Medical Laboratory Assistant I

Overview

The Medical Laboratory Assistant I has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. Duties also include the input and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System and the performance of clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.

Houston Methodist Standard

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas.

• Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately.

• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Keeps work area neat, clean and well stocked. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed.

• Recognizes problems (such as mislabels, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems.

• Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance.

• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.

• Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qual