identification and integrity, applying knowledge of specimen acceptance and rejection criteria in regard to specimen type, specimen preservation and transport and appropriateness of test request. Specimens must be rapidly moved through the process while maintaining positive patient identification at all times. The Lab Assistant Microbiology answers incoming phone calls, providing information on specimen collection, preservation, test orders and status to other hospital and physician office staff. The Lab Assistant Microbiology performs computer functions with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. The Lab Assistants Microbiology must work closely with licensed technical staff to ensure that specimen integrity is intact at all times and that results are reported within defined limits.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Other duties may be assigned.
· Proficiently uses multiple computer systems and reference resources including, Pathnet, and Quest360, using accurate keyboarding and computer skills to ensure that specimens receive the proper testing required without being lost or compromised; Utilizes Powerchart to view orders, place orders, and investigate the status of missing samples. Performs patient registration and test selection/order entry with a high degree of speed and accuracy utilizing many different requisitions, clients, and internal or reference lab computer systems. Determines the correct test to order when an exact match is not found, either independently, by using resources or involving senior laboratory staff members or pathologists. Utilizes Reference lab websites and customer service resources for investigations.
· Performs patient registration and test selection/order entry with a high degree of speed and accuracy utilizing many different requisitions with internal and external clients. Determines the correct test to order when the exact match is not found, either independently, by using resources or involving senior laboratory staff members or pathologists.
·Receives, evaluates, accessions, documents, and processes incoming specimens. Delivers samples rapidly to support the customer service turnaround times of the laboratory, while performing all functions with a high degree of accuracy, detail and speed; Recognizes specimens and test which must be prioritized due to specimen integrity or emergent nature of testing; Knows what testing can be added to samples in lab, with focus on stability of analytes.
·Evaluates specimen integrity for samples collected by lab staff, nursing, or medical staff, knowing whether a specimen is acceptable for the test requested or finding out by using resources. Understands procedures and policies for specimen rejection, demonstrating good customer service skills when advising patients, nurses and medical staff of news they do not want to hear. Uses established specimen recollection procedures, documenting information as required. Recognizes deviation from procedures and unsatisfactory specimens, reporting to supervisor for variance reporting. Investigates incidents and discusses immediate problem resolution with nursing staff, advising supervisor of trends.
·Applies knowledge of culture media types, inoculation techniques and temperature/incubation requirements to process specimens for culture.
·Expeditiously responds to alarms on Blood Culture instrumentation to expedite the process of positive bottles from septic patients, for culture, preparing and staining microscopic slides to assist Technologist.
·Answers 100% of incoming phone calls in a courteous and skillful manner. Is able to respond to over 50% of the requests, escalating the call as appropriate. Using good communication skills, responds to inquiries from medical staff and nurses providing accurate information and instructions regarding proper specimen collection, containers, quantities and preservation and uses resources to investigate special requests. Uses the phone system to transfer calls, take messages, and locate the proper person to take care of any problem which the individual cannot provide. “I don’t know” is never the final answer.
·Properly identifies and tracks all specimens coming into and out of the lab, organizing and splitting off samples for tests in different laboratory sections and reference labs. Follows proper procedures to handle specimens safely to reduce cross-contamination, leaking, pour-off errors, mislabeling, missed tests and exposures.
·Reviews specimen pending computer reports to ensure that tests are in progress, preventing lost specimens and delays. Follows up on incomplete orders.
·Safely handles sharps, chemicals, equipment and biohazardous materials to prevent exposures and accidents; uses PPE and safety equipment appropriate to duties. Packages biohazardous waste and disposes according to procedures. Maintains equipment appropriate to position.
·Manages own time without direct supervision to accomplish immediate duties of rapidly processing incoming specimens, as well as intermittent duties to create specimen transfer list for shipping to other locations; uses any free time to clean, restock and read email each day.
·Provides patient reports to healthcare providers, ensuring that HIPPA and confidentiality policies are observed.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
· Minimum of High School or GED required.
· Excellent customer service, communications skills, and ability to multitask required.
· Basic computer knowledge: ability to operate a PC, create/save/print documents, input data.
