Job Description

Clinical Laboratory Assistant | Clinical Laboratory Assistant Senior

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Methodist Overview:

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, part of Covenant Health, is a trusted regional hospital serving East Tennessee with advanced care and a personal touch. With more than 30 specialties, including cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and vascular care, the facility offers innovative treatments for complex conditions like aneurysms, joint damage, heart failure, and chronic wounds. Backed by a team of over 1,000 healthcare professionals and 250 physicians, Methodist Medical Center combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care, earning national recognition for patient safety and excellence in stroke and heart care. Our facilities offer patients all the benefits of medical expertise and innovation while still embodying the convenience of a hometown medical center that is close to the support of family and friends.

Provide phlebotomy services; order tests in the hospital information system; prepare specimens for laboratory testing; perform EKG’s. Perform tests in sections as specified by Tennessee Law. Work closely with Supervisors and Technical Specialist to provide a high quality of care to customers.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates superior skills in all basic and complicated specimen collections.
• Demonstrates superior skills in all specimen processing functions.
• Demonstrates expert skills in recollections and difficult draws and collects them in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates expert skills when performing arterial draws.
• Demonstrates expert skills when performing alternate site collections according to laboratory procedures; correctly applies pressure bandages.
• Performs functions in testing sections as permitted under Tennessee law.
• Performs job functions with minimal supervision, coordinates work flow and functions as a team leader.
• Effectively assists the Clinical Laboratory Assistant in developing skills necessary for advancement to the Senior Clinical Laboratory Assistant classification.
• NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Departmental maintenance and other duties as assigned.
• HEALTH/SAFETY/COMPETENCE: Cannot pose a direct threat to health or safety of self or others. Must provide safe, efficient, competent care to customers, responding appropriately in emergency situations. Must display good body mechanics when lifting, and understand chemical, biological, and electrical safety in the laboratory. Must be familiar with the concept of blood borne pathogens and wear or use the appropriate safety items that are provided while performing duties. Must demonstrate competency of the unit specific functions described in the performance continuum, skill lists and/or standards.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

A high school diploma or its equivalent is required with course work to include English, typing, filing, and general office etiquette. Must be able to read with comprehension and write legibly. Must be proficient in the use of proper grammar. Must be familiar with hospital services and operation. Knowledge of general office practice is required. Must be able to operate copy machine, hospital phone system, and both the laboratory and hospital information systems in order to carry out assigned duties. Familiarity with medical terminology and computer software is preferred.

Must have completed the criterion training checklists for Senior Clinical Laboratory Assistant including arterial punctures and must have mastered all phlebotomy skills. Must possess knowledge obtained by formal education, previous experience, or on-the-job training of proper collection techniques including proper tubes, anticoagulants or preservatives for the procurement of patients' blood specimens. Must have effective communication skills and have or acquire the necessary computer skills to perform assigned duties. Must demonstrate expertise in team building skills; and must demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Must demonstrate ability to resolve conflict situations in a professional and timely manner. For staff involved in the care of age-specific groups, knowledge of the bio-psychosocial needs of adult, geriatric and pediatric patients is essential. Special knowledge is required in growth and development needs of pediatric/geriatric patients where applicable.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 3 months’ previous contiguous experience as a Laboratory Assistant is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATIONS:

None is required.