HealthPartners Regions is hiring for a Laboratory Service Technician I.

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:

1. (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:

• 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

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)

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

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.

x

• 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

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

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

Seat belt

Other ___________________

x

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

Slip resistant shoes

Rubber boots

Other ___________________

x

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

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

Specialized laser safety glasses

Other ___________________

x

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

Lead Aprons

Other ___________________

x

• Restrict access
• Screening
• Signage

x

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

x

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

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown or fluid resistant Lab Coat

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

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)

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

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

• 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

Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation

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

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)

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

2. b. Additional Procedures

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

• 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)

3. Handling Lab specimens in a laboratory

• 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)

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